A new joint cyber security centre that promotes collaboration across government, business and academia has launched in Sydney.
The new facility forms part of the Australian Government’s $47 million Joint Cyber Security Centre (JCSC) program, designed to facilitate “stronger partnerships” between 101 organisations across private and public sectors, spanning defence industry, finance, transport, energy, health, mining, and education.
Specifically, the new Sydney JCSC aims to improve Australia’s cyber security systems across industry, research and government.
“This is an important step to enhance Australia’s defensive cyber capabilities,” said Angus Taylor, minister for Law Enforcement and Cyber Security. “The JCSC is a critical hub for business and government to improve their cyber security practices and share information in a trusted environment.
“We have already run a number of cyber security exercises across these centres, particularly in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games.
“Cyber security threats are always evolving, so we need to ensure we have a range of strategies in place to protect our digital borders and get on the offensive against cyber attacks.”
The Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) Australia – part of the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) – is leading the JCSC initiative to establish cyber security centres in key cities across Australia through the Government’s 2016 Cyber Security Strategy.
Currently, there are JCSCs located in Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney, with the Adelaide centre due to open later in 2018.
Furthermore, the program is a central initiative of the Australian Government’s Cyber Security Strategy, which brings together business and the research community along with state, territory and Commonwealth agencies in an open and cooperative environment.
At this stage, participation is available to Australian cyber security centre agencies, state government agencies, major Australian businesses, academia and other relevant private sector organisations that operate across the country.
