Cybermerc, a national player in cyber-security, has recently chosen the Sunshine Coast as its first base outside of Canberra. This move has further solidified the region’s reputation as a hub for innovation and a hotspot for businesses looking to combat the rising threat of cybercrime.
With cybercrime on the rise in Australia, causing losses of hundreds of millions of dollars each year, the Sunshine Coast has taken proactive steps to address this growing threat. The region has leveraged its world-class data infrastructure and local expertise to attract cyber-security firms and develop initiatives to combat cyber threats.
In 2023, Mooloolaba TAFE launched its Cyber Security Training Operations Centre, drawing in numerous cyber-security firms to the Sunshine Coast. Additionally, the region became home to The Critical Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Centre (CI-ISAC), a not-for-profit organization that provides a platform for sharing intelligence on cyber-attacks.
The recent decision to host the second AGM for the CI-ISAC further cements the Sunshine Coast’s reputation as an emerging cyber-crime-fighting capital. And now, with the arrival of Cybermerc, the region has gained a leader in providing cyber-security and threat intelligence solutions for small businesses, enterprise, and government.
Cybermerc, which currently has five locally based employees, plans to create 10 new jobs on the Sunshine Coast. The company has opened its first office outside of Canberra at the UniSC’s Innovation Centre, signaling its commitment to being a part of the region’s thriving innovation ecosystem.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli expressed her pride in the region’s efforts to address cybercrime, highlighting the importance of developing capabilities to combat this type of crime. She welcomed Cybermerc to the region, emphasizing the opportunities for innovation and career growth that the company’s presence brings.
Cybermerc’s chief executive officer, Matthew Nevin, commended the Sunshine Coast for its achievements in the cyber-security space, attributing them to the region’s excellent broadband infrastructure. He noted the motivation of the local business community and the development of expertise in the industry as key factors in Cybermerc’s decision to establish a presence on the Sunshine Coast.
The importance of cybersecurity in Australia is underscored by the 2023 ASD Cyber Threat Report, which reported a significant increase in reports of cybercrime. The cost of cybercrime to Australian businesses also rose, with small, medium, and large businesses all experiencing financial losses as a result.
Cybermerc’s successful securing of grant funding from the Australian Government for “Project DFNDR” highlights the company’s commitment to enhancing cyber-security capabilities. The project aims to improve prediction, prevention, and defense against cyber threats, with partnerships with the University of Canberra and cyber security consultancy firm Ionize.
The Manufacturing Excellence Forum (MEF), which includes defense industry suppliers in its membership base, has joined forces with Cybermerc on this project. MEF director Tim Kelly expressed excitement about the collective research effort to uplift the region’s cyber-security capabilities and contribute to the nation’s economic and security landscape.
For more information on Project DFNDR, interested parties are encouraged to contact Cybermerc via email at info@cybermerc.com. Additionally, those looking to explore investment opportunities and learn more about the Sunshine Coast’s advanced digital infrastructure can visit invest.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
Overall, Cybermerc’s decision to establish a presence on the Sunshine Coast underscores the region’s growing reputation as a leader in cyber-security and innovation, positioning it as a key player in the fight against cybercrime.