Working Securely With Defence guide released for suppliers

A guide for small businesses on security practices has been released today, with approximately 40 per cent of companies applying for work in defence not having the necessary cybersecurity measures in place.

The Working Securely with Defence guide was developed over 12 months by Defence, the Australian Industry Group, the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC).

“The guide brings together a wealth of relevant information to assist the Defence industry and help build the security culture, compliance and resilience of the sector,” said Australian Industry Group national president Chris Jenkins.

“This is so important to the strategic priorities of Australia, ensuring that both industry and Defence are working on the same page.

According to a statement from defence industry minister Melissa Price, it would help companies become “Defence-ready” and prepared to participate in the federal government’s $270 billion investment in the sector over the next decade.

“The guide also provides direction and support to current and prospective defence industry and supply chain providers on how to understand their security obligations and improve their security practices when delivering Defence capability,” Price said.

Over 230 companies are currently in Defence’s Defence Industry Security Program (DISP), and over 600 have made use of it in the last 12 months.

Working Securely with Defence can be read here.

Picture: ABC Newcastle/Ben Millington

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