Google and Australia are collaborating to reinforce software security for critical infrastructure as cyberattacks become increasingly frequent.
On Thursday, Google Cloud announced in its blog post that the Google Open Source Security Team (GOSST) and Google Cloud will work together on a research partnership with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Australia’s national science agency.
The partnership aims to bolster cybersecurity for Australia’s critical infrastructure, including hospitals, financial systems, electricity grids, and data storage facilities, among other essential systems.
The research will focus on developing artificial intelligence-powered tools to detect and analyze vulnerabilities in open-source software used across various critical infrastructure sectors in Australia. Open-source software, which allows anyone to freely use and modify its source code, is widely utilized in these sectors but is also prone to security vulnerabilities. Google and CSIRO aim to deliver solutions to effectively manage these risks.
“Software developed, procured, commissioned, and maintained within Australia will also be better aligned with local regulations, promoting greater compliance and trustworthiness,” said Ejaz Ahmed, Senior Team Lead of Automated Security at CSIRO.
He added that this development will assist infrastructure operators in meeting the legal requirements outlined in the Critical Infrastructure Security Act and align with the Australian government’s cybersecurity strategy. The project also ensures that all research results will be released to the public at no cost.
The partnership is part of Google’s “Digital Future Initiative,” a project launched on Nov. 15, 2021, with a $1 billion investment. The initiative aims to enhance infrastructure, research, and partnerships in Australia.
Additionally, on Aug. 1, Google Australia announced it will begin using full-scale AI in its scientific research collaboration with CSIRO. The focus is on leveraging AI to accelerate research innovation and tackle Australia’s major scientific challenges.
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