The Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre (A3C), officially launched its Cyber Test Range on 19 October by hosting a Splunk Global Champion of Champions Boss of the SOC (BOTS) competition.
The Cyber Test Range is the largest commercial cyber range in Australia, providing safe virtual environment to practice handling real-world cyber warfare scenarios, deliver world class training and evaluation of the latest cyber threats, cyber technologies and cyber talent.
Premier of South Australia Steven Marshall was the guest of honour at the official ribbon cutting ceremony at the Cyber Test Range launch event, having committed to making South Australia the nation’s leader in cyber security.
A3C CEO Mr Hai Tran says that collaboration and training within the Range facilities is part of the reason the A3C is the hub of cyber security.
“The A3C enables South Australia to become the safest place to conduct business through bringing global expertise and best practice to Australia, connecting them with the brightest minds from academia and small to medium sized businesses,” Mr Tran said.
“Using the A3C Cyber Test Range to host global competitions is a win for all. Not only does its use increase cyber awareness, but it also allows the A3C and its members to identify and develop Australia’s cyber warriors of tomorrow.”
Over a 24-hour BOTS competition, teams from around the world will use their security knowledge to compete against their international peers.
Simon Eid, Group Vice President, ANZ of Splunk, states that Splunk BOTS is a capture-the-flag-esque competition, allowing the participating teams to use the power of data to monitor security, investigate incident and defeat threats in a fun and competitive environment.
“The ability to run competitions such as the Boss of the SOC in a world class facility like the A3C Cyber Test Range is a game changer for South Australia and the wider nation,” Mr Eid said, “Splunk is proud to be a member of the A3C to collaboratively develop and identify talent within the cyber industry.”
Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni said the Marshall Liberal Government is dedicated to ensuring South Australia responds to industry needs for a skilled workforce.
“Cyber security is a high demand industry, and the Cyber Training Academy in the A3C, facilitated in the Cyber Test Range, supports the development of a strong talent pool of cyber professionals through upskilling and training opportunities,” Minister Pisoni said.
The Marshall Liberal Government established the A3C with a $10 million investment as the first centre of its kind in Australia with a vision to bring together the education, industry and business sectors. As interest continues to grow from interstate and overseas, the A3C continues to be the hub of the cyber community nationally and further cement South Australia as the leader in cyber security.
