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With the recent attack on Medibank, hackers are continuously trying to exploit the healthcare systems of Australia. The country is taking the necessary steps to combat hacking attempts.
According to Clare O’Neil, Home Affairs Minister, threat actors are targeting hospitals and health care systems more and more. O’Neil also added that the government must intensify its efforts to fight cybercrime.
In an interview, the Home Affairs Minister noted that the current government had prioritised the protection of Australian citizens’ data as a ‘core national issue’. She added that the government should also consider removing the perception that Australia is a ‘soft target’ for threat actors.
“The question is, are we tackling the cyber security threat with an energy level commensurate to which we’re being attacked? And I would say we’re not there at the moment,” she added.
Australia is slated to host the international ransomware task force this year. Countries like the US, the UK and Germany will be part of the expected 37 countries joining. The recent cyberattacks of Optus and Medibank brought about the creation of this meeting. The International Counter Ransomware Taskforce (ICRTF) will be chaired by Australia and led by O’Neil, who also acts as the Minister for Cyber Security.
Samira Sarraf, CSO regional director for Australia and New Zealand, says, “The ICRTF will act as a medium for CRI to connect with industry for defensive and disruptive threat sharing and actions. The cyber security projects under ICRTF will be initiated in response to requests for assistance from members and support opportunities to disrupt malicious actors on a case-by-case basis, the Australia Department of Home Affairs said in a statement. Reports on tools, tactics, and procedures to improve awareness of members will also be expected from the ICRTF.”
The task force aims to raise awareness and formulate advanced countermeasures against ransomware, such as blockchain tracing and analytics, blocking threat actors from utilising cryptocurrency to gain payment and establishing broader practices, actions and norms across all ransomware activities.
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