Australian Cyber Security Centre head Abigail Bradshaw to lead ASD

The head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre Abigail Bradshaw will take the reins at the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) from early next month.

Abigail Bradshaw (Credit: ACSC)

Bradshaw, who is also deputy director-general of the ASD, will replace current ASD director-general Rachel Noble on September 6, with a new ACSC head to be “appointed in due course”.

Defence minister Richard Marles highlighted Bradshaw’s experience in cyber security and incident response as valuable to leading the ASD.

“Abigail Bradshaw's experience in cyber, national security, crisis management and incident response uniquely equips her to lead the Australian Signals Directorate as it continues to defend Australia against global threats and advance our nation's interests,” he said in a statement.

"As Head of ASD's Australian Cyber Security Centre, Bradshaw has strengthened relationships with cyber security leaders and private network owners in Australia and internationally, including our Five Eyes partners.

He added: "I would like to thank Rachel Noble for her leadership and foresight, which has seen ASD significantly expand its cyber and intelligence capabilities over recent years, including under the REDSPICE program.”

REDSPICE is a decade-long, $10 billion effort to boost Australia’s cyber security capabilities.