Australia launches new cyber network to combat threats

The Australian Cyber Network (ACN) has been officially launched to address the growing threat of cybercrime in Australia.

In the past financial year, more than 94,000 cybercrime incidents were reported, with the Australian Signals Directorate reaching out to businesses 620 times to warn of potential threats, and 280 of these warnings going unanswered. This concerning reality highlights the need for a new strategy in tackling cyber security.

The ACN, a newly established not-for-profit organisation, aims to focus on advocacy, capability building, and education to meet both the current and future needs of Australia's cyber security sector. Dr Andrew Charlton MP commented on the launch, "Cybercrime is the most significant shift in criminal activity since the handgun, and yet we are still operating without the basic safety infrastructure in the digital world that protects us in the physical one. The launch of the Australian Cyber Network marks a new era of collaboration between government and industry to build the digital defences our businesses and communities need."

Building on the achievements of its predecessor, AustCyber, which supported the establishment of over 300 companies and grew the cyber workforce to more than 120,000 professionals, the ACN aims to address the cyber security challenges faced today. This includes supporting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) which often struggle with resource constraints in defending against evolving threats.

Linda Cavanagh, Co-founder and CEO of ACN, stated, "We need a voice for industry, by industry, to drive the future of cyber security in Australia. It's critical that we not only support the industry of today but the next generation of innovation in Australian cyber security technology."

Jason Murrell, Co-founder and Chair of ACN, further elaborated, "The transition from AustCyber to the Australian Cyber Network is about more than just a name change. The ACN will also act as a bridge between Australian industry and global cyber security initiatives, ensuring Australia plays a leading role in shaping international cyber standards and solutions. We're not just shaping policy, we're helping shape careers and the future of the cyber security workforce in Australia."

The ACN's launch event at Parliament House in Canberra brought together key stakeholders from government, industry, and academia. Dr Andrew Charlton MP, together with LTGEN Michelle McGuinness CSC, National Cyber Security Coordinator, joined the initiative's co-founders to emphasise its independent role in bolstering Australia's cyber resilience.

The ACN's strategy focuses on four pillars: Maturity, Advocacy, Outreach, and Insight. These are designed to enhance Australia's cyber capabilities by fostering growth, providing industry advocacy, engaging with vulnerable sectors, particularly SMBs, and driving evidence-based research.

Annie Haggar, ACN Board Member, commented, "SMBs are the backbone of the Australian economy, and many face significant cyber threats but lack the resources to defend themselves. The ACN is committed to offering practical solutions, including cyber health checks, to help SMBs bolster their defences."

The organisation intends to ensure transparency and assess ongoing developments through an annual "State of the Industry" report. This report will offer an overview of the composition and progress within the industry, identifying opportunities for improvement and ensuring Australia remains competitive in the global cyber security scene.

Jason Murrell highlighted the broader vision, "We are driving a future where Australia is not just a participant in the global cyber security landscape, but a leader. In a sector that's evolving rapidly, we need to constantly push for collaboration between industry, government and academia."

Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness CSC added, "Sovereign capability is critical to the strength and resilience of our nation. The more we make and do in Australia, the less reliant we are on potentially insecure supply chains or supply chains we can't control or verify. When we build sovereign capability, we are less vulnerable to unexpected global surprises — giving us greater security and greater autonomy. We can build this sovereign capability through genuine partnership between Government and industry and developing a world-class cyber workforce to protect our economy, our security, our prosperity and our way of life."

The ACN is poised to play a pivotal role in driving cyber security collaboration and innovation, ensuring that Australia's digital landscape is equipped to combat emerging threats effectively.