The Australian arm of US vendor SoftIron has highlighted the critical need for Defence to enhance its capabilities to combat offensive cyber threats and adapt to disruptive technologies. In a submission to an inquiry into Defence industry capability, SoftIron emphasized that the emergence of offensive cyber has changed the nature of conflict, and Defence lacks the necessary skills, capabilities, and innovations to excel in a networked domain.
According to SoftIron, adopting commercial-off-the-shelf IT technologies alone will not provide the required level of protection. The vendor stressed the importance of collaboration between Defence planners and the industry to address these challenges effectively.
SoftIron, which operates a manufacturing facility in Australia producing high-end data center hardware, sees a growing demand for such hardware in the Defence context. Covert hardware and firmware implants remain a preferred method for malicious state actors, making high-security ICT platforms crucial in safeguarding sensitive data.
The AUKUS agreement, involving the US, UK, and Australia, also brings cybersecurity and information-sharing into focus. SoftIron believes that the increasing information-sharing between partner countries will heighten the need for secure ICT platforms. As a net importer of information and capabilities in the partnership, Australia faces the risk of being targeted by foreign espionage services aiming to compromise the ICT supply chain.
In its submission, SoftIron urged Defence personnel to visit its manufacturing facility in Sydney. The vendor had received a sovereign industrial capability grant of $1.5 million from Defence, aimed at supporting strategically critical Defence capabilities. However, SoftIron expressed disappointment that there had been no follow-up from Defence, no visits to the factory, and no audits to assess the efficacy of the grant. The vendor believes that this lack of follow-up represents a missed opportunity for Defence to fully benefit from its investment in new ventures.
In conclusion, SoftIron highlights the urgency for Defence to bolster its capabilities in response to offensive cyber threats and collaborate with the industry to create secure ICT solutions. Moreover, the vendor encourages Defence to actively engage with and monitor the development of ventures it supports through grants to maximize the benefits of its investments.
