AustCyber

AustCyber
Name	AustCyber
Formation	2017
Type	Industry Growth Centre
Location	Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

AustCyber is the Australian Cyber Security Growth Network established to accelerate the development of the cyber security sector. It operates as a national industry body linking public and private institutions, aiming to boost capabilities, exports, and workforce capacity across Australia. AustCyber coordinates with federal and state agencies, academic institutions, and multinational corporations to translate strategy into programs.

History

AustCyber emerged after recommendations from the Australian Cyber Security Strategy 2016–2020 process and the Industry Growth Centres Initiative led by the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science (Australia), following reviews such as the Miller Review and inputs from the Australian Signals Directorate and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation. Initial stakeholders included the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, the Australian National University, and the University of New South Wales, while industry partners such as Cisco Systems, Microsoft, and Telstra contributed to founding discussions. The organisation’s launch was contemporaneous with policy moves like the National Innovation and Science Agenda and events such as the Australian Cyber Conference, reflecting priorities highlighted by the Prime Minister of Australia and the Treasurer of Australia.

Organization and Governance

AustCyber is structured as a not-for-profit entity overseen by a board drawing members from firms like Accenture, DXC Technology, and Optus, alongside representatives from universities including Macquarie University and research bodies such as Data61. Governance aligns with Australian corporate law under the Corporations Act 2001 and liaises with portfolio ministers responsible for Home Affairs (Australia) and Industry (Australian Government). The board engages chairs and CEOs previously associated with organisations like CSIRO, Australian Trade and Investment Commission, and StartupAUS, and consults advisory panels comprised of leaders from ANZ Banking Group, Commonwealth Bank, and professional bodies such as the Australian Information Security Association.

Programs and Initiatives

AustCyber administers programs targeting capability uplift, export acceleration, and workforce development, partnering with accelerators like Cicada and incubators associated with Stone & Chalk. Initiatives include export hub models similar to those promoted by Export Finance Australia and skills initiatives aligned with frameworks such as the National Skills Commission. AustCyber has run pilot projects in collaboration with technology providers like IBM and Amazon Web Services and convened competitions akin to the DEF CON style capture-the-flag events hosted at venues including Canberra Innovation Network and Sydney Startup Hub. It has developed capability roadmaps referencing standards from ISO/IEC 27001 and interoperability discussions involving NIST publications and the Five Eyes partnership.

Industry Engagement and Partnerships

AustCyber engages major corporations including Google (company), Apple Inc., and SAP SE as well as defence primes such as Boeing, BAE Systems, and Northrop Grumman. Partnerships span state agencies like New South Wales Government and Victorian Government and international agencies including GCHQ, US Cyber Command, and the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity. It coordinates trade and export promotion with Austrade and investment dialogues with Invest Victoria and Investment NSW, while convening forums attended by representatives from PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, and EY.

Research and Education

AustCyber collaborates with universities such as Monash University, University of Melbourne, Queensland University of Technology, University of Technology Sydney, and Griffith University to develop curriculum pipelines and research partnerships. It links to research institutes like ARC Centre of Excellence, Data61, and the Threat Intelligence Centre at university faculties, and supports postgraduate scholarships coordinated with bodies like the Australian Research Council. AustCyber contributes to professional development delivered by providers such as SANS Institute, (ISC)², and vocational training aligned with TAFE NSW and TAFE Queensland offerings. Conferences and workshops are staged alongside events like Black Hat USA, AusCERT, and APNIC meetings.

Policy and Advocacy

AustCyber provides submissions and advice on legislative and regulatory items including the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018, the Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment (Assistance and Access) Act 2018, and consultations led by the Australian Communications and Media Authority. It engages in policy dialogues with agencies such as the Attorney-General's Department (Australia), the Office of the eSafety Commissioner, and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. International policy engagement includes coordination with OECD cyber workstreams, contributions to APEC cyber dialogues, and exchanges with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Impact and Criticism

AustCyber’s impact includes reported growth in cyber exports, skill pipeline metrics used by the National Skills Commission, and case studies with firms that scaled via programs with partners like Square Peg Capital and Blackbird Ventures. Praise has come from industry bodies such as Business Council of Australia and research centers including ASPI for fostering collaboration between firms, academia, and agencies such as Australian Cyber Security Centre. Criticisms have focused on alignment with procurement frameworks like those of the Department of Defence (Australia), transparency concerns raised by think tanks including Grattan Institute, and debates over the balance between national security priorities advocated by Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and commercial export goals championed by Export Council of Australia.

Category:Cyber security organizations