NSW Cyber Security Strategy 2026–2028

The NSW Government has released its updated 2026–2028 NSW Government Cyber Security Strategy, marking a strategic pivot to confront the rapid evolution of cyber threats and enhance the resilience of public digital services. Building on the foundations of the 2021 strategy, this two-year plan emphasises strengthened governance, accelerated incident response and an uplift in cyber capability across the public sector. At its core, the strategy recognises that meeting today’s cyber challenges requires partnership beyond government alone. 

While the strategy delineates five key objectives to uplift cyber resilience across NSW Government agencies, it also underscores the importance of collaboration with external partners — particularly industry, academia and the broader cyber ecosystem. This prioritisation reflects an understanding that government must harness external expertise, innovation and shared intelligence to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated threats. 

Driving Industry Engagement and Innovation

The strategy’s vision includes proactive engagement with industry to co-develop solutions and share best practices. Initiatives designed to help NSW cyber security businesses grow — such as facilitating direct engagement with government procurement leads and connecting local companies to networks, workshops and mentorship resources — will open new pathways for commercial growth and strategic collaboration. These activities not only deepen public–private cooperation but also support the commercialisation of sovereign cyber capabilities and expand export opportunities for NSW-based companies in global markets. 

Strengthening the Cyber Workforce Together

Workforce development is another clear area for collaboration. The strategy promotes partnerships with industry and education providers — including TAFE NSW and private sector training organisations — to build a more skilled and agile cyber workforce. By aligning public sector training with industry needs and facilitating school and early-career pathways, NSW is creating bridges that benefit both government agencies and private cyber employers. 

Enhancing Shared Intelligence and Best Practice

Collaboration also extends to information sharing and joint approaches to threat detection. The strategy emphasises stronger cooperation across government and with national partners on cyber intelligence — a realm where private sector insights can be invaluable. More effective sharing of threat indicators, combined with industry-led innovation in tools and methodologies, promises to improve visibility across the whole landscape and accelerate responses to emerging threats. 

Conclusion

In a digital environment where risks cross organisational boundaries, the NSW Cyber Security Strategy 2026–2028 positions public–private collaboration as a central pillar of resilience. By facilitating structured engagement with industry, supporting innovation pathways, and aligning workforce development efforts, the strategy not only protects public services but also strengthens NSW’s broader cyber ecosystem — creating opportunities for shared growth, capability uplift and a safer digital future.