Cyber security research centre launched

The federal government has today launched a cyber security research centre at Edith Cowan University, backed by $140 million in cash and in-kind funding from industry, government and research participants.

The Cyber Security Cooperative Research Centre has received $84.4 million worth of contributions from a group of 25 partners, which includes the Australian Federal Police, Optus and Jemena among others.

The federal government will contribute $50 million over seven years and the state government has pledged $5.6 million to the project.

The centre will aim to improve Australia’s cyber security capabilities with a focus on ensuring the security of critical infrastructure, increasing the accessibility of cyber security and growing participation and collaboration in the sector.

It will haves nodes in all mainland states and the Australian Capital Territory, and will recruit a number of international postdoctoral researchers, as well as PhD, masters and honours students.

Jobs and Innovation Minister Michaelia Cash said the CRC built on the government's cyber security strategy.

“We want to keep Australia safe and competitive in an increasingly digital world and today’s launch is evidence that we are taking action to do so,” she said.

“The global cyber security market is growing rapidly and presents great opportunities for Australian workers and businesses.”

ECU vice-chancellor Steve Chapman said the university welcomes the establishment of the centre.

“ECU is committed to research with impact and one of the biggest challenges facing business and the community is the security of our digital infrastructure,” he said

“We look forward to working closely with industry to both neutralise cyber threats and to train the next generation of cyber professionals.”

In December, the state government announced ECU would co-host the first Innovation Hub, with a focus on cyber security, as part of its $16.7 million new industries fund initiative.

In June last year, the federal government named ECU as one of two academic centres of cyber security excellence, worth almost $1 million in funding.