Companies and institutions considered the “crown jewels” of the Australian economy will get beefed up protection from foreign cyberattacks as the Albanese government activates laws designed to safeguard critical infrastructure and nationally significant systems.

Using national security laws passed by the Coalition for the protection of essential services – including energy, utilities, communications, banking, healthcare and education operations – Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil has designated 82 of the most sensitive as critical infrastructure assets.