South Australia could unlock its full potential as a hub of cyber security by looking to US cyber powerhouse, Maryland, for inspiration.

Defence SA is joining a network of Australian companies, including South Australian-based firm Saab Australia, on Austrade’s Cyber Security Mission to the USA, from 10-20 April.

As part of the trip, the agency is touring the US state of Maryland – an epicentre for cybersecurity with some of the most experienced and skilled cyber security professionals in the industry.  

Defence SA Chief Executive Richard Price said the trip is a chance to learn from Maryland’s strong cyber security industry as South Australia looks to build its cyber capabilities, which are vital not only to the defence sector but to protect society more broadly.     

“We’re hoping to identify what a best-practice cyber security ecosystem looks like and how we mirror this in South Australia,” he said.

“We’re going to map our strengths and areas for improvement against a well-known cyber ecosystem, and use any key findings and information to shape the implementation of our own cyber security strategy.”

Earlier this year, South Australia released the state’s first Cyber Security Strategic Plan (2018-2021), which underpins a three-year program towards transforming South Australia into a centre of excellence for cyber security.

“Our goal is to establish South Australia as a hub for cyber security, which will not only protect our sensitive information and defence projects from cyber-attacks, but generate huge employment opportunities for our local workforce,” Mr Price said.  

The delegation of cyber security companies will also attend the world’s leading cyber security event, RSA Conference, in San Francisco to connect with cyber professionals, potential customers and learn how others are staying ahead of threats.