New Perth JCSC targets cyber attacks

A new Joint Cyber Security Centre (JCSC) has opened in Perth, with the aim of keeping Australians safe from cyber attacks.

The centre is part of the federal government's $47 million JCSC program, which was launched by the Attorney-General Christian Porter. It offers critical support to Australia's business community, particularly the west's vast energy and resource sector.

"The resources that come from Western Australia are the lifeblood of the economy and represent a significant portion of our gross domestic product," said Porter.

"If a cyber attack were to affect one of our major resource corporations, there could be significant impacts to Australia.

"The JCSC is a critical hub for business and government to improve their cybersecurity practices and share information in a trusted and secure environment."

Designed in collaboration with key industry partners, the centre brings together cybersecurity experts from sectors including mining, agriculture, natural resources, the defence industry and infrastructure.

These experts share information on the latest cyber threats and security challenges and focus on supporting Australia's national cybersecurity capabilities.

"The Perth Joint Cyber Security Centre represents an important milestone in expanding our national cybersecurity footprint," said Porter.

"In a state where the tyranny of distance means business is often conducted from remote and isolated locations, the need to protect our business networks is even more crucial.

"Cybersecurity threats are always evolving, so we need to ensure we have a whole range of strategies in place to protect our digital borders and be on the offensive against cyber attacks. This centre will play a key role for government and industry to work together towards this critical objective."

The Joint Cyber Security Centres are part of the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) and are funded through the government's 2016 Cyber Security Strategy.

The Perth JCSC is the fourth state-based centre to open, joining Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Another centre in Adelaide will open later this year.

Throughout the rest of 2018, the centre will hold a series of workshops and events that address strategic and technical issues surrounding cyberspace.

Image credit: ©iStockphoto.com/Yunus Arakon

Please follow us and share on Twitter and Facebook. You can also subscribe for FREE to our weekly newsletter and quarterly magazine.