Chinese hackers have increasingly been targeting Australia to siphon military and strategic secrets, fueling fears that confidential information from the US and UK could also be compromised through Australia. Calls have grown for Australia to ramp up its capabilities, especially since it declared its intention to join the $368B AUKUS submarine deal by the 2050s — a move deeply opposed by China. Australia is very much at risk.
Australia's Department of Home Affairs has been working tirelessly to reduce cyber security threats, including improving the security of critical and emerging technology. Their new seven-year strategy will significantly expand the country's Cyber Security Exercise Program in 2024 to new sectors, including data storage and processing. The government is already addressing this rising threat.