Cyber | The Runway

Cyberwarfare and cyber defence have become integral components of modern military operations. With increasing reliance on digital systems and interconnected networks, military forces face significant threats in the cyber domain. Cyberwarfare involves the use of technology to launch offensive operations, disrupt enemy networks, and gain intelligence advantage. On the other hand, cyber defence focuses on safeguarding military networks, systems, and information from cyber threats. Maintaining robust cyber defence capabilities is crucial for protecting sensitive military data, ensuring operational security, and preserving mission effectiveness. The ability to detect, mitigate, and respond to cyber attacks is paramount to prevent disruptions, maintain operational readiness, and safeguard critical infrastructure. Cyberwarfare and cyber defence have transformed the nature of warfare, making them essential elements of military strategies in the digital age.

AI, bioterrorism and the urgent need for Australian action

AI could simplify the creation of synthetic pathogens, emphasising the need to revise synthetic DNA import rules. Australia should tighten biosafety regulations and enhance synthetic DNA controls. Lab leaks present a growing risk.

Russia spread hurricane disinformation in effort to undermine U.S. leadership

Weak content moderation enables fake, AI-generated disaster images and disinformation to target hurricane recovery efforts—eroding trust in U.S. leadership, exploiting public concerns, and influencing political views ahead of the election.

Air Gapping Alone Not a Sound Cybersecurity Strategy

Air gapping provides limited cybersecurity protection, highlighting the need for network safety through continuous monitoring and visibility of all assets, especially in Defence environments with both legacy and modern devices. Proprietary protocols further complicate security, requiring protocol recognition tools to secure Defence networks effectively.

Is your car a threat to national security? It can be – regardless of where it’s made

Modern internet-connected cars pose national security risks due to remote access, data transmission, and potential misuse.

A sovereign Australian AI drive needs sovereign data centres

Australia must develop domestic data centres to support its AI ambitions—ensuring sovereignty over critical data and fostering self-reliance in AI technologies.

The UN finally advances a convention on cybercrime . . . and no one is happy about it

This article examines the first global, legally binding convention on cybercrime, expected to be adopted by the UN General Assembly later this year. However, the author of this article asserts the landmark achievement should not be celebrated.

Australia’s big tech defence cloud: Too big to fail?

This article argues the Australian Signals Directorate's partnership with Amazon Web Services to build a Top-Secret Cloud for the ADF presents both opportunities and significant risks.

Only 15 known underwater internet cables connect Australia to the world – and they’re under threat from fishing boats, spies and natural disasters

$18 million allocated for Australia’s new Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre. Aims to protect critical undersea cables and balance national security with diplomatic engagement.

Espionage charges against two Russian-born Australian spies, Kira and Igor Korolev, is highly unusual. How does spycraft work?

Countering foreign intelligence operations and safeguarding national security is complex. This article identifies the different types of spies- 'sleepers', 'illegals' and ‘non-official covers’ and how they work.

A Russian-born ADF soldier and her husband have been charged with spying. What does this mean?

The article covers the arrest of a Russian-born ADF Private and her husband for espionage, highlighting Australia's counter-espionage laws and their impact on national security.