NBN needs expert security: Conroy

[InfoSec News <alerts () infosecnews org>]

http://www.australianit.news.com.au/story/0,24897,25502816-15306,00.html

By Karen Dearne 
Australian IT
May 19, 2009

FEDERAL Communications Minister Stephen Conroy says technology security 
specialists will help with the detailed design, operating and identity 
security arrangements needed to underpin the new national broadband 
network.

In particular, supervisory control and data acquisition specialists 
(SCADAs) can expect a boost, in recognition of the vital role of 
critical infrastructure such as electricity, water supply, banking, 
finance and aviation.

As more vital services such as health and aged care came to rely on 
broadband, the security of networks was of the highest priority, Senator 
Conroy told the AusCERT 2009 conference on the Gold Coast yesterday.

Confidence is a key factor in the uptake of new services by businesses 
and citizens, and will be essential to ensure Australia reaps the full 
benefits of the connected digital economy.

Acknowledging that the security of networked critical infrastructure 
systems has often had a lower profile, Senator Conroy committed to 
training and workshop programs to improve the skills and knowledge of 
these issues among SCADA professionals. Skilled workers will be needed 
for initiatives such as the $100 million public-private sector smart 
grid project announced in the budget last week.

[...]


--
LayerOne 2009, Information Security for the discerning professional. 
May 23-24 2009 @ The Anaheim Marriott in Anaheim, California 
Visit http://layerone.info for more information