Australia works to build cyber security with new guides

Australia is helping secure people and infrastructure across the region against malicious cyber activity by providing cyber security guides translated into regional languages. Building on Australia’s support for a peaceful, prosperous and resilient region, the Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) is launching easy-to-follow advice and cyber security guides in more than 20 languages, to assist in improving cyber security in the Indo-Pacific region. A secure cyberspace is a longstanding priority for Australia. This initiative will assist that priority as many countries in our region face an ongoing threat from cybercrime and other malicious online actors that pose risk to businesses, governments and citizens alike. The translated guides give practical advice to secure devices, identify threats, and increase cyber security awareness. Richard Marles, deputy prime minister and minister for defence said: “Australia is committed to an enduring vision for a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region enabled by secure cyberspace. These guides will be freely available, including through Australian diplomatic posts and via cyber incident first responders across the Indo-Pacific, through the Pacific Cyber Security Operational Network (PaCSON). They will also support a diverse range of communities here in Australia, being made publicly accessible to all Australians.  None of us can address this challenge alone. By following the simple steps in these guides, businesses, organisations and individuals can tap into help from Australia’s cyber experts to strengthen their cyber security, and better protect their data and assets online.”​ Penny Wong, minister for foreign affairs, said: “Malicious cyber activity is a threat to the peace, stability, and prosperity of our region. Cyber security cooperation with our partners strengthens our collective defence and resilience. The Albanese Government will continue to work with partners to shape the region we want.”​ Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts said: “Economic growth in our region goes hand in hand with digitisation. This initiative will assist countries in our region build resilience against cybercrime, online scams, and other cyber risks that impact businesses, governments and citizens alike.” ​Recently added language translations are six Pacific languages (Bislama, French, I-Kiribati, Samoan, Tok Pisin and Tongan) and seven Southeast Asian languages (Tagalog, Malay, Tetum, Thai, Burmese, Lao, Khmer). They join the 14 other language translations: Arabic, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional), Croatian, Greek, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Korean, Macedonian, Maltese, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese.​ The guides can be accessed in English and other languages on cyber.gov.au. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Director of Sales Graham Joss at [email protected]