The NSW Government has announced a $2 million investment in a new university-led network aimed at bolstering NSW’s cyber security research and development capability and harnessing the state’s growing cyber security industry.
The NSW Cyber Security Network will bring together leading scientists and engineers from seven of the state’s universities to protect government, industry and individuals against cyberattacks.
“Cyber security is an evolving threat and that’s why we’re partnering with some of the country’s best and brightest researchers to ensure systems within government and the private sector are resilient and fit-for-purpose in 2018 and beyond,” Minister for Finance,Services and Property Victor Dominello said.
“This is also an opportunity to boost our growing cyber security workforce and promote the importance of STEM. The global market for cyber protection is forecast to be worth $170 billion by 2020, and NSW is in a unique position to be a jobs hub for this emerging sector.”
The NSW Cyber Security Network will:
- Identify solutions to emerging cyber security challenges;
- Train specialist graduates and develop a skilled cyber security workforce; and
- Provide industry with strategic and operational advice on cyber security threats.
Chief Scientist & Engineer Professor Mary O’Kane said: “This initiative takes the state’s strength in cyber security R&D across public universities and research institutions, and connects it with government agencies and businesses experiencing cyber security challenges.”
The initiative has been welcomed by key industry groups, including AGL Energy, the NRMA and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. The Network’s inaugural Chair will be Mr Neville Steven AO.
UNSW Sydney, Macquarie University, the University of Sydney, the University of Wollongong, the University of Newcastle, the University of Technology Sydney and Western Sydney University are the founding universities involved in the Network. The Network complements the NSW Government’s NSW Defence Innovation Network and the NSW Smart Sensing Network.