New South Wales wants to become world leader in cyber security

The New South Wales (NSW) government has said it aims to become a world leader in cyber security as part of a new economic strategy, which includes the launch of a Cyber Hub and a cyber security placement programme.

The government's Cyber Security Strategy, announced on Thursday, aims to create best practice and cyber resilience techniques that can be rolled out across the technology sector, including policies that expand its cyber workforce.

“Our vision is to cement NSW as the leading state for cyber security in the Asia-Pacific region. We believe that NSW can become [a] world-leading centre for excellence on cyber security resilience jobs and innovation,” said minister Victor Dominello.

Moreover, minister Stuart Ayres revealed a new NSW Cyber Hub will be established as part of this strategy, which will deliver in partnership with other government agencies a range of initiatives to accelerate the growth of NSW cyber business and to enhance the cyber workforce.

“Through the NSW Cyber Hub, we will deliver a workforce development plan to help create a fluid and dynamic workforce that is needed to address skills gaps, ensure the maintenance of specialist knowledge and attract the right talent,” he said.

Additionally, a Cyber Security Industry Placement programme will also be launched, designed to bridge the gap between education and workforce requirements and provide career pathways for those reskilling.

Earlier this week, DCI Data Centers announced it is investing AU$70 million (£38 million) into South Australia to build a new data centre in response to the growing needs of local business and government.

The company said the centre will be the first of its kind in South Australia and will provide mission-critical support to some of the state’s priority growth sectors including local defence, space and hi-tech industries.