The Launch of the Australian Cyber Network: A New Era for Cyber Security in Australia
On a significant day for Australia’s cyber security landscape, the Australian Cyber Network (ACN) was officially launched at Parliament House in Canberra. This not-for-profit organization aims to fill the void left by its predecessor, AustCyber, and serve as a vital advocate for the growth and resilience of the nation’s cyber security sector. The launch event featured prominent figures in the industry, including Michelle McGuinness, the National Cyber Security Coordinator; Annie Haggar, head of cyber security at Norton Rose Fulbright; and Linda Cavanagh, co-founder and CEO of ACN, among others.
Addressing the Cyber Security Crisis
The urgency for the establishment of ACN is underscored by alarming statistics: over 94,000 cybercrime incidents were reported in Australia during the last financial year. This staggering figure highlights the pressing need for a robust response to cyber threats. ACN aims to tackle these challenges head-on by focusing on capability building, advocacy, and education within the cyber security sector.
Cavanagh emphasized the necessity for change, stating, “Something needs to change in the way we tackle cyber security in Australia.” With a mission to bridge the gap between government, industry, and academia, ACN is poised to provide a comprehensive approach to addressing the current and future needs of the cyber security landscape.
Learning from AustCyber
Co-founded by Cavanagh and Jason Murrell, ACN is set to apply the lessons learned from AustCyber, which operated as a federally funded Industry Growth Centre for seven years. AustCyber was instrumental in supporting Australia’s cyber sector through initiatives like the $15 million Projects Fund and the Sector Competitiveness Plan, which provided valuable industry metrics.
“What AustCyber did extremely well was create a community,” Cavanagh noted. However, with the cessation of federal funding in June 2022 and the eventual folding of AustCyber, the need for a new approach became evident. Cavanagh and Murrell believe that the current state of the industry requires a focus on maturity and sustainability.
Supporting Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
One of ACN’s primary objectives is to support small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the cyber security sector. Cavanagh pointed out that many companies have struggled to survive, particularly during the pandemic. “Unfortunately, we’ve seen several cyber security companies fall by the wayside,” she lamented.
To combat this trend, ACN plans to offer advisory services on capital-raising, financial reporting, and organizational structure. Murrell highlighted that while many businesses excel technically, they often lack the financial acumen necessary for sustainable growth. By providing these essential services, ACN aims to empower SMBs to thrive in a competitive landscape.
Rethinking Funding Distribution
ACN’s leadership is also advocating for a more strategic approach to funding distribution within the cyber security sector. Cavanagh and Murrell expressed the need for government funding to be allocated more effectively, ensuring that it reaches the areas that require the most support.
“We want to ensure the funding that government has allocated to cyber, in whichever format, goes to those right areas,” Cavanagh stated. Rather than funding individual projects, ACN envisions a collaborative model where multiple experts can work together on group initiatives, ultimately leading to more efficient use of resources.
Establishing a ‘Single Source of Truth’
A key component of ACN’s strategy is the release of an annual "State of the Industry" report. This report will provide a comprehensive overview of the cyber security sector, evaluating its composition, growth, and the effectiveness of the Australian Cyber Security Strategy.
Cavanagh emphasized the importance of providing quality information to both the industry and the government. “An important part of industry communication, advocacy, and representation is providing quality information and a single source of truth for government,” she explained. This initiative aims to clarify the statistics often cited in discussions about cyber security, ensuring that decisions are based on accurate data.
Engaging with Vulnerable Sectors
In addition to supporting SMBs, ACN is committed to engaging with vulnerable sectors and ensuring that both technical and non-technical workers have access to the resources they need to build sustainable careers in cyber security. This focus on workforce development is crucial, given the rapidly evolving nature of cyber threats.
Andrew Charlton, the Albanese government’s special envoy for cyber security and digital resilience, remarked on the significance of ACN’s launch, stating, “The launch of the ACN marks a new era of collaboration between government and industry to build the digital defences our businesses and communities need.”
Conclusion
The establishment of the Australian Cyber Network represents a pivotal moment for Australia’s cyber security industry. With a clear focus on advocacy, education, and support for SMBs, ACN is set to play a crucial role in enhancing the nation’s cyber resilience. As the organization embarks on this important journey, it aims to foster a collaborative environment that empowers businesses, engages with vulnerable sectors, and ultimately strengthens Australia’s defenses against cyber threats.