A new national cyber security centre has been opened in Canberra by the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) to boost protection of the nation’s critical infrastructure, businesses and the public.
Announcing the initiative, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said cybercrime continued to grow.
“The Government has seen a significant increase in business email scams, mostly targeting businesses with fewer than 10 employees,” Mr Turnbull said.
“With the opening of this purpose-built national cyber security centre we are significantly enhancing our capacity to grow Australia’s cyber resilience in partnership with industry, businesses, universities, not-for-profit organisations and Governments.”
He said the newly-opened headquarters of the world-leading Australian Cyber Security Centre would draw on expertise from the ICT community, law enforcement, Defence, universities and security Agencies, as well as international partners, to increase the skills and capabilities needed to protect and defend the nation’s interests.
“It will be the central hub for cyber security information, advice and assistance to all Australians,” Mr Turnbull said.
“A global monitoring capability, equipped with advanced cyber threat detection and warning systems will help to keep Australians safe, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
He said the Centre would deliver on cyber security priorities in three critically important areas.
It would provide cyber security advice and assistance to businesses and the community; it would prevent and disrupt offshore cyber-enabled crime and it would protect the specialised tools the ASD used to fulfil its functions.
“The new cyber.gov.au website will replace a number of Government cyber security websites and services, including the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network (ACORN) and acsc.gov.au,” the Prime Minister said.
“This important step will provide businesses and individuals with one single place to report cybercrime and find advice on cyber security practices.”
The new Centre can be contacted at this PS News link or by phone on 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371).
