Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Paterson for that question. I also thank him for his enduring support for our nation's security. Malicious cyberactivity is increasing in our nation in its frequency, in its scale and also in its sophistication. In the last financial year alone, the Australian Cyber Security Centre had over 60,000 reported cases of cybercrime. Today, there are over two million small to medium businesses here in Australia and their cyber-resilience is absolutely critical to our post-COVID-19 recovery. That's why, today, I launched a new national cybersecurity campaign for small businesses. This new campaign will empower Australians to take responsibility for their online security. Led by the Australian Cyber Security Centre, it will provide regular, easy-to-follow advice for all Australians on how to protect themselves. The campaign will particularly target the major cybersecurity threats that face Australian businesses. It starts with the first publication on ransomware. This campaign will be as agile as the cybercriminals that we seek to defeat.

This government has made an unprecedented investment in our nation's cybersecurity. This includes a $1.67 billion announcement by the Prime Minister through the national Cyber Security Strategy. It includes a $15 billion investment in enhanced cyber and information warfare capabilities for the Australian Defence Force and the Australian Signals Directorate. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility for all Australians. I urge all Australians to go to cyber.gov.au for tips on how to act now, how to stay secure and how to protect themselves and their families online.