Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness has confirmed her appointment as the new national cyber security coordinator.

“I’m delighted to be announced as Australia’s new National Cyber Security Coordinator,” she wrote on LinkedIn.

“I’m excited to get started and continue to ensure that Australia is best positioned to respond to threats of the digital age.”

She takes over from Hamish Hansford who’s been acting in the role since the departure of the inaugural coordinator Air Marshal Darren Goldie, who was recalled after less than six months in the role to deal with a workplace matter.

Lieutenant General McGuinness has served in the Australian Defence Force for 30 years in a range of roles in Australia and internationally.

She has served as Deputy Director Commonwealth Integration in the US Defense Intelligence Agency since January 2021.

“Now her mission will be to protect against and respond to major cyber security threats and incidents facing Australia,” home affairs and cyber security minister Clare O’Neil said on social media.

Working with National Office of Cyber Security, Lieutenant General McGuinness would drive forward work to position Australia to respond to the opportunities and challenges of the digital age, Ms O’Neil said.

“I’m looking forward to working with Lieutenant General McGuiness to help keep Australia safe from cyber criminals and help make our country one of the most cyber secure nations in the world by 2030,” she said.