Australian government releases Industry Data Classification Framework

The Australian Government has released the Industry Data Classification Framework (IDCF), a voluntary tool designed to help Australian organisations understand the value of their data, manage data risks and improve cyber security outcomes.

Developed in partnership with national science agency CSIRO, the IDCF provides a consistent approach to classifying, protecting and sharing data.

The Department of Home Affairs said the framework aligns with existing standards and is designed to work for organisations of all sizes - from small-to-medium enterprises through to large organisations.

For technology partners and MSPs, the framework offers a practical reference point when advising clients on data governance and security posture. It is intended to help organisations identify what data they hold, assess its value and risk, apply appropriate protections, and share data more securely.

The Department of Home Affairs said the framework is designed to be flexible and easy to adopt, whether an organisation is starting its data security journey or already has mature data-handling practices in place.

The IDCF is a key deliverable of the 2023–2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy and was developed following extensive research and consultation with industry across Australia.

Under Horizon 2 of the Strategy, the Department said it will work with industry to support adoption of the IDCF and ensure it continues to meet the needs of Australian organisations as the cyber threat landscape evolves.

"The IDCF is an important outcome from the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy that will help Australian organisations understand the value of the data they hold," said Greta Doherty, first assistant secretary for counter foreign interference, cyber and technology at the Department of Home Affairs.

“We know that data is an important source of growth for the Australian economy. It helps organisations make better decisions and improve their products and services. The IDCF will help Australian industry strengthen their data governance practices, share data with confidence and unlock new opportunities for innovation and collaboration.” 

Doherty said data is an important source of economic growth and that the framework would help industry strengthen data governance practices, share data with confidence and unlock new opportunities for innovation and collaboration.