Cybersecurity professor appointed at CDU

A cybersecurity professor will be appointed in the Northern Territory, as part of the government’s cybersecurity investment.

This new position is part of a jointly funded $700,000 agreement with Charles Darwin University (CDU) over five years, to lead both teaching and research in cybersecurity and to assist in building local cybersecurity capability within the Territory.

The NT Government will provide $1.5 million over the next three years and $850,000 ongoing to strengthen cybersecurity controls protecting the government’s ICT network, as well as better supporting individuals and businesses to be cyber safe.

Cybercrime can affect any business, no matter how small the enterprise — and it is important that business owners have the tools to recognise the threats and avoid being the next victim.

Minister for Corporate and Information Services Lauren Moss said that as part of the government’s investment, Associate Professor Mamoun Alazab would be appointed to the new Associate Professorship in Cyber Security at CDU.

“Cybersecurity is important and attacks on businesses can lead to reputational damage, costly disruption and financial loss for small businesses,” said Minister for Corporate and Information Services Lauren Moss.

“This investment is about supporting local business from a growing risk.

“This is a significant development for the Territory in protecting Territory businesses, creating jobs, developing our own and providing future opportunities for our children.”

Associate Professor Alazab’s research has focused on cybersecurity and digital forensics, particularly cybercrime detection and prevention. He has been involved in past research work to support agencies like the Australian Federal Police, Attorney General’s Department and major banks in Australia.

“I am very excited to join CDU and look forward to contributing to its success. It is a privilege to be leading the Cyber Security program and to further advance its excellence in research and teaching,” said Alazab.

“Cybersecurity is firmly entrenched as a key national security priority. It is estimated that Australia will need more than 10,000 cybersecurity professionals over the next decade,” said CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Maddocks.

“At CDU we are now teaching our computer science students how to deploy their coding and software design skills to detect and prevent cyber attacks. The constant challenge is to keep up to date with new and emerging threats and translating that to a teaching environment.

“Cybersecurity is an ever-changing threat. Connectivity is increasing and so are the complex interdependencies that exist in everything we do. The systems we use every day need to be properly protected because the threats are out there.”

The NT Government’s cybersecurity package also includes enhanced ICT security control systems and tools; additional cyber specialist technical resources; a digital cybersecurity and awareness program to promote cyber safety in government, businesses and the community; and the creation of a Cyber Security Operations Centre.

As part of the effort to better protect local businesses, the NT Government is also delivering free Be Cyber Smart presentations in Darwin on 9 October and Alice Springs on 12 October to help businesses protect against cybercrime. The presentations provide practical advice on IT security and how to understand threats and better protect against them.

Businesses are encouraged to register at BeCyberSmart.nt.gov.au.

Image credit: ©iStockphoto.com/Gawrav Sinha

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