The location of the new Cyber Security Operations Center is a closely guarded secret, but is used to protect Australians from devastating hacker attacks.
“This is literally the digital version of the cop on the wall making sure to protect the people of NSW,” Digital Minister Victor Dominello said.
The work to stop criminals in their tracks inside the high-security center is protected by a 300-kilogram bullet-proof door.
“The number of people and actors trying to infiltrate us is very real and our footprint in the cyber world is staggering,” said Deputy Commissioner Tony Crandell.
“Our records, our information, our data is extremely important. Not only on the black market to sell people’s identity information, but also identity and finding out WHO people are is our business,” Crandell said.
“It could affect things like hospitals, people who need care, people who need resuscitation.”
The center was established after a series of sophisticated cyberattacks two years ago against state government and critical infrastructure.
The malicious raids prompted the infusion of government funds and brainpower to stop piracy in its tracks, particularly for sensitive information held by NSW Police.
The high security center has the power to isolate significant attacks from the broader police network.
“Police systems are critical as they have classified information,” said NSW Police Minister Paul Toole.
“When you look at that, everyone uses a computer, everyone uses a phone, people use body warning cameras, we have over 5,000 cars that have computers installed, we need to make sure we’re protecting those systems.”
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