obligations under
international law that
intentionally damages critical
infrastructure or otherwise
impairs the use and operation
of critical infrastructure to
provide services to the public;
Australia does not conduct or knowingly support ICT activity contrary to its
obligations under international law that intentionally damages critical
infrastructure or otherwise impairs the use and operation of critical
infrastructure to provide services to the public.
Australia’s commitment to act in accordance with this norm is demonstrated
by:
Public statements that Australia will act in accordance with the 2015
UNGGE norms and reports of the UNGGE (see: e.g.: Australia’s
International Cyber Engagement Strategy or Australia-China High Level
Dialogue Joint Statement)
Public statement about the conduct and authorisation of Australia’s
offensive cyber capabilities, which are always consistent with ASD’s
obligations at domestic and international law, and subject to a
comprehensive review and oversight framework (see, eg: Mike Burgess,
Director-General ASD, speech to the Lowy Institute, Offensive cyber and
the people who do it; or Conduct and Authorisation of Offensive Cyber
Capability in Support of Military Operations; or information published on
the Accountability page on ASD’s website).
Australia’s acknowledgment of these capabilities does not contradict its
commitment to a peaceful and stable online environment. Instead, by being
transparent about the legal frameworks that govern their use, we send an
unambiguous message that states’ activities in cyberspace have limitations
and are subject to obligations, just as they are in the physical domain.
Australia urges all countries likewise to be transparent and unequivocal in
their commitment to develop and use ICTs in accordance with international
law, as well as norms of responsible state behaviour agreed at the UN.
(g) States should take
appropriate measures to
protect their critical
infrastructure from ICT
threats, taking into account
General Assembly resolution
58/199 on the creation of a
global culture of cybersecurity
and the protection of critical
information infrastructures,
and other relevant
resolutions;
The Australian Government’s Critical Infrastructure Centre brings together
expertise and capability from across the Australian Government to manage
the complex and evolving national security risks from foreign involvement in
Australia’s critical infrastructure. The Centre’s initial focus is on assessing the
risks of sabotage, espionage and coercion in the sectors of
telecommunications, electricity, gas, water and ports.
In 2018, the Australian Government passed the Security of Critical
Infrastructure Act 2018 (the Act) to manage the complex and evolving
national security risks of sabotage, espionage and coercion posed by foreign
involvement in Australia's critical infrastructure. It contains a range of
powers, functions and obligations that only apply in relation to specific
critical infrastructure assets in the electricity, gas, water and ports sectors.
The Act has three key elements: a register of critical infrastructure assets; an
www.dfat.gov.au/cyberaffairs
esafety.gov.au/parents
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