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Strengthening Australia's Critical Infrastructure: An Overview of the SOCI Act

The Security of Critical Infrastructure (SOCI) Act 2018 and its subsequent amendments represent Australia's proactive approach to safeguarding its essential services and infrastructure from evolving cyber and physical threats. This legislation is crucial for maintaining national security and ensuring the continuous delivery of vital services to the Australian community.

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What is Critical Infrastructure?

Critical infrastructure encompasses the essential assets that, if disrupted, could significantly impact the nation. The SOCI Act identifies various sectors as critical, including:

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  • Communications: Telecommunications and internet services.

  • Data Storage or Processing: Data centres and cloud services.

  • Financial Services and Markets: Banking, payment systems, and stock exchanges.

  • Electricity: Generation, transmission, and distribution.

  • Gas: Production, storage, and distribution.

  • Water: Supply and treatment.

  • Healthcare and Medical: Hospitals, medical facilities, and vaccine storage.

  • Transport: Airports, ports, and public transport networks.

  • Food and Grocery: Supply chains and distribution.

  • Critical Manufacturing: Manufacturing of products vital to other critical infrastructure sectors.

 

Key Obligations Under the SOCI Act:​

The SOCI Act imposes several obligations on entities operating within these critical infrastructure sectors, designed to enhance their resilience. These include:

  • Reporting Obligations: Reporting cyber security incidents to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC).

  • Risk Management Programs: Implementing and maintaining comprehensive risk management programs to identify and mitigate risks.

  • Critical Infrastructure Asset (CIA) Identification: Identifying and registering critical infrastructure assets with the government's Register of Critical Infrastructure Assets.

  • Enhanced Cyber Security Obligations: For Systems of National Significance, enhanced cyber security obligations are imposed.

  • Government Assistance: Enabling the government to assist in response to significant cyber security incidents.

  • Mandatory Reporting of Cyber Incidents: Specific incidents must be reported within set time frames.

  • Security of Critical Infrastructure Assets: Obligations to take all reasonable steps to protect critical assets.


How We Can Help:

The Cyber Resilience Group can help your organisation navigate the complexities of the SOCI Act by providing:

  • Risk assessments and compliance audits.

  • Development of tailored risk management programs.

  • Incident response planning and training.

  • Assistance with reporting obligations.

  • Guidance on identifying and registering critical infrastructure assets.

  • Cyber security strategy improvement.

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By partnering with us, you can ensure your organisation meets its obligations under the SOCI Act and strengthens its overall cyber resilience.

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