AustCyber creates centralised cybersecurity online shop

The Australian Cyber Security Growth Network (AustCyber) has announced AUCyberscape, an online centre for Australian cybersecurity providers to list their products, services, business offerings, and sector experience where potential customers search for such services and get in touch with providers.

“Over the next decade, the Australian cybersecurity sector will become larger, more diverse, and sophisticated,” said Michelle Price, CEO of AustCyber. “In 2020 alone, Australians spent approximately $5.6 billion on cybersecurity from both local and international providers, a figure that is expected to increase to at least $7.6 billion by 2024.”

The free service has 84 providers already listed, and AustCyber intends for AUCyberscape to include all Australian cybersecurity providers in the coming months. A provider must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) to create an account and list its services on AUCyberscape. AustCyber then checks to confirm the business is an Australian cybersecurity business using publicly available tools.

Potential customers can access the platform to find information and offerings that may be useful for their businesses or homes. AUCyberscape can be accessed by anyone looking for information or tools without creating an account or sharing any details. Searches can be done by location, service offered, or company name. Users can contact providers through AUCyberscape.

Information on cybersecurity career pathways and education will also be available.

AustCyber told CSO Australia that businesses will be able to see how many people have visited their profile, but no identifying data will be shared.

The platform was developed by AustCyber, Insurance Australia Group (IAG)’s Firemark Labs provided in-kind development support, and the project was managed by AustCyber.

AustCyber also received financial support from the governments of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. In return, the state governments will be able to see the footprint of cybersecurity providers in their state or territory.

The cybersecurity component of the platform was built with security recommendations from Victoria-based Triskele Labs and ACT-based Ionize. The organisations were responsible for penetration tests of the platform.

AUCyberscape is being hosted in Vault Cloud with Cipherise authentication to ensure the secure authentication of account holders accessing company profiles on the platform. 

This is the first AustCyber announcement since it merged into Stone & Chalk in February 2021, meant to accelerate the growth of Australian technology startups.