CS4CA ANZ Summit 2027
The CS4CA ANZ Summit 2027, taking place in Perth, Australia, is a dedicated forum addressing critical cybersecurity challenges and fostering collaboration within the region. This event brings together experts and stakeholders to discuss strategies and solutions for protecting digital infrastructure and data against evolving threats. Its focus on the Australia-New Zealand (ANZ) region highlights the shared security interests and interconnected digital landscapes of these nations.
Committees & topics
Why it matters
Cybersecurity has become a paramount concern for nations globally, and the Australia-New Zealand region is no exception. The increasing sophistication of cyber threats, ranging from state-sponsored attacks to organized cybercrime, necessitates robust defense mechanisms and proactive strategies. Events like the CS4CA ANZ Summit provide a crucial platform for knowledge exchange and the development of collective resilience against these pervasive dangers.
The summit's emphasis on the ANZ region underscores the unique geopolitical and economic considerations that shape cybersecurity priorities in this part of the world. As digital transformation accelerates across industries, the protection of critical infrastructure, sensitive data, and national security interests becomes ever more vital. Collaborative efforts and shared best practices, as facilitated by this summit, are essential for maintaining a secure and stable digital environment.
Furthermore, the discussions at the CS4CA ANZ Summit contribute to the broader international dialogue on cybersecurity governance and cooperation. By addressing regional challenges, participants also inform global approaches to cyber defense, incident response, and policy development. The insights gained and partnerships forged at such events are instrumental in strengthening the overall fabric of global cybersecurity.
How to prepare
Delegates preparing for the CS4CA ANZ Summit should focus on understanding the current cybersecurity landscape within AUS and the broader ANZ context. This includes familiarizing oneself with recent cyber incidents, policy developments, and key governmental or industry initiatives related to cyber defense. A strong grasp of the specific threats and vulnerabilities prevalent in the region will enable more effective engagement during discussions.
To maximize participation, consider researching the various stakeholders involved in cybersecurity across the region. This includes government agencies, private sector organizations, and academic institutions. Understanding their respective roles and priorities, as outlined in the "what-is-stakeholder-mapping" lesson, can inform your contributions and networking efforts. Preparing specific questions or case studies related to your organization's experiences or interests can also facilitate more productive interactions.
Furthermore, reviewing concepts related to "critical-information-infrastructure" and "critical-infrastructure-protection" from the glossary will be beneficial, as these are often central themes in regional cybersecurity dialogues. Thinking about potential "engagement-strategies" for cross-sector collaboration will also be valuable, as effective cybersecurity often relies on public-private partnerships.
Country perspectives
Where the most-relevant 2 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile.
AustraliaActively seeking to enhance national cybersecurity capabilities and foster regional collaboration.
Role in topic
As the host nation, AUS plays a central role in organizing and facilitating discussions at the summit. It is a key player in developing and implementing cybersecurity policies and strategies within the ANZ region, aiming to protect its digital economy and critical infrastructure. The summit provides a platform for AUS to showcase its advancements and collaborate with regional partners.
New ZealandCommitted to strengthening its cyber resilience and collaborating with regional partners on shared security challenges.
Role in topic
NZL is a significant regional partner with shared cybersecurity interests with AUS. While not the host, its participation is crucial for discussions on regional cyber threats and collaborative defense strategies. NZL actively works to enhance its national cyber defenses and contributes to a collective regional security posture.
Topics & background
The background behind each topic and the actors that shape it.
Cybersecurity in the Asia-Pacific Threat Landscape
Key players
- Australia
Regional cyber leader; operates ACSC and ASD, drives SOCI Act reforms.
- New Zealand
Five Eyes partner; NCSC coordinates national cyber defence.
United StatesSets allied cyber doctrine; CISA and NSA underpin intelligence sharing.
ChinaFrequently named by allied governments as origin of state-linked intrusion sets.
RussiaSource of major criminal and state-aligned cyber operations targeting the West.
North KoreaConducts financially motivated cyber operations, including against crypto and finance.
Protection of Critical Infrastructure
Key players
- Australia
Operates expanded SOCI regime with government assistance powers.
- New Zealand
Developing critical infrastructure resilience legislation.
- United States
Sets benchmarks via CISA sector risk-management agencies and NIST.
United KingdomNPSA/NCSC model influential on ANZ infrastructure protection regimes.
JapanKey Indo-Pacific partner advancing critical infrastructure cybersecurity cooperation.
Operational Technology (OT) Security
Key players
- Australia
Major OT footprint in mining, LNG and utilities; ACSC issues OT-specific guidance.
- New Zealand
OT-heavy energy, dairy processing and port sectors driving resilience reform.
- United States
CISA and NIST set globally referenced OT security standards.
GermanyHome to dominant OT vendors (Siemens) shaping global ICS practice.
IsraelHub for OT/ICS security vendors and threat research.
IT/OT Convergence
Key players
- Australia
Regulators push converged cyber governance under SOCI obligations.
- New Zealand
Industrial operators piloting converged SOC and zero-trust OT models.
- United States
Vendor and standards leader; NIST CSF 2.0 and CISA shape convergence playbooks.
- Germany
Industry 4.0 originator; pioneers connected manufacturing reference designs.
- Japan
Major industrial automation vendor base advancing secure convergence.
Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security
Key players
- Australia
ICS-heavy mining and energy sectors; ACSC issues joint ICS advisories.
- New Zealand
Grid and water sector ICS modernisation underway.
- United States
CISA leads global ICS advisory ecosystem; PIPEDREAM disclosures originated here.
UkraineReal-world laboratory of state ICS attacks since 2015.
- Russia
State-linked groups (Sandworm, Xenotime) repeatedly tied to ICS-targeting malware.
SCADA Systems Security
Key players
- Australia
Site of the seminal Maroochy SCADA incident; major distributed utility SCADA estates.
- New Zealand
Geographically dispersed grid and water SCADA exposed to remote-access risk.
- United States
Sets dominant SCADA vendor standards and threat intelligence baseline.
- Ukraine
Demonstrated impact of adversary use of legitimate SCADA functions.
- Germany
Major SCADA platform vendors (Siemens) shape global deployments.
The Ransomware Threat
Key players
- Australia
Co-leads Counter Ransomware Initiative; introduced mandatory ransomware reporting.
- New Zealand
Active CRI member coordinating victim notification and disruption.
- United States
Largest victim base; FBI and Treasury lead disruption and sanctions.
- United Kingdom
Co-leads CRI policy pillar; NCA central to LockBit takedown operations.
- Russia
Permissive jurisdiction for the majority of high-impact RaaS operators.
- North Korea
State-linked groups conduct ransomware for revenue generation.
Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity
Key players
- United States
Home of leading frontier AI labs and AI-security product ecosystem.
- China
Major AI capability; named in allied advisories on AI-enabled cyber operations.
- United Kingdom
Convened first AI Safety Summit; AISI leads model evaluation work.
- Australia
Developing voluntary and mandatory AI guardrails; integrating AI into ACSC operations.
- New Zealand
Aligning AI assurance with Five Eyes and OECD principles.
- Israel
Significant exporter of AI-driven cyber defence and offensive technologies.
Resources
News, lessons, and country profiles to prep for CS4CA ANZ Summit 2027.
Recent reporting to ground your prep
Lessons
Bite-sized lessons to build the basics
Courses
Guided courses that go deeper on the topic
The states in play, with the data that shapes their stance