Govt co-funds Yarra Valley Water IT assessment

The Federal Government has agreed to co-fund a Yarra Valley Water plan to assess its computer network systems.

Funding has been granted under an $8 million Computer Network Vulnerability Assessment (CNVA) program.

Attorney-General Philip Ruddock said the program was meant to help companies secure their key computer systems, by assessing and testing their ability to resist exploitation or attack.

“It is not just about finding vulnerabilities in computer networks -- it's is also about reassuring companies that their current security measures are working effectively," Ruddock said.

According to a statement from the Attorney-General's office, owners and operators of critical infrastructure -- such as Yarra Valley Water -- could apply under the CNVA program for up to half the total cost of bringing in "experts" to assess their computer networks.

“We hope the lessons learnt as part of this program will create a body of knowledge about computer network security that will benefit all owners and operators of critical infrastructure,” Ruddock said.