The Australian Government released the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy: Legislative Reforms Consultation Paper (the Consultation Paper) in December 2023. The Consultation Paper follows the Australian Government's 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy (the Strategy). The Strategy aims to build 'cyber shields' to strengthen Australia's cyber defenses and build resilience against cyber-attacks. Katherine Sainty, Kaelah Dowman, and Sarah Macken, from Sainty Law, explore the current ransomware environment in Australia and the Government's proposed ransomware reporting obligations.

Technological developments are advancing rapidly, creating an abundance of opportunities, and connecting people and systems globally. Approximately 99% of Australians use the internet, highlighting how technology has become an essential component of daily life, linking workplaces, schools, and homes. These advancements and an increased reliance on technology means Australians are more susceptible to cyber threats and cybercriminals are becoming more adaptable and proficient than ever before. There is mounting pressure on the Australian government to address cyber threats through regulation. On November 22, 2023, the Australian Government released the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy (the Strategy). Katherine Sainty, Kaelah Dowman, and Sarah Macken, from Sainty Law, discuss the development of the Strategy and how it will be released, as well as next steps.

The spam email lurking in your junk folder could be more dangerous than you think. Every day, a substantial proportion of all emails and SMS messages sent across the globe are spam messages. With the risk of spam messages ranging from mere annoyance to large-scale cyber-attacks, regulators worldwide are cracking down on the bad actors who send these messages. As enforcement efforts ramp up in Australia and abroad, businesses that send marketing messages must pay careful attention to anti-spam regulation to make sure their messages are not classified as spam and to avoid significant financial and reputational damage. In this Insight article, Katherine Sainty and Lily O'Brien, from Sainty Law, explore the dangers of spam, Australia's anti-spam regime, and shifting enforcement attitudes.

Success in the legal industry requires firms to streamline business processes, improve efficiency, and focus their attention on delivering exceptional client service. The race to success has seen many firms adopt tools powered by artificial intelligence (AI). AI-powered tools have the potential to assist lawyers with conducting legal research, contract drafting, and document review more efficiently, allowing them to focus the time saved on advising on more complex legal issues, client service, and business development.

However, there are concerns about how lawyers can use AI-powered tools while simultaneously fulfilling their legally mandated professional duties if the security, accuracy, and quality of information of AI-powered tools are continuously questioned. Katherine Sainty, and Julia Colubriale, from Sainty Law, explore the application of AI-powered tools in the Australian legal profession and their interaction with the professional responsibilities under the Legal Professional Uniform Law 2014 (LPUL)¹ and the Australian Solicitor's Conduct Rules 2015 (ASCR)² that lawyers must adhere to when incorporating these tools into their legal practice.

May 7, 2023 saw the conclusion of Australia's annual Privacy Awareness Week (PAW). PAW is run by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) in conjunction with state and territory privacy regulators and the Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities forum. Katherine Sainty and Ottilia Thomson, from Sainty Law, discuss the theme of PAW 2023 and the privacy basics that businesses need to consider.