Victorian government to use AI to keep schools cyber secure

One of three artificial intelligence platforms will be chosen as part of the state government’s Securing Connected Learners program.

The Victorian state government has announced it is in the process of trialling three artificial intelligence (AI) systems as part of a “major cyber security upgrade”.

Minister for Education Ben Carroll made the announcement today (18 January), saying the new AI systems will be able to monitor activity on school networks and flag any malicious activity.

Fifteen schools took part in a pilot program of the AI tools – which are as yet unnamed – in the first half of 2023, ahead of one being chosen in the coming year to be rolled out across the state. The AI rollout will work with current security technologies and is expected to double internet speed while also standardising security protocols.

============

“Schools rely on a safe, secure and efficient IT system for everything from administration to teaching, so it’s vital it delivers for staff and students,” Minister Carroll said in a statement.

“This major upgrade will make sure this vital school infrastructure is fit for the future – keeping students and staff safe.”

According to Minister Carroll, more than 35,000 unauthorised attempts to access school systems have already been stopped since 2021.

The AI upgrades are part of the Securing Connected Learners program, which is a part of the Victorian Department of Education’s larger Strategic Plan 2023–27.

David Hollingworth

David Hollingworth has been writing about technology for over 20 years, and has worked for a range of print and online titles in his career. He is enjoying getting to grips with cyber security, especially when it lets him talk about Lego.