Optus Business is to invest AU$3.5 million into the Cyber Security Cooperative Research Centre (CSCRC). This is an initiative that was set up by the Australian government in September with an initial AU$50 million in funding. So far 25 companies have provided AU$89 million in additional funds to the CSCRC. This announcement from Optus takes the total investment to AU$139.
According to John Paitaridis, Managing Director, Optus Business: “No matter who you are, or what you do, cybercrime is a persistent and growing threat. By working together we can build an ecosystem to maintain a resilient, secure and trustworthy cyber capability in Australia, and Optus is proud to have a crucial role in this through our many partnerships and now through the Cyber Security CRC.”
Optus to provide more than just money
The AU$3.5 million from Optus is not all cash. It consists of AU$2.1 million which will be delivered over seven years. This is the length of the CSCRC project as defined by the Australian government. It is likely that the project will be extended but until 2024 it is not known in what form.
Optus is contributing more than money to the CSCRC. It is providing the CSCRC with access to its own cybersecurity teams and industry partners. It has valued this at AU$1.4 million. The goal is to help accelerate the development of cyber defences for Australia.
What is not clear is whether this deal will include the sharing of threat data. If it does, then it will be interesting to see what levels of privacy and anonymity the data is subject to. Australia, like the EU and China has been setting out some very strict rules on privacy. Data sharing, albeit to improve cybersecurity, will still need to meet those rules.
Optus has also said that it will work with the CSCRC to deliver training to help bridge the national cybersecurity skills shortage. There is no mention of courses of apprenticeships in the press release. That is likely to come at a later date.
What does this mean?
Technology companies are realising that they have a part to play in national projects. The CSCRC is a major project that will affect everyone in Australia. By being involved, organisations get an opportunity to improve their own skills and awareness of new cyber defences.
This is just the latest investment into cybersecurity by Optus. It has previously announced:
- a $10 million Advanced Security Operations Centre (ASOC)
- an $8 million partnership with La Trobe University to establish an industry-focused cyber curriculum and supporting a Digital University of the Future
- a $10 million investment by Optus Business and Macquarie University into the creation of an ‘Optus Macquarie University Cyber Security Hub’ providing research, short professional courses and consultancy services to the private sector and government agencies.
Optus Business customers should see the benefits from these investments in the products the company offers them.
