Australia, US Bolster Cybersecurity Ties, Worry Over Chinese Hackers
Australia and the US have bolstered their cybersecurity collaboration, committing to joint financing for resilient infrastructure in the Pacific and expressing concerns over increasing cyber threats. This comes as Chinese hackers are reported to have infiltrated US networks.
The two nations, through the Partners in the Blue Pacific (PBP) program, will fund sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including cyber infrastructure, in smaller Pacific nations. The plan identifies critical civilian and military infrastructures to be secured, with assigned agencies to address them.
Meanwhile, the Philippines is set to approve a five-year national cybersecurity plan, outlining its overall cybersecurity strategy. This move aligns with the US's focus on strengthening relationships with Pacific Island countries, promoting sustainable economic growth, and climate resilience.
In a worrying development, Chinese government hackers have reportedly planted malware in critical US communications and power networks since mid-2021. The US territory of Guam, with its substantial military presence, is a particular target of these campaigns.
Both countries have reiterated their support for the UN Open Ended Working Group and the UN Programme of Action, promoting responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. They have also committed to holding those responsible for malicious cyber-attacks to account.
The joint commitment by Australia and the US to enhance cybersecurity in the Pacific and address global threats sends a strong message of cooperation and resolve. As cyber threats continue to evolve, so too must international efforts to counter them.
