Strategic context

The South Australian (SA) Cyber Security Strategy sits within a broader strategic framework. The strategy acknowledges these other important documents whilst seeking to ensure there is suitable focus on protecting SA’s interests through focused initiatives that improve cyber security and protect and improve the cyber resilience of citizens, businesses and government.

The strategy does not replace the need for SA Government agencies to maintain their own respective digital, data and cyber security strategies. The aim of this strategy is to ensure a ‘single pane of glass’ for agencies and the wider public to invest in their cyber security with confidence while understanding how they fit within the wider set of government-led initiatives.

A shared responsibility for delivery

This Cyber Security Strategy reflects the SA Government’s enduring commitment to fostering a cyber-resilient and prosperous state. It outlines a suite of coordinated initiatives spanning communities, government, education, academia, and industry. Achieving the vision of a cyber-resilient SA requires meaningful partnerships within government and beyond, engaging external stakeholders to drive this vision forward.

At the core of the strategy is the SA Government’s dedication to fostering open collaboration across government departments, alongside industry, academic institutions, and community groups. The delivery of this strategy is fundamentally a collective effort. No single department, organisation, or individual can realise this vision independently. True success hinges on a collaborative, cross-agency approach that harnesses the strengths and expertise of all parties involved.

Implementation approach

The SA Cyber Security Strategy will be delivered across three horizons spanning a six-year delivery timeframe.

Each strategic objective contains several priorities which are further deconstructed into initiatives and then actions (refer to image below for example).

Initiatives will have an assigned lead agency who will be responsible for coordinating, managing and reporting on progress. Progress against mapped initiatives will be reported on annually and monitored via a strategic governance group with cross-agency representation.

Delivery horizons

2025 -  Horizon 1

• We will build and strengthen our foundations. We will identify critical areas or gaps within the current SA cyber landscape to develop better protections for SA’s most vulnerable individuals and businesses.

2027 - Horizon 2

• We will expand our services, collaborations, and cross sector engagement. We will improve resource allocation and efficiency through better service delivery models, governance, and technology.

2029 -  Horizon 3

• We will become a leader for state-based innovation and aspirations in cyber security. We will lead the advancement of forthcoming cyber technologies to protect ourselves against emerging risks and opportunities in the everchanging technology landscape.

To ensure currency with SA cyber challenges, the strategy and plan will be reviewed every two years with additional elements of each horizon being published in response to cyber threats, national strategy initiatives and changes in government priorities.

Measuring success

Transparent forecasting and reporting of the SA Government’s progress are critical to fostering trust with our partners. The Department of Treasury and Finance will lead coordinated public updates on progress towards the strategic objectives and priorities on an annual basis.