From AustCyber to ACN: A New Era of Cyber SecurityCollaboration and Innovation for Australia. The ACN aims to be “a voice for industry, by industry” in cyber security.
Building on the foundation laid by AustCyber, the federally funded Industry Growth Centre initiative, the ACN will focus on advocacy, capability building, and education to address the evolving needs of Australia’s cyber security industry.
“We will officially launch the Australian Cyber Network (ACN) – (9 October 2024) at Parliament House, Canberra.” said Chair of the Australian Cyber Network Jason Murrell.
Cyber threats are escalating at an alarming rate in Australia, with over 94,000 cybercrime incidents reported last financial year a 23% increase, equating to one report every six minutes.
Small businesses bear a significant financial burden, with the average cost of a cyber incident reaching $46,000, while for medium businesses, it’s even higher at $97,200. This underscores the urgent need for robust, coordinated cyber defences.
This launch event will bring together key government, industry, and academic figures, including:
- Dr Andrew Charlton MP, Special Envoy for Cyber Security and Digital Resilience
- LTGEN Michelle McGuinness CSC, National Cyber Security Coordinator
- Linda Cavanagh, Co-founder and CEO of the Australian Cyber Network (ACN)
- Jason Murrell, Co-founder and Chair of the Australian Cyber Network (ACN)
“This isn’t just another cyber security initiative… this is the next evolution of Australia’s cyber security landscape, built by industry, for industry,” said Murrell
“As we prepare to leap into this new chapter, it’s important to reflect on why ACN exists and what we aim to achieve,” he said.
“Our focus is on bringing together the best minds, from startups to established companies, to build a cyber security network that reflects the real challenges and opportunities in Australia,” said Linda Cavanagh.
The support of SMBs is a core focus for ACN. SMBs, which make up over 90% of Australia’s economy, are particularly vulnerable to cyber threats. 65% of Australian SMBs experienced a cyber incident in 2021.
Annie Haggar, ACN Board Member, said, “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.” she said.
Aligning With The 2030 Cyber Security Strategy
Australia’s Cyber Security Strategy 2023-2030 sets ambitious goals for the future, and ACN is actively contributing to the achievement of these objectives. Rather than being a passive observer, ACN plays a central role in tracking, evaluating, and shaping the evolving strategy.
A key function of ACN is to provide evidence-based insights that directly inform government policy. By leveraging data from both industry and the broader community, ACN can identify areas of success and, importantly, where adjustments are needed.
Annually, ACN will also present a report assessing the progress of Australia’s cyber security strategy, ensuring it remains aligned with the rapidly changing cyber threat landscape.
The “State of the Industry” report, is comprehensive picture of the industry’s composition and growth and an evaluation of the Australian Cyber Security Strategy’s progress.
The report aims to highlight areas of success and identify opportunities for further improvement, ensuring that Australia remains at the forefront of global cyber security efforts
In the 2022-2023 financial year, reports of cyber security incidents affecting Australia’s critical infrastructure surged by nearly one-third.
Alarmingly, around 57% of these incidents involved compromised accounts or credentials, as well as breaches of assets, networks, or infrastructure, along with denial of service attacks (DDoS).
“We are driving a future where Australia is not just a participant in the global cyber security landscape, but a leader,” said Murrell.
“In a sector that’s evolving rapidly, we need to constantly push for collaboration between industry, government and academia.” he added.
Over 94,000 cybercrime incidents were reported in Australia last financial year. Equivalent to one every six minutes. The Australian Signals Directorate contacted businesses 620 times during the period to warn of potential threats
The ACN will operate as an independent, industry-led voice, championing cyber security and safety for Australia, its citizens, and national interests. The launch today signifies a new era of collaboration, innovation and commitment to safeguarding Australia’s digital future.
ACN is also set to bridge the gap between industry and government, ensuring that Australia’s cyber security landscape continues to evolve and thrive in the face of emerging threats.
