The APCERT Drill will test the region's cyber security posture, and strengthen its collective ability to respond and communicate during a major cyber incident. This year's APCERT Drill will focus on countering spear-phishing in critical infrastructure companies in a working from home context.
As the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated companies facilitate remote working, the ACSC observed an increase in malicious cyber actors compromising poorly secured remote access solutions. Compromised accounts can be used to target individuals to maximise the spread of ransomware or gain access to sensitive information, such as intellectual property.
Head of the ACSC, Abigail Bradshaw, said working closely with international partners to raise the region's cyber defences is vital to Australia's overall cyber strategy.
"Activities like APCERT Drill are an opportunity for Australia to collaborate with international partners to help secure cyberspace through cooperation, trust and genuine information sharing," Ms Bradshaw said.
"As the region's dependency on cyberspace grows, protecting critical infrastructure and networks is increasingly important to regional security."
APCERT is the region's largest cyber security community, made up of 33 cyber security emergency response teams from across the Indo-Pacific. The ACSC holds key positions as a member of the Steering Committee and a number of Working Groups, reinforcing Australia's leading role in promoting cyber security in the region.
