The cyber security technology has been developed by global cyber specialist Cyberbit, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems. Cyber training ranges will be installed at ADF facilities in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Canberra. The fully self-contained cyber security training network will be capable of training 50 students concurrently.

In addition, Elbit Systems of Australia has commenced providing cyber security training for Queensland government departmental IT staff. Training is being conducted at Elbit Systems’ Brisbane facility.

"The Australian government is committed to strengthening its cyber capabilities to protect Defence and other critical government systems from malicious cyber intrusion and disruption," Minister Pyne said.

Elbit Systems of Australia introduced the company’s world-leading cyber security capability to Australia in late 2017. In addition to providing bespoke cyber security training ranges and offering training via a permanent facility in Brisbane, the company also has a mobile cyber range for the training of IT professionals around the nation.

Managing director of Elbit Systems of Australia Dan Webster said, "The company is delighted to be providing cyber expertise to the ADF. We will be supporting Defence in training their ‘cyber warriors’ who will defend against the real cyber threats we are faced with every day. Trainees will learn to identify, track, investigate, respond to and remediate a cyber attack."

Forty-nine cyber warfare specialists that graduated from the Australian Defence Force’s inaugural Accelerated Defensive Cyber Training program will use the new cyber training range to develop and maintain their skills.

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The cyber training range is an integral aspect of the program which is designed to meet the ADF’s immediate requirement to secure its networks and mission systems that are fundamental to current operations in a world where the threat to such systems continues to increase.

Minister Pyne said, "The cyber training range will be used by Defence personnel for training on cyber terrain and associated systems that our cyber workforce is responsible to defend."

The Accelerated Defensive Cyber Training program was created by Defence to meet the 2016 Defence White Paper’s directive for more trained personnel and enhanced capability in the cyber domain well ahead of its planned implementation period.

Stephen Kuper

Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.