Australia's Cyber and Critical Technology Cooperation Program (CCTCP) was established in 2016 and works across the Indo-Pacific to improve cyber resilience.

The CCTCP supports Australia's commitment to deliver on the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which recognises the vital role of digital technologies to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all by:

• strengthening capacity to maximise the opportunities and mitigate the risks related to the use of cyberspace and critical technologies; and
• enhancing resilience and increasing capabilities across the spectrum of cyber and critical technologies issues, including cyber security, cybercrime prevention and prosecution, international law and norms, and upholding liberal democratic values and principles in the use of cyberspace and critical technologies.

On 22 November 2023, Australia launched its 2023-2030 Cyber Security Strategy. The Strategy sets out the Australian Government's vision to be a world leader in cyber security by 2030.

The Strategy takes a whole-of-nation approach to building cyber resilience, incorporating domestic and international elements. The Strategy’s ‘Shield 6’ refers to a Resilient regional and global leadership.

Program redesign

Since July 2016, CCTCP has funded 146 cyber cooperation and capacity building initiatives worth $68.4 million in 24 ODA-eligible countries across Southeast Asia and the Pacific to continue uplifting cyber resilience in the region.

The Australian Government is refocusing the Cyber and Critical Technology Cooperation Program to provide more targeted, impactful and sustainable capacity building initiatives for enduring cyber resilience in Southeast Asia and the Pacific to ensure regional governments are better positioned to prevent or respond to cyber incidents.

Under the redesigned program, the Australian Government will contribute a further $43.2 million to cyber capacity building in the region until 2028. The redesigned program is expected to bring together our capacity building with the new initiatives funded through the Strategy under one overarching, cohesive program. In parallel to redesigning the program, DFAT continues to deliver cyber capacity building in the Indo-Pacific, including for example

• partnering with the US in Palau to provide support following cyber incidents in early 2024. Australian support includes a vulnerability assessment on key parts of Palau’s Government network and provision of a private sector expert as a Cyber Security Advisor;
• delivering cyber security exercising in countries across the Pacific, to improve incident response resilience and the knowledge and capability of participating Pacific governments;
• strengthening cyber capability in Laos through partnering with its government to enhance cyber incidence response, uplift cyber awareness and training of its workforces, and build cyber security resilience;
• supporting women from across the Indo Pacific to attend meetings of the UN Open Ended Working Group on Cyber (OEWG).

Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Strategy

Gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) is a Values Pillar of the International Cyber and Critical Technology Engagement Strategy and a cross-cutting theme of the CCTCP. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is committed to ensuring that all its investments and diplomatic activities progress GEDSI outcomes, in line with the Australian Government's international commitments to sustainable development, gender equality and disability rights.

As an example, various initiatives were established under the “Women, Peace and Cybersecurity” projects across the Indo-Pacific. These address knowledge gaps and build capability to strengthen the cyber security posture of women’s civil society organisations and human rights defenders.