In a bold move to fortify its cyber security capabilities, Australia unveiled the AustCyber Innovation Network, a groundbreaking initiative to transform the nation’s cyber security sector. With the Federal Government’s full support through the Industry Growth Centre initiative, this milestone comes at a crucial time, coinciding with the Australian Government’s comprehensive review of the 2023-2030 Cyber Security Strategy and the Defence Strategic Review. These reviews underscore the critical importance of cyber security in safeguarding the nation’s defense and overall security.
The AustCyber Innovation Network is poised to become a catalyst for innovation, nurturing cyber security communities and providing a collaborative platform for stakeholders across the sector. Spanning both metropolitan and regional areas, this ambitious network aims to stimulate growth and resilience while addressing the evolving challenges in cyber security.
Michael Bromley, the CEO of AustCyber, emphasized the significance of enhancing domestic cyber security capabilities for the long-term competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of industries, the economy, and national security. Bromley stated, “We are working closely with governments, industry, and communities as we usher in the AustCyber Innovation Network.”
The launch of the AustCyber Innovation Network has garnered praise from the Hon. Clare O’Neil MP, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Cyber Security. Minister O’Neil commended the ongoing efforts of AustCyber and Stone & Chalk in promoting Australia’s domestic cyber industry. She highlighted the importance of innovative cyber security solutions in achieving the goal of becoming the most cyber-secure nation by 2030, a commitment reflected in the forthcoming 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy.
Guiding this groundbreaking initiative is an industry co-design team led by AustCyber. Comprising a diverse group of cyber security experts, this team will collaborate and co-create solutions to propel the AustCyber Innovation Network forward. Through a series of workshops and virtual meetings, the team will assess the current state of the cybersecurity industry in Australia and develop strategies to amplify growth and support.
Jason Murrell, Group Executive at AustCyber, emphasized the network’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. Murrell stated, “Our expanding national footprint will increase accessibility for under-served and under-represented regions and groups.” The AustCyber Innovation Network aims to provide unwavering support to the cyber security needs of startups, scaleups, corporations, and government entities nationwide.
To ensure a widespread impact, AustCyber will appoint Ambassadors to its Innovation Network throughout Australia. These dedicated individuals, driven by a passion for building a vibrant and connected cybersecurity ecosystem, will be pivotal in promoting and delivering products and services across the AustCyber Innovation Network.
Leveraging the resources and ecosystem of the Stone & Chalk Group, AustCyber aims to accelerate the growth of the cyber security sector across Australia. As part of this strategic alliance, corporate and government partners will collaborate to foster innovation, thought leadership, and the integration of emerging technologies within the AustCyber Innovation Network.
AustCyber’s unwavering commitment to developing a globally competitive Australian cyber security sector is well-established. The organization actively encourages individuals and businesses to protect themselves from cyber threats while ensuring the necessary support for the sector’s growth on a global scale.
The AustCyber Innovation Network will be a vital platform for nurturing commercial relationships, providing thought leadership, and driving innovation by adopting emerging technologies. These efforts align with AustCyber’s overarching goals of expanding and connecting Australia’s cyber security ecosystem, promoting and exporting the country’s cyber security prowess to the international stage, and establishing Australia as a leading centre for cyber security education.
The co-design team leading the AustCyber Innovation Network comprises esteemed experts at the forefront of driving positive change within the industry. Their collective expertise and experience will guide the network’s growth, ensuring Australia remains at the forefront of cyber security innovation.
Written by: Jason Smith