NSW cyber security node open for business

The NSW and Commonwealth governments have officially launched the NSW Cyber Security Innovation Node – joining five similar nodes around the country.

The NSW Cyber Security Innovation Node joins five other state and territory nodes created in partnership with AustCyber. Federal Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the new node was another important step in developing an industry that would boost Australia’s economy and create jobs.

"This new node in Sydney, backed by AustCyber and the NSW government, will bring together start-ups, corporations, universities, researchers and government agencies to share expertise and create new ideas," Minister Andrews said.

NSW Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said NSW was Australia’s leading user of cyber security products and services and home to the nation’s largest fintech industry.

"Together with our launch of the NSW Cyber Security Industry Development Strategy last year, the establishment of the node is a further important step taken by the NSW government towards strengthening our cyber capabilities," Minister Tudehope said.

The NSW Cyber Security Innovation Node will be co-located with and complement the Joint Cyber Security Centre in Sydney, which has a focus on threat information sharing.

It joins a network of nodes backed by AustCyber and state/territory governments already established in Victoria, the ACT, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania. Growing the cyber security sector is part of the Morrison government’s broader plan to grow the economy and create 1.25 million new jobs over the next five years.

The JCSC program is a partnership between business, government, academia and other key partners to enhance collaboration on cyber security. JCSC is a central initiative of the Australian government’s Cyber Security Strategy to bring together business and the research community along with state, territory and Commonwealth agencies in an open and co-operative environment, with the following key objectives:

Sensitive information, including actionable cyber threat intelligence, is shared quickly between and among partners;
Solutions to cyber security risks and issues are developed through collaboration and without commercial bias;
A common understanding of the cyber security environment and optimal mitigation options is achieved through sharing and analysis of incidents, threats and risks;
Organisations – at all levels – have access to practical tools and resources to improve their cyber security; and
Consistent education and awareness messages are promoted with and among partners.