The importance of cyber security to the NSW Government is being highlighted by the expansion of the range of services being provided out of a dedicated facility based in Bathurst.
The Bathurst Cyber Security Vulnerability Management Centre (VMC) was established almost a year ago and was the first of its kind in the state.
Operated by Cyber Security NSW, since opening the organisation has already engaged with 20 Agencies and 27 Councils and provided 39 reports to date using VMC services.
The VMC has expanded its delivery of services that enable the early detection and notification of vulnerabilities, and provide outputs to other functions of Cyber Security NSW to uplift the overall cyber security posture of Agencies and Councils.
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said that over the past year the VMC has grown the range of services it is providing to State Government Agencies and Councils.
“After initially creating eight jobs, the VMC now employs 13 permanent and 2 contract staff and is in process of finalising plans for a 1 year graduate placement program,” he said.
“A number of staff have completed formal industry certifications in Cyber Security specialisations, while others are pursing academic qualifications such as the Graduate Certificates in Cyber Security through Charles Sturt University.”
Mr Toole said the Bathurst VMC has proven that Regional NSW can offer skills, opportunities, and technical assets to our growing cyber security industry.
“The VMC will be used as a model for further regional cyber capabilities and the plans for these next regional sites are currently under development,” he said.
Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the Centre in Bathurst is a key step towards strengthening the NSW Government’s cyber security capabilities.
“The Cyber Security Vulnerability Management Centre is providing the NSW Government with an increased awareness of vulnerabilities in internet-facing services and assets,” he said.
“We are building our cyber resilience to ensure we stay ahead of the kerb in this ever evolving space.
“Early detection of vulnerabilities and the ability to report them to the relevant agencies and departments is essential to improving our cyber security.”
Mr Toole said this initiative was another example of the NSW Government’s commitment to investing into regional NSW, creating jobs and keeping money in local economies.
“This new centre was the first of its kind in the State and shows the NSW Government is committed to expanding cyber security knowledge and capability across regional areas that simultaneously provides increased assurance for NSW’s digital services,” he said.