Govt to spend $230m on cyber security strategy

The federal government will pour $230 million over the next four years into its new national cyber security strategy, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will announce today.

The strategy is planned for an 11am launch at the Australian Technology Park in Sydney today.

It is centred on better threat intelligence sharing between government and business, and outlines five strategic pillars covering strengthening cyber defences, education, partnerships, research and development, and global awareness.

iTnews revealed the details of the strategy earlier this month.

New to be announced today is the relocation of the country's existing Australian Cyber Security Centre from the ASIO building in Canberra to an as-yet undisclosed location to make it more accessible to businesses.

Turnbull will create a new ministerial role assisting the prime minister on cyber security.

He has also appointed Children's E-Safety Commissioner Alastair MacGibbon as a special advisor on cyber security witihin his department.

Additionally, a new Cyber Ambassador will be appointed by Foreign Minister Julie Bishop to liaise between government and business and champion a "secure, open and free internet".

Around $39 million will go towards relocating the Australian Cyber Security Centre, $47 million will be spent establishing joint public-private threat intelligence sharing centres in capital cities, and $30 million will allow for the creation of the industry-led Cyber Security Growth Centre.

Just over $21 million will boost the capability of Australia's Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT Australia); and $20 million will boost the number of cyber security specialists in the AFP, Crime Commission, and Australian Signals Directorate.

More to come