In a move that shows both countries are indeed serious in acting against cybercrime, Australia and the United States extended their defence treaty to include cybersecurity.

US and Australian officials have decided to include cooperation on cybersecurity as part of their defence agreement amid the ongoing cyberthreat coming from the Pacific region, particularly China and North Korea.

This is the first time the Obama administration has officially made a cybersecurity efforts partnership with a country outside NATO.

Obama stated earlier this year the US will work aggressively with other nations to combat cybercrime, improve law enforcement cooperation against cyber terrorists and hackers, and create broad international policies to help make the internet more secure for global users.

"Cyber is the battlefield of the future," Defence Secretary Leon Panetta told the New Zealand Herald. "We are all going to have to work very hard not only to defend against cyber attacks, but to be aggressive with regards to cyber attacks as well."

The best way to accomplish that goal is to work with allies like Australia, Panetta told reporters travelling with him to San Francisco, where he was to meet with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and their Australian counterparts for their annual talks on security cooperation.

The decision to add cyberspace to the two nations' bilateral treaty mean the two allies will work together in the event of a computer-related attack in either country.

Cybercriminals are in the habit of using the internet to steal money, hack computers for classified information and technology, and attempt to disturb or destroy critical networks. Officials say they must work more closely together to protect government and corporate networks, including those that control critical infrastructure, such as telecommunications networks, nuclear power plants, and transportation systems, among others.

Cybersecurity is just one of the items in the agenda of the Australian and American leaders for their annual talks. However, it is critical considering both China and North Korea have moved aggressively to increase their military posture in the Pacific.

Leaders in both countries are also set to make further steps towards an agreement to allow the United States to expand its military presence in Australia. While US officials said they are not looking to establish any American bases in Australia, they have expressed their wish to increase military access and cooperation that will allow the US to broaden its posture in the Pacific.