NEW CYBER SECURITY CENTRE IN MELBOURNE TO BOOST NATIONAL SECURITY

Today, in Melbourne, the Government launched Australia’s second Joint Cyber Security Centre. 

Building on the success of the first centre that opened in Brisbane in February 2017, the new centre will capitalise on the concentration of cyber expertise in the region. It will provide up- to-date information about the nature and number of cyber threats, as well as help business and government better understand cyber risks and respond to them. 

Cyber security is a key national security priority for the Government, as well as a serious challenge for industry. Cybercrime is estimated to cost Australia over $1 billion each year. 

By the end of 2017, additional Joint Cyber Security Centres will be established in Sydney and Perth. Work is also underway on an online information sharing portal to broaden the reach of the centres and support the timely sharing of cyber security information across Australia. 

The centre is led by CERT Australia and includes representatives from the Australian and Victorian governments, as well as law enforcement agencies and businesses responsible for critical infrastructure and systems of national interest. 

The structure of the centre provides a trusted environment for collaboration and information-sharing on cyber security. It will also deliver a broad range of activities, from workshops on specific cyber threats, to developing solutions to cyber security risks. 

The $47 million Joint Cyber Security Centre program has been designed in partnership with industry as part of Australia’s Cyber Security Strategy. Strong cyber security enables innovation, growth and prosperity for all Australians—a key focus of the strategy. 

The Joint Cyber Security Centres will be closely linked to the Australian Cyber Security Centre, which is currently being relocated from the ASIO Building to Brindabella Park, Canberra. The ACSC brings together key government agencies and, as part of the relocation, will increase its engagement with Industry and Academia. 

Securing Australia’s cyberspace is not something Government can do alone—we acknowledge the commitment, expertise and participation of the many industry organisations involved.