Lt. General Michelle McGuinness, a 30-year military intelligence veteran, is appointed as Australia’s national cyber security coordinator. She aims to strengthen business-government collaboration against rising cyber threats.
Military intelligence veteran Michelle McGuinness has been appointed national cyber security coordinator by the Department of Home Affairs, formally replacing Air Marshall Darren Goldie, who was recalled last year following allegations about a workplace matter.
"I’m excited to get started and continue to ensure that Australia is best positioned to respond to threats of the digital age," McGuinness said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Mcguinness has served the defence force for 30 years in several roles,and most recently was deputy director for Commonwealth integration (DDCI).
"Previously, while serving in the Defence Intelligence Organisation, she led interagency intelligence efforts supporting whole-of-government counter-proliferation initiatives, as well as Australia’s Strategic Health Intelligence capability during the COVID-19 pandemic," Clare O'Neil, Minister for Home Affairs of Australia said in a statement.
"With the National Office of Cyber Security, the coordinator drives forward the necessary work to ensure Australia is best positioned to respond to the opportunities and challenges of the digital age.”
Praised for her extensive experience, McGuinness takes on a crucial position amid a surge in cyber attacks. Her challenge includes persuading major businesses to collaborate with government cyber defence experts to address escalating threats effectively.
McGuinness aims to position Australia strategically in navigating the opportunities and challenges of the digital age, building on her previous roles, including leading intelligence efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Chinese ship captain has been charged in Taiwan for deliberately damaging a subsea cable, marking a rare prosecution tied to infrastructure sabotage. The case highlights growing concerns over global undersea cable vulnerabilities amid rising tensions with China.
Australia is facing a double threat to its financial security: cyberattacks on major superannuation funds and the fallout from Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff declaration. Both have exposed deep vulnerabilities in retirement savings, leaving Australia’s future wealth increasingly at risk.
Major cyber alliances are buckling. Australia’s super funds are under digital siege, the US slashes cyber defenses, and Five Eyes unity is faltering. As threats mount from China and Russia, the West’s fractured response risks emboldening adversaries and weakening global cyber resilience.
A coordinated cyberattack hit Australia’s largest pension funds, compromising over 20,000 accounts. Hackers targeted retirees for fraud, exploiting weak authentication. The breach exposed major gaps in super fund security and shook public trust in the $3.5T industry.
