ACSC steps up fight against COVID-19 cybercrooks

The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) is engaging with hospitals and health service providers across the country to help safeguard the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of the Australian Signals Directorate’s efforts to combat cyber activity taking advantage of the current crisis, the centre is also working with the federal government to help protect government department networks, including the Department of Health.

The ACSC is meanwhile collaborating with industry, law enforcement and government partners to identify and disrupt malicious offshore activities, such as COVID-19 themed cyber scams and phishing attacks preying on Australian families and businesses.

“Hospitals and other healthcare providers are on the frontline in our fight against COVID-19 and that is why we are working directly with them to reduce their risk of cyber compromise during an already very challenging period,” Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said.

According to ACSC Head Abigail Bradshaw, an attack on these organisations could be devastating at this critical time.

“At the ACSC, we are absolutely committed to making sure Australians remain safe online and our vital services are protected,” she said.

“We are arming Australians, businesses and key sectors, like health and medical services, with information on the threats and practical assistance to enable them to better protect themselves against these global cyber criminals.”

Meanwhile, the Australian Digital Health Agency is on the lookout for a company to help assist with producing a comprehensive threat assessment of cyber attacks targeting the Australian health sector.

The agency has posted an opportunity on the Digital Marketplace asking registered threat intelligence service providers to submit an application by 29 April. The project will commence on 1 May and run for eight weeks.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/James Thew