Minister's foreword

The digital landscape presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant risks. With digital technology continuing to change how we work, learn and engage, South Australians are pushing the limits of their imagination to solve problems and add value to our world.

We want South Australia to be  known as an ambitious and capable state that embraces technology and drives innovation. The state’s continued prosperity relies on finding new and better ways of doing things.

The South Australian (SA) Government is committed to fostering a safe, secure, and resilient digital environment, ensuring South Australians are prepared to meet future challenges that our increasingly digitised world brings.

This dedicated, whole of government Cyber Security Strategy demonstrates the government’s ongoing commitment to a cyber resilient SA. SA is leading the way in cyber security and innovation. With significant investments and strategic initiatives, the state is positioning itself  as a national hub for technological advancements while safeguarding against the growing risks of cyber threats.

The 2023- 2030 Australian Government Cyber Strategy sets out a bold vision for Australia to be a world leader in cyber security by 2030. This South Australian Strategy demonstrates SA’s alignment to this mission and seeks to cement SA’s strong position as a secure partner of choice, attracting investment, retaining talent, and delivering innovative solutions to national and global security challenges.

Cyber security is an industry that drives a significant source of economic growth, and is a key enabler of critical sectors such as defence, space, and critical infrastructure. The cyber security industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in SA. Through strategic investments and partnerships,  SA is becoming a centre of excellence in cyber security and digital innovation.

This strategy sets a clear vision for SA, demonstrating that, together, we can ensure the state remains at the forefront of cyber security - ensuring SA remains a stable and secure partner of choice in an increasingly insecure world – as well as a safe and prosperous place  to live, work and do business.

Introduction

The evolving cyber landscape presents significant challenges for all South Australians.

The SA Cyber Security Strategy adopts a comprehensive approach to address these challenges while seizing economic opportunities. The strategy outlines how South Australia will establish itself as a leader in both cyber resilience and innovation.

By enhancing the preparedness and resilience of our people, communities, industries, critical infrastructure, and government services, we will ensure they are equipped to withstand cyber threats. At the same time, the strategy will harness the opportunities that an increased focus on cyber security  offers, contributing to economic growth and innovation.

The 2023–2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy sets a whole-of-nation foundation for responding to cyber threats. The strategy emphasises the need to collaborate with all levels of
government and industry to achieve the vision of Australia being a world leader in cyber security.

In alignment with the national effort, it is critical that the SA Government acts. The digital platforms and services we rely on have become more integral to our daily lives, and it is essential to protect our people, businesses, and government systems. Government must lead by example,  enhancing cyber security protections, promoting intelligence sharing, and fostering resilience across sectors.

Cyber security is not solely the responsibility of the government. It requires active collaboration across businesses, educational institutions, and the public to build a secure digital environment. This strategy will implement evidence-based initiatives to address both present and future cyber risks,  ensuring SA is prepared to prevent, detect, and respond to threats before they cause widespread harm.

By taking a proactive, unified approach, SA can secure its digital future and build a secure, resilient, and prosperous state in the face of technological change and the evolving threat landscape.

Cyber security is one of the fastest-growing sectors across the world and will be a key source of economic growth as our reliance on digital technologies continues to accelerate. Australia spent approximately $7.6 billion on cyber security in 2024 – a 9% yearly increase from 2020 – and is driving demand  for an additional 18,000 cyber security professionals over the coming years.

Building SA’s capability and further developing a robust cyber security industry will strengthen our position as a security partner of choice, attracting investment and providing growth export opportunities.

A robust cyber ecosystem is essential to the success of many strategic government initiatives,
such as green energy, advanced technologies, and nation-building efforts like AUKUS.

By investing in SA’s people, educational pathways, and early-career opportunities, we aim to foster a thriving cyber economy supported by a diverse, skilled workforce. This workforce will support the state’s growing digital economy, increasing economic complexity, and helping build a sovereign industrial  base capable of competing globally. Achieving our vision of a cyber-resilient state requires collective action. This strategy represents the Government’s plan to ensure our state remains safe, engaged, and competitive in an interconnected digital world.

The world is operating in an increasingly complex digital environment. As our dependence on digital platforms and online services continues to grow, safeguarding these systems and protecting our communities has never been more critical.