RMIT expert available for comment on the Australian Government’s new cyber security funding announcement

Professor Matthew Warren (0432 745 171 or matthew.warren2@rmit.edu.au)

Topics: cyber security; information security; cyber warfare; critical infrastructure protection; cyber terrorism; cyber security policy; computer ethics; small business and cyber security; hacking; information warfare, fake news

“Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s announcement of new cyber security funding to help protect Australia is another major step forward in dealing with the problem.

“The funding will improve the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) and the Australian Cyber Security Centre’s (ACSC) ability to disrupt cyber-attacks and comprises:

·       $470m to expand Australia’s cyber security workforce, creating more than 500 new jobs within the ASD;

·       ASD will also be given $118m to expand its data science and intelligence capabilities;

·       $62m to deliver a national situational awareness capability;

·       $20m for enhanced research laboratory capability;

·       $35m for a cyber threat-sharing platform to help the government work collaboratively with industry to identify and disrupt cyber threats quickly;

·       $31m will boost the capacity of ASD to disrupt offshore cybercrime;

·       $12m will help ASD work with telecommunications companies to stop malicious incursions.

“The Australian Government acknowledges the threat of cyber espionage and foreign interference to classified government information; commercial information, with direct consequences for business and the economy; intellectual property; and the private information of Australian citizens.

“We are now in a situation that cyber threats impact every Australian and have become an issue not only for governments but for individuals and their online information.

“We need to "strengthen the resilience of Australia's people, assets, infrastructure and institutions" against cyber-attacks but also the ability to rebuild systems quickly after a cyber-attack and minimise their impact. Today’s funding announcement helps to strength Australia’s resilience and capabilities.

“While funding is important, the human resource consideration is essential. Industry has highlighted cyber security skills shortages in a number of areas. Appropriate steps should be taken by government to address the current and future skill shortages and promote students to study courses in all aspects of cyber security.

“The Australian Government's announcement is a positive step towards protecting Australia against current and future cyber security threats, but the next key step is the release of Australia’s new National Cyber Security Strategy.”

Matthew (Matt) Warren is the Director of the RMIT University Centre for Cyber Security Research and Innovation and a Professor of Cyber Security at RMIT University. He is a researcher in the areas of cyber security and computer ethics. 

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