Cyber security centre to be established in Melbourne

The Victorian government has announced plans to establish a cyber-security research and development centre in Melbourne.

The centre, which will be a branch of US cyber-technology intelligence giant Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), will create 50 new jobs over three years.

“The centre will provide a collaborative space for SAIC researchers to develop hardware and software to protect information and critical infrastructure from cyber-attacks,” Victorian Manufacturing, Exports and Trade Minister Richard Dalla-Riva says.

SAIC’s Melbourne researchers will be involved in data mining, analysis, the development of defence-simulation software and focus on issues arising from the rollout of the National Broadband Network.

State Technology Minister Gordon Rich-Phillips welcomed SAIC’s investment.

“The growing shift towards cloud computing, use of high-speed broadband networks and increased threats of cyber-attacks is leading to a new need for cyber security development,” Rich-Phillips said.

SAIC vice-president and regional manager Steve Rizzi, who will head the Melbourne centre, said the Asia-Pacific market was an important growth area for the company.

“SAIC’s Melbourne cyber-security centre will work with the Asia Pacific region’s leading technology and security specialists on some of the world’s most pressing challenges and deliver products that will protect critical infrastructure and make the region a better place,” Rizzi said.

SAIC (SAI:US) is a Virginia-based cyber defence contractor that works closely with the US Department of Defense, the US Department of Homeland Security, and the US intelligence community, including the National Security Agency.

The announcement comes after the Australian government banned Chinese cyber giant Huawei from bidding for NBN contracts.