Critical Infrastructure Protection Branch
The Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Branch is responsible for the development of Australian Government policy relating to the protection of Australia's critical infrastructure, including the National Information Infrastructure.
Key responsibilities of the branch include the development of national critical infrastructure policy and the coordination of critical infrastructure policies between all levels of government. The branch also provides oversight of the Trusted Information Sharing Network (TISN) which facilitates cooperation between business and government on critical infrastructure protection issues. Further information about the TISN is available from www.tisn.gov.au.
The Critical Infrastructure Protection Policy Section provides guidance and advice on key critical infrastructure issues and strategies. It is responsible for developing and maintaining the National Critical Infrastructure Protection Strategy. It works with the National Counter-Terrorism Committee and states and territories to refine and coordinate critical infrastructure roles and responsibilities. The section also provides secretariat support to several TISN advisory groups and provides internal legal advice on CIP matters
The Major Projects Section is responsible for managing:
- The Computer Network Vulnerability Assessment Program - a Government grants program to assist owners and operators of critical infrastructure engage independent experts to carry out security assessments of key computer networks.
- The Critical Infrastructure Protection Modelling and Analysis Program - which is a computer based capability used to identify and analyse the relationships and dependencies between critical infrastructures, and the consequences of infrastructure failure. The program operates with the support and input of business and government.
The National Information Infrastructure Section focuses on information technology (IT) security issues and works closely with IT security stakeholders to help protect Australia’s National Information Infrastructure. The section provides policy and logistical support for the Australian Government Computer Emergency Readiness Team (GovCERT.au). It also provides secretariat support to a TISN advisory group.
The National Security Business Partnerships Section is responsible for communicating the work of CIP Branch and the TISN to all key stakeholders. It facilitates relationships between Australian Government agencies and all TISN stakeholders. The section also provides secretariat support to the Critical Infrastructure Advisory Council and the Business Government Advisory Group on National Security.