New Cyber Security Centre to boost Australia's online resilience

Joint media release

• Prime Minister, The Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP
• Minister for Defence, Senator The Hon Marise Payne
• Minister for Law Enforcement and Cyber Security, The Hon Angus Taylor MP

The Turnbull Government is supporting cyber safety and jobs with the opening of the new headquarters of the world-leading Australian Cyber Security Centre.

The Government’s number one priority is keeping Australians safe. This state of the art centre will protect national critical infrastructure, our businesses and the Australian public.

Cybercrime continues to grow. The Government has seen a significant increase in business email scams, mostly targeting businesses with fewer than 10 employees.

With the opening of this purpose-built national cyber security centre in Canberra today, we are significantly enhancing our capacity to grow Australia’s cyber resilience in partnership with industry, businesses, universities, not-for-profit organisations and governments.   

The new Australian Cyber Security Centre will draw on the expertise from the ICT community, law enforcement, defence, universities and security agencies, as well as international partners, to increase the skills and capabilities needed to protect and defend our interests.

It will be the central hub for cyber security information, advice and assistance to all Australians. A global monitoring capability, equipped with advanced cyber threat detection and warning systems will help to keep Australians safe – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Effective online security is vital for a modern, technology-driven economy. It is critical to our wellbeing, prosperity and security. That’s why the Turnbull Government has integrated the Centre into the Australian Signals Directorate, which has a long history of excellence in cyber security and access to world-leading technology.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre forms a critical hub for the Joint Cyber Security Centres located in all capital cities, which facilitate stronger partnerships between more than 150 organisations across private and public sectors.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre will deliver on the Government’s cyber security priorities, in three critically important areas:

• to provide cyber security advice and assistance to businesses and the community
• to prevent and disrupt offshore cyber-enabled crime
• to protect the specialised tools ASD uses to fulfil its functions.

The new cyber.gov.au website will replace a number of Government cyber security websites and services, including ACORN and acsc.gov.au. This important step will provide businesses and individuals with one single place to report cybercrime and find advice on cyber security practices.

Empowered by our partners across the Australian community, in industry, business and research, the new Australian Cyber Security Centre is best placed to harness evolving technology and tradecraft and lead the nation in protecting us from harm.

Call 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371) or visit cyber.gov.au to learn more or to report a cyber incident.