It’s Cyber Security Month this October and in an era where cybersecurity has become paramount, NATA is playing an increasingly important role in safeguarding Australia’s digital infrastructure.
Nick Di Cresce, NATA’s Deputy Sector Manager for Materials, Assets & Products (MAP), attended the recent annual Australian Information Security Evaluation Program (AISEP) Controllers Meeting in Canberra. The gathering brought together key stakeholders from Government and laboratories to discuss advancements in cybersecurity and the challenges faced by the industry.
NATA attendance was critical as it holds a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Australian Government that designates it as the official accreditation body for cybersecurity testing laboratories. Under this agreement, Australian Information Security Evaluation Facilities (AISEFs) – who are commercial facilities licensed by the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) and accredited by NATA – conduct vital evaluations under the AISEP. This program is crucial for ensuring that any technology used by Government entities, from routers to complex software systems, meets stringent cybersecurity standards to protect sensitive information.
At the meeting, NATA’s Nick Di Cresce highlighted the significance of ongoing collaboration between NATA and these laboratories. With cyber threats continuously evolving, it’s become essential that accredited labs are equipped to conduct thorough testing to identify vulnerabilities and mitigate risks.
The discussions at the meeting also focused on recent advancements in cybersecurity, emerging hacking techniques, and the critical work being done by labs to ensure that Government technologies are secure and reliable.
These partnerships emphasise NATA’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of Australia’s cybersecurity framework, which is vital for processing classified information. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, NATA remains dedicated to enhancing stakeholder engagement, fostering industry-wide dialogue, and ensuring that the highest standards of cybersecurity testing are upheld.
In a world where digital safety is indispensable, NATA’s accreditation provides confidence to the government and the public alike, reinforcing the message that our nation’s cybersecurity infrastructure is in capable hands.