The Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre (Aus3C), in collaboration with CSIRO’s Data 61 and the Australian Department of Home Affairs, has announced that it is working on developing the Voluntary Data Classification Framework (VDCF) as part of Australia’s National Cybersecurity Strategy.
The initiative aims to establish a unified, standardised approach to assessing and protecting data risk in organisations across multiple sectors.
The VDCF, set to be launched by late 2025, seeks to address long-standing industry challenges in classifying data by its value and sensitivity. By adopting this standardised framework, organisations can better identify, assess and mitigate data risks, ultimately enhancing Australia’s cyber resilience.
As part of the consultation process, Aus3C calls on Australian businesses across various industries to participate in free nationwide workshops and contribute to shaping this vital framework.
These workshops, scheduled for the first half of December in all the major Australian capitals, will provide businesses with insights from leading cybersecurity experts while offering an opportunity to voice their unique challenges and concerns regarding their data security.
“Industries often struggle with effectively identifying and assessing the value and sensitivity of their data, which varies significantly across sectors,” said Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre CEO Matthew Salier. “This lack of a consistent framework leads to challenges in communicating data risk and implementing appropriate security measures, ultimately increasing enterprise risk.”
“Enhancing our nation’s cyber defences is critical, and all Australian businesses need to play their part in protecting our collective data security,” he added. “We must equip all organisations with the necessary tools to navigate this complex environment. Our goal is to drive education and resources that empower Australian organisations to take control of their data security.”
The Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre (Aus3C) is an independent, not-for-profit, member-based organisation that utilises its knowledge, networks and expertise to make cyberspace a better and safer place for organisations, corporations, agencies and institutions to conduct business. It brings together education, industry and business sectors, fostering collaboration and synergy to build sovereign capability.
Aus3C is a national leader forging partnerships with industry, researchers and government to collaborate more effectively to improve our cybersecurity posture. Aus3C is committed to supporting Australian organisations in adopting effective cybersecurity and data protection practices. The free workshops will offer practical guidance on navigating the complexities of cybersecurity while highlighting the importance of consistent, risk-aligned approaches to data protection.
Australian businesses across various sectors are encouraged to participate in the free workshops, network with their peers and learn from and meet cybersecurity experts. The event dates and locations are as follows:
- Sydney (3rd December) at the University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo.
- Brisbane (4th December) at the University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus.
- Melbourne (10th December) at NBN HQ, 41/360 Elizabeth St, Melbourne.
- Adelaide (12th December) at Aus3C, TechCentral, Lot Fourteen, Frome Rd, Adelaide.
See www.cybercollaboration.org.au for further event details and to register.
