Google (GOOGL.O) has teamed up with Australia’s national science agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), to develop software aimed at automatically detecting and fixing network vulnerabilities for critical infrastructure operators. This collaboration comes in response to a significant increase in cyberattacks, targeting essential services such as hospitals, defense bodies, and energy suppliers.
The software developed through this partnership will be tailored to comply with Australia’s regulatory framework, ensuring that it aligns with the country’s specific cybersecurity requirements. Stefan Avgoustakis, head of security practice for Google Cloud in Australia and New Zealand, emphasized Australia’s leadership in legislative measures to control and combat software supply chain vulnerabilities, which are a global concern.
In recent years, the Australian government has tightened its cybersecurity regulations, requiring critical infrastructure operators to report and prevent cyberattacks. This move followed a series of breaches that exposed the personal information of half of Australia’s 26 million population, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures.
The partnership between Google and CSIRO will leverage Google’s open-source vulnerability database and cloud storage, combined with CSIRO’s advanced research methods. The collaboration is part of Google’s broader five-year commitment, announced in 2021, to invest A$1 billion ($675 million) in Australia. This investment comes at a time when relations between Australia and global tech firms, including Google, have been strained due to the country’s push for stricter regulations.
Beyond Australia, Google is also involved in providing cybersecurity services to the U.S. government under a $9 billion contract with the U.S. Department of Defense, reflecting its significant role in global cybersecurity efforts.
CSIRO’s project lead, Ejaz Ahmed, highlighted that the development of locally tailored cybersecurity software would enhance compliance with local regulations and promote greater trustworthiness among critical infrastructure operators. The findings from this project will be made publicly available, ensuring that operators have easy access to vital cybersecurity information.