Cybersecurity boosted by new Perth CRC

Cybersecurity in Australia will be strengthened by the launch of a new Cyber Security Cooperative Research Centre (CRC).

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

It will haves nodes in all mainland states and the ACT, and will recruit a significant number of international postdoctoral researchers, as well as PhD, Masters and Honours students, all of whom will be embedded in industry.

The centre is also charged with delivering advancements that will build Australia’s cybersecurity 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 cybersecurity solutions which build national and international confidence in Australia as a safe and trusted place to do business and access cyber space.
• Building the next generation of industry, government and research cybersecurity leaders, and increasing maturity, capability and collaboration in the sector.
   

“Cybersecurity is a strategic priority for Australia’s national security, including for its critical infrastructure. Beyond national security, cybersecurity also impacts increasingly upon Australian businesses, governments and private individuals,” said Cyber Security CRC Chair David Irvine.

“We aim to deliver systems, architecture and software solutions to ensure the security of crucial infrastructure including energy, water, communications and finance based on industry imperatives.”

The CRC’s $140 million funding comes from 25 industry, state government, university and research participants, and includes $50 million from the federal government over seven years and $5.6 million from the WA Government over seven years.

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 Australian interests online.

“We want to keep Australia safe and competitive in an increasingly digital world,” Cash said.

“The global cybersecurity market is growing rapidly and presents great opportunities for Australian workers and businesses.”

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

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

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

More information about the Cyber Security CRC can be found at http://www.business.gov.au/CRC-grants-selection-rounds.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Lasha Kilasonia

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