What is SOCI Act (Security of Critical Infrastructure)?
The Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (SOCI Act) is Australian legislation imposing security obligations on organisations in critical sectors such as energy, water, health care, food, transport and data storage. Obligations include registering assets, reporting cyber incidents within strict timeframes and maintaining a risk management program.
Why SOCI Act matters for Australian businesses
Australian businesses face a growing web of regulatory obligations, from the Privacy Act and Essential Eight to industry-specific standards like PCI DSS. Non-compliance can result in significant fines, reputational damage, and loss of client trust. Understanding these frameworks helps you build a security posture that satisfies regulators and reassures your clients.
For small and medium businesses in particular, the SOCI Act can make a real difference in maintaining a secure, efficient, and resilient IT environment. Whether you are reviewing your current setup or planning improvements, understanding the role of the SOCI Act in your broader IT strategy will help you have more informed conversations with your IT provider and make better decisions for your business.
Related terms
ACSC • Incident Response • Cyber Risk Assessment
How All IT Services can help
At All IT Services, we help businesses across Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and regional NSW implement and manage the SOCI Act as part of our comprehensive compliance services. If you have questions about how this fits into your IT strategy, contact our team for a no-obligation consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SOCI Act?
It is federal legislation requiring critical infrastructure operators to register assets, manage security risks and report serious cyber incidents to the government within mandated timeframes.
Which sectors does the SOCI Act cover?
Eleven sectors including electricity, gas, water, health care, food and grocery, transport, communications, financial services, higher education and data storage or processing.
Does the SOCI Act affect small suppliers?
Often indirectly — critical infrastructure operators push security requirements into supplier contracts, so SMBs serving those sectors must demonstrate sound cyber practices.