Australian businesses urged to join data security framework

The Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre (Aus3C), in collaboration with CSIRO's Data61 and the Australian Department of Home Affairs, is urging Australian businesses to partake in the consultation process for the Voluntary Data Classification Framework (VDCF).

The VDCF, an integral component of the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy, aims to establish a standardised approach to evaluating data risk and safeguarding data across various sectors. This framework is designed to allow organisations throughout Australia to operate confidently within the digital domain.

Aus3C invites businesses from diverse industries to participate in workshops scheduled for late February nationwide.

These sessions will offer businesses the chance to share insights, address their unique challenges, and discuss concerns related to data security, aside from suggesting possible solutions.

The VDCF, targeted for launch by the end of 2025, aims to address the persistent industry challenge of data classification. The framework's goal is to strengthen Australia's cyber resilience by enabling companies to better identify, assess, and mitigate data risks.

Tyler Key, Aus3C's Program Lead, highlighted the need for collaboration: "Industries often struggle with effectively identifying and assessing the value and sensitivity of their data, which varies significantly across sectors. 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."

Aus3C envisions a future where robust data protection is within reach for all sectors of the Australian economy.

The forthcoming workshops will provide organisations with a platform to express their needs for consistent, risk-aligned approaches to data assessment and protection.

Emphasising the broader impact of securing Australia's cyber landscape, Tyler Key stated, "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."

Australian businesses are encouraged to engage in these workshops, interact with peers, and share opinions on how the VDCF could benefit not only their organisation but also those they collaborate with. Their feedback will be instrumental in shaping the VDCF and influencing the cybersecurity environment in Australia.