The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) have issued a joint statement calling on all countries around the world to end malicious cyber activity that seeks to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic for gain.
“Of particular concern are reports that malicious cyber actors are seeking to damage or impair the operation of hospitals, medical services and facilities, and crisis response organisations outside of Australia,” the joint Agency statement says.
“Countries have agreed at the United Nations that existing international law applies in cyberspace,” they said.
“Countries have also agreed that it is contrary to norms of responsible State behaviour to use cyber tools to intentionally damage or impair critical infrastructure providing services to the public.”
Australia’s Ambassador for Cyber Affairs, Tobias Feakin said countries had also agreed to cooperate to address cyber-crime and not to knowingly allow their territory to be used for internationally wrongful acts.
“The Australian Government calls on all countries to cease immediately any cyber activity — or support for such activity — inconsistent with these commitments,” Dr Feakin said.
“We also urge all countries to exercise increased vigilance and take all reasonable measures to ensure malicious cyber activity is not emanating from their territory.”
He said he was engaging with international counterparts and had registered Australia’s concern at the United Nations.
“Australia’s Cyber Cooperation Program is assisting countries in our region to strengthen their cyber resilience,” Dr Feakin said.
“The ACSC continues to collaborate with industry, law enforcement and Government partners to identify and disrupt malicious cyber criminals offshore,” he said.
“The Australian Federal Police is working closely with State and Territory Police and international policing Agencies in the fight against all types of cyber-crime.”
