Air Marshal Darren Goldie, Australia's first-ever cybersecurity coordinator, has called on companies not to fall into the ransom trap. 

Citing the potential disastrous consequences of complying with cybercriminals' demands, Goldie says that paying ransoms only fuels the illicit business model, turning Australia into a target for cybercrime.

As the Australian government gears up to unveil its 2023-2030 Cyber Security Strategy, Goldie has voiced concerns about the rapidly advancing technology landscape, particularly artificial intelligence, which poses new and challenging threats to cybersecurity.

In his debut interview following his appointment, Goldie strongly discouraged Australians from caving in to ransom demands.

“Paying a ransom neither guarantees that your data won't be released, nor guarantees that they won't be back next week asking for another ransom,” he said.

“I think it is a mistake. I think it feeds that criminal model and we'll see Australia become a rich target.”

The necessity of Goldie’s new role is evident in high-profile breaches at Optus, Medibank, and Latitude Financial. 

The absence of a robust emergency response mechanism for such attacks drove the creation of the position, aimed at coordinating a comprehensive response to cyber assaults and devising a new strategy.

Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security, Clare O'Neil, has hinted at extending the definition of critical infrastructure under the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act to include customer data and systems. 

This measure would grant the government the authority to intervene in major breaches.

Additionally, the Australian government is considering introducing additional obligations and standards for industries through the new Cyber Security Act. 

A finalised strategy is expected by year-end.

Goldie also pointed out the emergence of artificial intelligence as a new challenge. The growing utilisation of AI by threat actors enhances their agility and sophistication in cyberspace, presenting a formidable hurdle to overcome.