Government offers protection against hackers
Government offers protection against hackers
The federal government is preparing to release a new program that aims to protect Australia's critical infrastructure computer networks from attacks by hackers and cyber terrorists.
The Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, hopes that the Computer Network Vulnerability Assessment program (CNVA) would find weaknesses in existing computer networks and test the robustness of systems.
As part of the AUS$50 million program, specialist computer experts will be funded to assist the owners and operators of critical infrastructure.
Ruddock pointed out why a program such as this is necessary: "The growth in the use of the Internet and the development of high-speed connections between computer systems has transformed the way that organisations, companies and governments share information and do business.
"While the benefits have been enormous, this reliance on high-speed connections between computer systems and the Internet is not without its risks.
"Computer systems can be attacked and disabled in many ways by deliberate criminal acts such as hacking and cyber terrorism or by the accidental or deliberate distribution of a computer virus."
He added that the CNVA program would provide the government and the owners and operators of computer systems with valuable information on how to better protect their networks.
The program is going to be divided into two segments, covering public and privately owned infrastructure.
The Attorney General's department will take care of the private sector program, while the Defence Signals Directorate will look after public organisations as part of its responsibility for government information security.
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