It’s business as usual for AusCERT, despite recent changes in the Australian government’s cyber security response plans.

After 12 months, the Attorney-General’s Department has ceased negotiations with AusCERT to bring together Australia’s existing computer emergency response arrangements.

“We are disappointed the Attorney-General’s Department has chosen not to partner with AusCERT in support of the national CERT role. However, we believe there is room for both teams to operate as CERT Australia has indicated it is primarily interested in helping critical infrastructure. There are many organisations who will continue to benefit from AusCERT’s expertise and services ,” Jeremy Crowley, Director of AusCERT and Information Technology Services at the University of Queensland, said.

AusCERT will continue to provide services, including bulletins, incident response coordination and other benefits, to its members and the Australian public.

“We hope that CERT Australia won’t use taxpayer funds to duplicate the services of a not-for-profit organisation that has a proven track record for delivering these services effectively for many years”, he said.

“AusCERT is willing and able to assist its overseas counterparts resolve matters locally as required. We have actively contributed to the international self-help information security community for many years and our contacts are very important to us”, Mr Crowley said.

AusCERT, which was established in 1993, is Australia’s longest operating and most experienced computer emergency response team. As a not-for-profit organisation based out of the University of Queensland, AusCERT also operated as the national CERT for Australia until 2010, when CERT Australia was established as the national CERT with government funding.

Media Contact
Jeremy Crowley
Director ITS and AusCERT

07 3346 6881