A consortium of government and industry bodies have begun developing a standardised approach for businesses to assess the value of their data and protect against risks across the economy.
The Voluntary Data Classification Framework is an initiative under the national cybersecurity strategy’s ‘safe technology’ shield and is intended to help “support data governance and security uplift across the economy”.
The Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre (AusC3), a not for profit funded mainly by the South Australian government, is leading work to shape the framework, with the assistance of CSIRO’s Data61 and the Department of Home Affairs.
Consultations will begin with a series of workshops across the country in December. Four workshops are currently scheduled to take place in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide.
At the workshops, businesses will engage with cybersecurity experts and get the chance to share the challenges and concerns around data security they face. The workshops will also “offer practical guidance on navigating the complexities of cybersecurity”.
Aus3C chief executive Matthew Salier said “industries often struggle with effectively identifying and assessing the value and sensitivity of their data, which varies significantly across sectors”.
“This lack of a consistent framework leads to challenges in communicating data risk and implementing appropriate security measures, ultimately increasing enterprise risk,” Mr Salier said.
AusC3 is a member-based organisation that aims to promote cyber collaboration between industry, researchers and government to enhance cybersecurity and boost sovereign capability. Among its industry members are BAE Systems, Cisco and SAAB.
While Home Affairs is the lead agency on this program, contributing agencies include the Attorney-General’s Department, Industry department, Finance and Treasury.
An industry consultation survey will also be open until December 11.
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