CSIRO offers R&D support for cybersecurity sector

CSIRO is helping to tackle the growing threat of cyber attacks facing Australia by providing free research and development support to businesses working in the cybersecurity sector.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) working on new cybersecurity solutions can join the free 10-week online Innovate to Grow program to support commercial ideas with research and development expertise.

Upon completion, participants can access facilitation support through CSIRO, connect to research expertise nationally and access dollar-matched R&D funding.

CSIRO's SME Collaboration Lead, Dr George Feast, said the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased risk of cybersecurity attacks.

"Just like many other parts of the world, Australia's dependence on the internet saw a big increase during the pandemic, with many services moving online and more people working from home than ever before," he said.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre reported an annual increase in cybercrime incidents of 13% across the 2020–21 financial year.

"To stay ahead of these cyber attacks, new solutions are required, and much of this is driven by SMEs developing new products and services through R&D," Feast said.

"SMEs make up 99.8% of all businesses in Australia. However, R&D can be an expensive undertaking for businesses and risky for those without the right guidance and support."

The program extends beyond cybersecurity companies into a range of other industries that offer online solutions to their customers — such as agriculture and health — and want to improve the cybersecurity aspect of their offering.

"Participants will be given help to refine a new idea they want to explore and to better understand their idea's business and scientific viability. They will also be exposed to industry knowledge, hear from innovation and industry experts, and work with an R&D mentor. Companies will also tap into CSIRO's own cybersecurity expertise through Data61, CSIRO's data and digital specialist arm," Feast said.

"Even though collaboration is key in driving good R&D outcomes, research we released last year found that less than 15% of Australian businesses engage universities or research institutions for their innovation activities — our goal through this program is to up that percentage."

The Innovate to Grow: Cyber Security program commences 26 July and is available for 20–25 SMEs. Applications close 11 July.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/tashatuvango