Players from 10 different agencies are preparing to battle it out at the first Australian Government Cyber War Games, hosted by the Department of Human Services.
Team representatives attended the department’s Cyber Range yesterday to learn the order of play ahead of the games, which start today.
Principal architect of the war games, Department of Human Services Chief Information Security Officer Narelle Devine said the strong participation from other agencies was very encouraging.
“Cyber-attacks are a serious and constantly evolving threat that have the potential to cost governments more than a major natural disaster,” Ms Devine said.
“To best protect the information and security of the Australian community, it’s important we understand how cunning cyber criminals operate by giving teams the opportunity to attack as well as defend.
“Cyber criminals won’t be knocking at the front door, so our defenders need to have the skills and experience to be able to find them first.”
The competition will take place under the watchful eye of seven expert adjudicators with a combined wealth of domestic and international cyber security experience.
Among them is former commander of the US Navy Pacific Fleet and current Vice President for Customer Education at international cyber security company, FireEye, Admiral Patrick Walsh.
Admiral Walsh said the games would have significant benefits to the Australian Cyber Security sector.
“This exercise simulates realistic scenarios in a competitive environment where teams can sharpen skills and focus on the proficiency, currency, and readiness levels necessary to succeed against increasingly sophisticated cyber security threats.” Admiral Walsh said.
“Having some of the best and brightest cyber minds from across government and industry together in the same room will generate new ideas and approaches that will only strengthen Australia’s cyber defence capability.”
The games commence next week, running from 18–22 September with teams set to compete in a series of unique challenges to test and demonstrate their capabilities in the cyber world.
For more information on the War Games visit: http://cyberwargames.humanservices.gov.au/about-the-games/