Cyber security, critical infrastructure and ransomware taskforce with Home Affairs’ Hamish Hansford

Technology and Security (TS)

Dr Miah Hammond-Errey sits down with Hamish Hansford, Deputy Secretary of the Cyber and Infrastructure Security Group at the Department of Home Affairs, to discuss the evolution of the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act (SOCI), including Critical Infrastructure Risk Management Programs (CIRMPs), refining the critical asset class definitions and the importance of board accountability. They also cover the International Counter Ransomware Taskforce, working with other countries in cyber security and Australia’s upcoming Cyber Security Strategy for 2023–30, including lessons from the US National Cybersecurity Strategy.

The discussion also touches on lessons from the Optus and Medibank data breaches, Australia’s progress towards the goal of being the world’s most cyber-secure nation by 2030 and the unrealised potential of 5G networks.

Hamish Hansford is the Deputy Secretary of the Cyber and Infrastructure Security Group at the Department of Home Affairs. He has more than 20 years of experience across government, including as the Inaugural Head of the Cyber and Infrastructure Security Centre. He also led the delivery and implementation of Australia's 2020 Cyber Security Strategy and has worked in cybercrime, combating terrorism and child exploitation, as well as on reform of critical and emerging technology, data security and surveillance.

Technology and Security is hosted by Dr Miah Hammond-Errey, the inaugural director of the Emerging Technology program at the United States Studies Centre, based at the University of Sydney.

Resources mentioned in the recording:

• 2018 Security of Critical Infrastructure Act (SOCI)
• (Cyber and Infrastructure Security Centre) Critical Infrastructure Asset Class Definition Guidance
• (USSC Disinformation Commentary) Dealing with Disinformation: A Critical New Mission Area For AUSMIN
• (USSC Podcast) Technology and Security | Emerging technologies and signals intelligence with the ASD's Jessica Hunter
• (Department of Home Affairs) Trusted Information Sharing Network
• (Department of Home Affairs) International Counter Ransomware Task Force
• (White House) US Cyber Security Strategy 2023

Miah’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/Miah_HE
The USSC website: https://www.ussc.edu.au/

Making great content requires fabulous teams. Thanks to the great talents of the following.

• Research support and assistance: Tom Barrett
• Production: Elliott Brennan
• Podcast Design: Susan Beale
• Music: Dr Paul Mac

This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Ngunnawal people, and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging — here and wherever you are listening. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea and community, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.