Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security Clare O’Neil has said that telcos could soon be covered under the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act (SOCI)

SOCI lays out the framework for critical infrastructure operators are to follow to ensuring risks relating to data theft, foreign interference and national security are managed

The new regulations are set to also require Australian telecommunications boards to regularly report their cybersecurity measures to the federal government.

The Home Affairs minister expresses concern that these companies have been operating with minimal oversight, highlighting the need for increased scrutiny.

The recent significant cyber-attack on Optus has brought attention to the vulnerabilities in Australia’s telecommunications sector, raising serious apprehensions about their ability to safeguard services and sensitive customer information from hacking incidents.

According to Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil the rules will make sure that telcos actually meet the minimum cyber standards that were applied to many other critical Australian companies.

“There’s no question in my mind that, when we came to government, telcos weren’t being properly regulated. We will now require them to properly consider all of the risks on their networks and to establish proper cyber defences,

“Our telecommunication networks are the backbone of life and business in Australia. Reliable telcos are vital to Australia’s national security. But right now they’re not held to same standard as other critical infrastructure like our electricity or water systems,”

“That’s why the Albanese Government is taking action to strengthen the cyber security of the telecommunication sector,”

“We’re bringing forward legislative changes so that our telco networks are held to the same standards as other critical infrastructure entities – including being required to develop a Risk Management Program to plan for the full range of threats they face,” says O’Neil

The announcement precedes the upcoming release of the federal government’s new cybersecurity strategy next week, which will additionally address the escalating menace posed by ransomware.