Business input needed on national data security framework: Aus3C

A nationwide call for Australian businesses to help shape a new data classification framework has been issued as part of efforts to strengthen the country's cyber defences.

The Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre (Aus3C) has partnered with CSIRO's Data61 and the Department of Home Affairs to develop the Voluntary Data Classification Framework (VDCF).

The framework forms a crucial component of the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy, aiming to create a unified approach to data risk assessment and protection across multiple sectors.

"Industries often struggle with effectively identifying and assessing the value and sensitivity of their data, which varies significantly across sectors," Tyler Key, program lead at Aus3C said.

"This lack of a consistent framework leads to challenges in communicating data risk internally and with external partners and prevents them from implementing appropriate security measures, ultimately increasing enterprise risk," Key added. 

"Enhancing our nation's cyber defences is critical and all Australian businesses need to play their part in protecting our collective data security."

"Our goal is to enable an ecosystem where education and resources empower Australian organisations to take control of their data security," Key said.

Organisations face increasing challenges in managing sensitive information across different sectors.

Once implemented, the framework will help companies better identify, assess and mitigate data risks.

Businesses will have the opportunity to shape the framework through workshops scheduled across major cities in February.

The sessions will allow organisations to share insights into their specific data security challenges.

They will be held in Sydney at UTS on 18 February, in Brisbane at UQ's CBD campus on 19 February, and in Melbourne at NBN headquarters on 26 February.

The framework is expected to launch by late 2025, marking a significant step toward strengthening Australia's cyber resilience.

Businesses interested in participating can register for workshops or complete an online survey through the Aus3C website.

The Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre operates as an independent, not-for-profit organisation focused on improving cybersecurity through partnerships between education, industry, and government sectors.