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Outgoing CEO Andy Penn of Telstra has revealed that after acquiring regional telco Digicel Pacific, they found “multiple incidences of malware” in its IT systems. He also urged that existing cyber security awareness expenditures are “insufficient” to protect Australia.
In July, Telstra finalised its acquisition of the carrier. Afterwards, technicians found malware on the network. This finding was similar to when technicians among telecommunications firm Pacnet discovered malware after it acquired another business in 2015. Penn told reporters that companies and governments must be constantly vigilant about cyber threats because they are so prevalent.
“Fortunately, our cybersecurity team is highly trained, and we can clean the networks and systems of any firm we acquire before connecting them to our networks,” he continued.
“However, you would be shocked how many businesses cannot do this, and malware enters their home networks via a firm they’ve bought.”
Cyber security risk is prevalent, according to Penn, who pointed out that the current pace of digitisation—and the approaching “great leap forward in technology innovation” from 5G-connected people and systems— would generate new sorts of exposure and demand that businesses invest even more in educating their personnel and customers about the danger.
“We may avoid the vast majority of assaults or their ramifications reduced by a more informed and cyber-aware community,” he added, noting that it is “essential that people are made more aware of the threat.”
“These threats are real and urgent, so we must take immediate action.”
While previous cybersecurity initiatives have produced “very positive” results, Penn explained, “The resources and investments allocated to them are insufficient compared to the size of the problem.”
“More teeth are needed in the cyber policy,” added Penn.
As the recommendations of the newly tabled second report of the Department of Home Affairs backed Cyber Security Industry Advisory Committee (CSIAC), of which Penn is chair, are considered, cyber security experts will have a lot on their plates. Reining in that challenge will be the main concern for cyber security lawmakers as they evaluate the proposals laid out in the IAC’s second report.
The outcomes of the government’s Cyber Security Strategy 2020, which put Australia’s national cyber security policy on the front foot with significant investments in cyber security skills, protection of critical infrastructure, and the $10 billion REDSPICE initiative that will recruit hundreds of government cyber security specialists have all been tracked through this panel’s engagement with cyber security policy.
The recent decision to overhaul cyber policy, made by the new Minister for Cyber Security Clare O’Neil, was welcomed by Penn. She recently warned that Australia’s cyber industry remains “quite fragmented” and lacks “the backbone that genuine, serious government engagement will give you. Because when you think about cyber security, it’s everything, and it’s everywhere.
Andy Penn’s revelations about the state of cybersecurity in Australia are alarming. More must be done to protect businesses and consumers from the growing threat of cyber attacks. We hope that the government takes his recommendations seriously and works to implement them as soon as possible.
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