Councils Call for Federal Support for Collaborative Security Centre Program
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Quick Overview
- Australian councils are calling for federally funded shared security operations centres (SOCs).
- Councils lack sufficient resources to protect against advanced cyber threats.
- Suggestions include continuous monitoring and sharing of threat intelligence.
- ALGA has requested $10 million for enhancements in cyber security readiness.
- Home Affairs has yet to receive any submissions regarding SOCs for local government.
Councils Advocate for Cyber Security Financing
Australian councils are pressing the federal government to finance shared security operations centres (SOCs) to confront the increasing cyber threats aimed at local administrations. This appeal for help comes before the Australian Local Government Association’s (ALGA) national general assembly in Canberra.
In-Depth Proposals from Councils
Leeton Shire Council in NSW has submitted a detailed plan that includes 24/7 monitoring, quick incident response, and secure, Australian-based log file storage. The plan also proposes a tiered service model tailored to each council’s risk level.
Noosa Shire Council in Queensland is advocating for enhanced cyber protections, whereas Bega Valley Shire Council supports integrating local governments into the national data and digital government framework, ensuring access to equal resources as federal entities.
ALGA Seeks Federal Assistance
In its pre-budget submission for 2023-24, ALGA has requested $10 million from the Commonwealth to evaluate cyber security preparedness among local governments. This funding would also help create a chief information security office (CISO) for local governments at the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC).
Response from Government
A representative from the Home Affairs department stated that no specific submissions addressing SOCs for local government have been submitted. The department is working on Horizon 2 of the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy, emphasizing a unified approach across all levels of government.
Overview
Australian councils are actively pursuing federal support to create shared security operations centres aimed at improving their cyber security capabilities. With local governments handling significant amounts of sensitive data, the importance of strong security measures remains vital. As discussions progress, the drive for a cooperative approach in cyber security continues to be a key focus for councils nationwide.