Tech risks probed
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Experts have conducted a deep analysis of tech risks in Australia, commissioned by the federal government.
Australia's telecommunications sector demonstrates a strong capacity for resilience but remains in a 'developing' phase, according to a recent resilience profile report.
Commissioned by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, the report was conducted by the Australian National University’s Tech Policy Design Centre (TPDC) and assessed the sector’s ability to recover from disruptions.
The full report is accessible in PDF form, here.
It ranked the sector at level two on a five-point maturity scale but identified a solid foundation for resilience across government, industry, and civil society.
The analysis examined the political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental influences on the sector.
It highlighted key opportunities, such as the potential for improved collaboration between stakeholders, and identified several challenges.
These include dependence on the energy sector, vulnerabilities to natural disasters, and the growing threat of cyberattacks.
The report noted the sector's role in supporting vital services such as healthcare, national security, and transportation, and highlighted the need to bolster resilience by addressing interdependencies with other critical infrastructures, including energy and data processing.
As telecommunications services increasingly rely on cloud storage and digital networks, managing risks from cyber incidents and supply chain disruptions also emerged as priorities.
“Resilience is about more than recovery,” the report explained. It involves understanding the sector’s vulnerabilities and enhancing its ability to adapt to both current and future risks.
The findings from the report are meant to guide the next stages of the project, with the aim of strengthening the sector’s capacity to handle systemic threats and disruptions.