Joondalup takes action on business cyber safety

The City of Joondalup has opened registrations for its cyber business forum, and business stakeholders are urged to participate.

Given that cybercrime costs the Australian business community up to $1 billion annually, and 43% of attacks are levelled at small business, smart cities are taking steps to prevent cybercriminals.

The forum follows the recent announcement of $140 million of funding invested by the federal and state governments, industry, university and research participants into a Cyber Security Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) at Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Joondalup.

ECU has been recognised as a world leader in cybersecurity research and education, and the location of the WA Government’s first Innovation Hub, which brings together ECU cybersecurity expertise, the Australian Security Growth Network, AustCyber and now the Cyber Security CRC.

The forum, entitled Joondalup Innovation Hub — The Cyber Security Capital of WA, will be presented by keynote speaker Associate Professor Mike Johnstone — from the ECU School of Science and a member of the ECU Security Research Institute.

Dr Johnstone teaches secure programming and advanced software engineering and provides cybersecurity consultancy services for industry, government and research organisations. His research focuses on resilient systems, secure development methodologies, wireless sensor networks and the security of IoT (Internet of Things) devices.

The forum is expected to generate significant interest and Mayor Albert Jacob is urging local business stakeholders from all industry sectors, and businesses and individuals from across the greater Perth region with an interest in cybersecurity, to register sooner rather than later.

“The City of Joondalup has been advocating for a number of years to the state and federal governments to support the development of the cybersecurity sector in Joondalup, and we are proud to be at the cutting edge of cybersecurity innovation,” Jacob said.

“Cybercrime is a serious and growing concern which can disrupt and damage your business significantly if the proper precautions are not taken or warning signs ignored.”

This forum will highlight how the CRC will deliver advancements to Australia’s cybersecurity capability and solutions to ensure the safety of Australians and Australian businesses online.

It will be held on Thursday, 28 June at the Lakeview Ballroom, Joondalup Resort, in Connolly. The cost is $30 and those interested in attending can register online at joondalup.wa.gov.au.

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

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