CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, and digital behemoth Google have formed a research cooperation to protect Australia’s Critical Infrastructure (CI) against dangerous software components.
The partnership will see Google and CSIRO collaborate to develop tools and frameworks that help Australian critical infrastructure operators meet critical obligations regarding software supply chain security, including those in the amended Security of Critical Infrastructure (SOCI) Act and Australia’s Cyber Security Strategy.
This is a part of Google’s Digital Future Initiative and CSIRO’s mission to develop Critical Infrastructure Protection and Resilience.
Newsng understands that enhancing open-source software components’ security will be a major focus of this project, as these components are becoming more and more essential to the digital transformation of vital infrastructure industries including public utilities, healthcare, freight networks, and supermarket supply chains.
All project results will be made publicly available to guarantee wide dissemination and impact, allowing important infrastructure sectors throughout Australia to gain from the study.
Stefan Avgoustakis, head of security practice for Google Cloud in Australia and New Zealand said, “Software supply chain vulnerabilities are a global issue, and Australia has led the way in legislative measures to control and combat the risks.”
The development of new, domestic technology, according to CSIRO Project Lead Dr Ejaz Ahmed, will improve the security of software used in Australia’s vital infrastructure.
“Software developed, procured, commissioned, and maintained within Australia will also be better aligned with local regulations, promoting greater compliance and trustworthiness.
“This partnership builds upon a successful track record of AI-powered innovation, demonstrating the transformative power of Google and CSIRO’s expertise.” Dr Ahmed said.
He added that Google Cloud would also deliver safe and scalable infrastructure and technologies, such as machine learning and Big Data capabilities, to help the partnership’s research.
We earlier reported that to increase Internet connectivity across the continent, Google has revealed plans to construct a new fibre optic line named Umoja that will connect Africa to Australia.
Brian Quigley, Google Cloud’s VP for global network infrastructure, confirmed the plans in a blog post on Thursday.
