The term “cyber warfare” may sound like something out of a science fiction film, but as the virtual world continues to become a larger part of the real world, it’s clear that we must prepare for combat on the cyber battlefields.
As Australia strengthens its relationships within Asia (a source of many online crimes), there comes an unavoidable risk. But, the government and the Department of Defence are taking the precautionary steps needed to prevent an all-out online war.
This discussion comes as the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (NATO CCD COE) releases The Tallinn manual (Tallinn manual on the international law applicable to cyber warfare in full). This document – named for its town of origin – is a summation of the laws in different countries and which ones might be applicable in the event of cyber warfare. It does not provide finite answers; rather, it gathers all the information that exists in one, neat package.
So, what do Australia’s relations with the rest of the world mean for our cyber safety? Prime Minster Julia Gillard has made it abundantly clear that all roads lead east. The Australia in the Asian Century white paper released by the government late last year told that Asia will be a key part of our future.
Gillard has said that while the dynamics of international relations have improved, there remains an inherent threat to cyber safety. “The global economic and strategic center of gravity continues to moves east, bringing great opportunities but also risks and challenges that must be managed,” said Gillard.
What are these risks?
In recent days, there have been stories of the US government acting against alleged Chinese hacking. The claims – that a Chinese military department has been involved in systematic hacking of the US – have led to a near-embargo from the US against purchasing IT equipment connected with Chinese companies.
As Gillard said, going beyond our shores carries with it a potential risk. That’s why Australia needs to be prepared for what may come. The ASCS is doing just that.
In January it was announced that the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) will be established. While the numbers and costs of cyber attacks given by the government are questioned, it remains true that the issue is still prevalent.
But, the ACSC is not without its flaws. Crikey’s Bernard Keane writes that the centre will not be a unified one. For John Hilvert, from IT News, there appears to be some concerns when it comes to leadership, accountability and funding.
These glitches, while not insignificant, can be overcome, and we needn’t forget the big picture of secure banking and secure living.
A Department of Defence spokesperson says that the centre will build on the successes of the CSOC: “The Centre will be a world-class facility combining existing cyber security capabilities across Defence, the Attorney-General’s Department, ASIO, the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Crime Commission in a single location.
“It will provide Australia with an expanded and more agile response capability to deal with all cyber issues — be they related to government or industry, crime or security.”
Stealing the radio cover out of someone’s car has, over time, become hacking into someone’s bank account and stealing their money. While neither is desired, hopefully the latter is something that will pass with time –thanks to documents such as the Tallinn manual and the establishment of cyber security centres.
Whatever the flaws are in the ASCS, it is one step in the right direction towards cyber safety as Australia embraces Asia.
Adria De Fazio is a third-year Bachelor of Journalism student at La Trobe University, and a staff writer for upstart. Follower her on Twitter: @adriadf
