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University-led cyber security network receives new government funding

2 February 2018
The NSW Government announced $2 million in funding for a university-led cyber security network, of which the University of Sydney is a founding partner. It will provide an opportunity to take the University's blockchain research to new heights.

A new University-led cyber security network will today receive $2 million in funding from the NSW Government.

The University of Sydney is a founding university in the NSW Cyber Security Network, which will draw together the state’s leading universities to help protect government, industry and the community against major cyber-attacks.

“Cyber security is an evolving threat and that’s why we’re partnering with some of the country’s best and brightest researchers to ensure systems within government and the private sector are resilient and fit-for-purpose in 2018 and beyond,” said NSW Minister for Finance, Services and Property, Victor Dominello.

Dr Vincent Gramoli and Dr Ralph Holz from the University of Sydney’s School of Information Technologies (IT) will collaborate with cyber security experts from other NSW universities as part of the NSW Cyber Security Network.

Dr Gramoli, from the University's Faculty of Engineering and IT is spearheading the development of a super-fast blockchain called ‘Red Belly Blockchain’. Last year’s global trials confirmed the blockchain could securely process financial transactions at speeds that outperform some market leaders including VISA.

This funded network provides a great collaborative opportunity to take our world-class blockchain research to new heights.
Professor Athman Bouguettaya, Head of School of IT

Future research by the pair will analyse the security of the Internet, especially on Cloud services and public blockchains.

With $2 million in funding from the NSW Government, the Network aims to find innovative technical solutions to cyber security threats as well as provide strategic advice on bolstering security.

“Australia’s research capacity has the potential to play a critically important role in solving contemporary challenges such as cyber security,” said Professor Duncan Ivison, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research).

“The University of Sydney is delighted to be a partner university of the NSW Cyber Security Network. In the new technology-driven global economy, research investment and development is more important than ever.”

Professor Athman Bouguettaya, Head of the School of IT at the University of Sydney, said, “This funded network provides a great collaborative opportunity to take our world-class blockchain research to new heights.”

The NSW Cyber Security Network complements the government’s NSW Smart Sensing Network, which is co-led by the University of Sydney’s Professor Benjamin Eggleton and developing photonic-chip technology that it is hoped will one day be compatible with smartphones.

 

Find out more about the NSW Cyber Security Network

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