Cooperative Research Centre to strengthen cyber security

A Cyber Security Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) has been launched by the Federal and Western Australian Governments to grow capability in cyber security research, development and commercialisation.

The Cyber Security CRC, based at Edith Cowan University in Perth, is the result of collaboration between industry, government and the research sector.

The centre is charged with delivering advancements that will build Australia’s cyber security capability and deliver solutions to ensure the safety of Australians and Australian businesses online.

The Cyber Security CRC will focus on three key areas:

• Ensuring the security of critical infrastructure by developing innovative approaches, tools and techniques to predict, prevent, detect and respond to cyber threats
• Enabling Australian individuals, businesses and industries to access cyber security solutions which build national and international confidence in Australia as a safe and trusted place to do business and access cyberspace
• Building the next generation of industry, government and research cyber security leaders, and increasing maturity, capability and collaboration in the sector

The CRC has leveraged $84.4 million worth of contributions from 25 industry, state government, university and research participants, in addition to $50 million from the Australian Government over seven years and $5.6 million from the Western Australian Government over seven years, totalling $140 million.

Minister for Jobs and Innovation, Michaelia Cash, said the Cyber Security CRC activities build on the Cyber Security Strategy, launched in 2016, which sets out the Federal Government’s agenda for advancing and protecting Australia’s interests online.

“We want to keep Australia safe and competitive in an increasingly digital world and today’s launch is evidence that we are taking action to do so,” Ms Cash said.

“The global cyber security market is growing rapidly and presents great opportunities for Australian workers and businesses. Our investment shows we are committed to developing Australia’s cyber security industry and to creating jobs within it.”

Minister for Law Enforcement and Cyber Security, Angus Taylor, said cyber security was a strategic priority for Australia’s national security and the country’s critical infrastructure.

“Australians face ever evolving cyber threats in our workplaces, businesses and homes. This centre will help us combat these threats and develop more sophisticated solutions to protect our digital borders,” Ms Taylor said.

Western Australian Minister for Innovation and ICT, Dave Kelly, said it was great to see the headquarters established at Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Western Australia.

“Today’s launch is another example of how the McGowan Government is working to create Western Australian jobs in new industries,” Mr Kelly said.

“ECU is a world leader in cyber security research and education, and the location of the WA McGowan Government’s first Innovation Hub focused on cyber security.”

The Joondalup Innovation Hub brings together ECU’s cyber security expertise, the Australian Security Growth Network, AustCyber, and now the Cyber Security CRC.