Jihad Dib sounds alarm on cyber threats

THE NSW Government has unveiled a new cyber security strategy aimed at strengthening protections for essential services and government systems as cyber threats become more sophisticated.

The 2026–2028 Cyber Security Strategy focuses on improving coordination across government agencies to better detect, prevent and respond to cyber attacks.

The strategy places a stronger emphasis on protecting critical infrastructure and third-party supply chains as reliance on digital government services continues to grow.

It introduces a two-year planning cycle designed to allow agencies to respond to current risks while adapting quickly to emerging threats, including those enabled by artificial intelligence.

Cyber Security NSW will play a central role in improving how threats are identified and how responses are coordinated across government.

The strategy also sets out clearer roles and responsibilities for agencies and strengthens central oversight to deliver more consistent cyber defences.

A new assurance framework will introduce stronger audit requirements and faster, standardised reporting of cyber incidents.

The changes build on mandatory 24-hour reporting of cyber incidents, which came into effect in August 2025.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said cyber threats were evolving rapidly.

“As cyber threats become more complex, ‘set and forget’ is not an option,” Mr Dib said.

“This strategy allows us to adapt and respond to the ever-changing cyber risk landscape,” he said.

The government said the strategy was designed to protect public trust in digital services while keeping NSW prepared for future cyber risks.