Turnbull appoints cybersecurity minister

Malcolm Turnbull has appointed Australia’s first cybersecurity minister as part of the government’s revised national cybersecurity strategy.

Dan Tehan has been named the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Cyber Security in addition to his roles as Minister for Defence Personnel and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs.

In his new role, Tehan will work with chief cybersecurity advisor Alastair MacGibbon and with a still to be appointed cyber ambassador to advise the cabinet on key security matters. He holds the Victorian seat of Wannon.

The establishment of the cybersecurity ministry portfolio was one of the recommendations of the government’s recent cybersecurity review, released prior to the election.

Charles Tomeo, vice president of cybersecurity company Webroot, commented that the establishment of the new cabinet position is “very good news” for the country.

“In the modern era of cybersecurity, defences are best when the private sector and government come together to fight cybercrime and improve cybersecurity,” he said.

“Though the attackers who target governments and private sector companies may differ in motive (espionage, IP theft, customer data), the methods for compromise are often very similar. Government can play a big part in creating a neutral place for private companies to share their cybersecurity encounters, threat intelligence and strategies for defence.”