Multimedia Victoria - New World-Class Cyber Crime Lab a First for Melbourne

New World-Class Cyber Crime Lab a First for Melbourne Media release - 04 December 2007 The only Microsoft laboratory in the southern hemisphere designed to tackle emerging cyber crime problems such as new online viruses and malicious software (Malware), was announced in Melbourne today by Information and Communication Technology Minister Theo Theophanous. Mr Theophanous said that as one of only three global facilities of its type outside the USA designed to combat the new frontier of internet threats, Melbourne has reaffirmed its significance as a global ICT hub by attracting the new Microsoft Malware Protection Centre Lab (MMPCL). "Internet security is paramount to businesses and individuals in modern day society and Melbourne and Microsoft will be leaders in tackling new-age crime and e-security issues through this new laboratory," Mr Theophanous said. "As one of only three facilities outside of the US, the Melbourne lab will deliver cutting-edge global malware research plus response and protection capabilities around the clock to help people defend against cyber threats. "The Melbourne centre will expand Microsoft's capacity to respond 24 hours a day to the ever increasing threats of viruses, worms, phishing and spyware. "As technology advances, so too does the sophistication of internet predators, with total identity theft now a real modern day threat to mums and dads using the internet for daily tasks such as paying bills and buying goods and services. "In terms of cyber security, Australia is recognised as one of the top eight countries globally and one of the top three countries in Asia Pacific. As the nation's ICT leader, Victoria is the ideal location for Microsoft’s venture in malware protection." Victoria's eSecurity industry is already growing strongly, both domestically and internationally, and last year the Victorian Government announced a host of measures to support this specialist ICT area, including $100,000 in seed funding to establish the state’s eSecurity cluster, SECIA. Scott Charney, Corporate Vice President Trustworthy Computing at Microsoft said the company will establish the lab with cutting-edge equipment and services, making it a truly world class facility. "As a company committed to providing privacy and security solutions for our customers, we continue to evolve our products and practices, and this lab will form part of our global approach to monitor malware and malicious attacks around the clock," Mr Charney said. Mr Theophanous said throughout the years, Microsoft has been a solid player in Victoria’s ICT industry by creating jobs, developing skills, participating in cluster initiatives and making products to advance the games market. "Microsoft is recruiting some of the highest calibre security experts to work in the new lab and is also looking to further skills development through potential involvement with local universities, which will be a boon for jobs creation at the high end of ICT within Victoria," he said. Further Information Media Release as PDF, 25KB, 1 page. Download Adobe Acrobat to view PDF files