Guarding the Skies: Australian Airports Brace for New Changes with Critical Infrastructure Reforms

In recent years, the aviation sector has seen a dramatic rise in cybercrime, with Australian airports being no exception. The Australian Cyber Security Centre's (ACSC) latest report highlighted a significant increase in cybercrime reports, up 23% from the previous year, averaging a report every six minutes. This surge underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures, particularly in critical infrastructure like airports, which are now the focus of the new Critical Infrastructure Reforms introduced by the Australian government. 

Why the Legislation? 

The Transport Security Amendment (Critical Infrastructure) Bill 2022 (TSACI Bill) was introduced to address the evolving threat landscape, extending beyond traditional terrorism to include cyber-attacks and other forms of unlawful interference. As Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews stated, this legislation is crucial for safeguarding Australia's social and economic well-being and national security against prolonged disruptions. 

Implications for Airports 

The TSACI Bill mandates that critical infrastructure entities, including airports, adopt robust security measures to protect against a broad spectrum of threats. Key aspects include: 

• Broadened Threat Protection: Airports must now prepare for various threats, not just terrorism but also cyber-attacks, natural disasters, and supply chain disruptions 

• All Hazards Reporting Framework: An expanded reporting framework requiring airports to consider and be resilient to a full range of risks 

• Cyber Security Incident Reporting: Airports must report cyber security incidents, ensuring that vulnerabilities are addressed promptly 

• Compliance Framework Modernization: Aligning airport security measures with other Australian Government frameworks for effective collaboration 

Steps for Airports to Protect Themselves 

• Conduct a Comprehensive Risk Assessment: Identify potential vulnerabilities across all operations, from cyber security to physical threats 

• Implement robust security technologies:  

• Develop a Robust Incident Response Plan: Ensure a clear and effective plan is in place to address any security incidents swiftly 

• Enhance Interdepartmental Communication: Foster seamless communication between all departments to ensure a unified approach to security 

• Regular Training and Drills: Conduct regular security training and simulations for all staff to ensure preparedness for any incident 

• Engage in Continuous Monitoring and Updates: Keep all security systems and protocols up to date with the latest threats and regulatory requirements. 

OneReg's Role in Compliance 

OneReg offers a comprehensive solution designed to help airports navigate the complexities of the new Critical Infrastructure Reforms.  

Our platform provides: 

• Multi-tenanted Greater Visibility: Enhanced visibility across all departments, ensuring that everyone is on the same page 

• Ease of Reporting: Streamlined reporting processes to meet the new compliance requirements efficiently 

• Automation of Compliance Processes: Reducing manual labour and the risk of human error through automated data collection, validation, and reporting 

• Customisable analytics and dashboards enabling you to identify trends, capability issues, or areas that are at risk earlier. This means you can act quickly and avoid escalation. 

With OneReg, airports can embrace these regulatory changes with confidence, ensuring smoother operations and robust security. 

For more detailed guidance and support, visit the Australian Cyber Security Centre and the Department of Home Affairs. 

By taking proactive steps and leveraging advanced technology solutions like OneReg, Australian airports can not only comply with new regulations but also enhance their overall security posture, safeguarding the skies for all.