The convergence of cloud computing and 5G technology is set to revolutionise Australia’s digital landscape, transforming how the nation communicates, operates and defends itself. While this technological leap promises great benefits, it will also bring security challenges that could, left untreated, undermine our national interests. To capitalise on the potential of these innovations while protecting national security, the government must act strategically and decisively.
Cloud computing has already reshaped industries by offering on-demand access to computing resources, enabling faster innovation and improved efficiency across sectors. With the rollout of 5G, this transformation will accelerate.
Next-generation 5G networks promise faster speeds, higher capacity and ultra-low latency, facilitating real-time communication and processing across various applications.
Together, the cloud and 5G will provide the foundation for breakthroughs like the internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and smart infrastructure. These advancements will offer enhanced connectivity, real-time data processing and an ability to analyse massive amounts of data in previously impossible ways. They will transform everything from healthcare and manufacturing to transport and urban planning, improving decision-making and optimising resource use on a national scale.
This digital revolution is not without its risks.
The expanded reliance on cloud infrastructure and 5G networks creates a significantly larger attack surface for cyber adversaries. These technologies are integral to energy, transport and communications services. A successful cyberattack could have devastating consequences, compromising national security, economic stability and public safety.
The complex and interconnected nature of cloud and 5G ecosystems, which involve multiple vendors and international supply chains, makes them vulnerable to exploitation. Weaknesses in these systems could be abused to disrupt services or access sensitive data.
Additionally, as Australian organisations increasingly move their data to the cloud, concerns about data sovereignty and privacy arise. Securing sensitive information from foreign surveillance and ensuring that Australia’s data remains under its control is crucial in an era of geopolitical competition in cyberspace.
China’s growing dominance in cloud and 5G technologies presents a particular threat. As China expands its influence in global technology markets, it can embed vulnerabilities or backdoors into critical infrastructure. Given the Chinese government’s track record of exploiting technology for strategic advantage, Australia must carefully scrutinise any technology from Chinese companies. This digital influence could give China leverage over global supply chains, leading to espionage, intellectual property theft and the disruption of critical services.
To counter this growing digital influence, Australia must diversify its technological partnerships, reduce its reliance on Chinese-made technologies and work closely with like-minded nations, particularly its Five Eyes allies.
The Australian government must adopt a proactive, whole-of-government approach to address these national security challenges.
First, it must develop and implement a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy addressing the challenges that cloud and 5G technologies pose. This strategy should focus on securing critical infrastructure, protecting supply chains and ensuring data sovereignty. The government should also develop and enhance its cybersecurity capabilities, ensuring that the country can respond to emerging cyber threats quickly and effectively. This includes strengthening threat intelligence, vulnerability assessments and incident response capabilities.
Collaboration will be crucial in managing these risks. The Australian government should foster closer collaboration between industry, academia and international partners. As part of its ongoing work within the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, Australia should continue to engage in joint initiatives to strengthen cybersecurity frameworks, share threat intelligence and develop common standards for securing cloud infrastructure and 5G networks. These partnerships will ensure that Australia is not alone in confronting cyber threats.
The private sector also plays a central role in securing critical infrastructure. Public-private partnerships should be encouraged in order to enhance cybersecurity resilience across industries, ensuring that businesses can handle the evolving cyber threat landscape.
In addition to promoting international and industry collaboration, the Australian government must strengthen its domestic technological capabilities. This includes investing in Australian-owned cloud services and 5G solutions not subject to foreign influence or control. By diversifying its technological partnerships and building homegrown capabilities, Australia can reduce its exposure to foreign vulnerabilities, particularly from China, and ensure a more secure and independent digital infrastructure.
Finally, public awareness and education on cybersecurity should be a priority. The government must ensure that all sectors of society, from government agencies to private businesses and individuals, understand the risks associated with cloud and 5G technologies and are equipped to protect themselves. National cybersecurity awareness campaigns and training programmes should be expanded to ensure that the Australian public, both as consumers and as part of the workforce, are equipped with the knowledge to recognise and mitigate cyber risks.
The convergence of cloud and 5G technologies offers Australia an unprecedented opportunity to enhance its national security and technological capabilities. However, it also introduces risks that require immediate and sustained attention. By adopting a proactive and comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, strengthening international partnerships and investing in domestic capabilities, Australia can secure the benefits of this digital revolution while safeguarding its sovereignty and national security.
The time for action is now—Australia cannot afford to wait as these technologies reshape the future of global competition and security