As technologies advance and the tactics, techniques and procedures of cybercriminals evolve the need for cyber resilience and vigilance grows. Malicious cyber actors are rapidly exploiting security vulnerabilities, with data breaches increasing in frequency. Australian businesses in particular are attractive targets.
Cyber Security Awareness Month, which takes place every October, seeks to raise awareness of these ever-growing threats—but awareness alone is not enough. It is time to turn awareness into year‑round collective action.
The inaugural cyber action year
In 2026, for the first time, we are bringing leaders from government, industry and critical infrastructure together to be part of something bigger: a coordinated effort focused on delivering practical, measurable cyber security outcomes.
Cyber Action Year is an ASD‑led, industry‑driven program, designed to harness leadership, develop expertise and engage partnership across sectors. Together, we will deliver tangible activities that promote real, lasting change that shapes an ironclad cyber security posture.
To achieve this, we’re urging Australian industry to adopt the ‘assumed breach’ mindset which takes a premediated planning approach to if, not when, a cyber-compromise occurs.
Each month, ASD will address critical actions every organisation should prioritise. These will form our focus throughout 2026 and support your organisation in taking meaningful, actionable steps toward a robust cyber security posture and culture.
Cyber Action Year is about working together, sharing experiences, and delivering real outcomes. Join us in turning awareness into action and help make Australia a more cyber secure nation, not just for now, but for the long term.