Radio National Breakfast Australian businesses warned of growing cybersecurity threat
Sep 16, 2025
Ciaran Martin, former CEO of the UK's National Cyber Security Centre and current Chair of CyberCX UK, shares alarming insights on Australia's escalating cybersecurity threats. He emphasizes the shift from data theft to disruptive attacks targeting critical services. Martin highlights the need for collective responsibility among businesses to strengthen cybersecurity measures and enhance supplier relationships. He also addresses the geopolitical concerns surrounding TikTok and its implications for data security, tying it to broader national security issues.
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Disruption Replaces Mere Data Theft
- Cyber attacks now aim to disrupt operations, not just steal data, causing long-term outages.
- Ciaran Martin compares modern attacks to physical thuggery that breaks your ability to function.
Jaguar Land Rover Shutdown Example
- The UK experienced a carmaker shutdown where Jaguar Land Rover stopped production for weeks due to a cyber attack.
- This real example illustrates how disruptive incidents can halt critical industrial operations.
Market Concentration Raises National Risk
- Australia may face disruptive attacks later than the UK but could suffer more from market concentration.
- Fewer, larger targets (banks, retailers, airlines) mean single incidents can cause national-level disruption.