Media Release

ACS establishes E-security Task Force

Tuesday, 18 November 2008 - The Australian Computer Society (ACS), Australia’s peak professional body for the ICT sector, today announced it has formed a new E-security Task Force, comprising Australia’s leading experts in e-security and ISP filtering.

ACS Chairman, Kumar Parakala said the ACS has established the Task Force to take a leadership role, provide expert technical advice, and review e-security and ISP filtering proposals for the ACS to develop policy positions. These issues are of critical importance to the safety and security of Australian ICT infrastructure, on-line business models and internet users.

The ACS Task Force will meet for the first time on 26 November to discuss ISP filtering and e-security issues, following the Government’s recent announcement of the pilot trial of ISP level filtering.

“The ACS is pleased to see the Government is taking action on e-security issues, particularly with the recent review of e-security frameworks and policy in Australia and last weeks call for tenders on the pilot ISP internet content filtering scheme. Industry involvement is pivotal in providing actionable and realistic solutions in the e-security arena, ensuring we build and maintain business and consumer confidence,” said Mr Parakala.

“The growth of the digital economy is crucial to Australia’s economic success, and e-security underpins this growth. Our e-security outcomes must strike a balance between ensuring appropriate levels of online safety and security without stifling business and ICT innovation and use,” said Mr Parakala.

The Task Force will be lead by Vijay Varadharajan, Professor and Microsoft Chair in Innovation in Computing at Macquarie University and Director of Information and Networked System Security Research. Professor Varadharajan said: “We are aware of ISP level filtering testing conducted by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), and the recent calls for tenders in the live pilot testing of ISP content filtering. We acknowledge that there have been strong industry views on these proposals. At this stage the Task Force will develop sound technical advice on the feasibility and governance of the various ISP filtering options being investigated.”
“We think it’s appropriate that industry and Government collaborate on initiatives to develop comprehensive but realistic options that protect Australian infrastructure, businesses and the public.

Mr Parakala said: “A recent study conducted by the Centre for International Economics had indicated that genuine broadband could increase Australian GDP by around 1.4 per cent after around four to five years. This is equivalent to $15 billion in terms of GDP, based on 2007-08 figures.”

“With recent ABS data indicating that although ^[1] 86% of all businesses had access to the Internet during the year ended 30 June 2007, only 40% had placed orders via the Internet or web during 2006-07. This shows us that online business activities have potential for huge productivity gains for the community and business with the introduction the new National Broadband Network. Appropriate e-security frameworks and policies are necessary if we are to fully harness this potential.

“We are living in a networked era, where uninterrupted access to the web and private and corporate email is part of everyday life. With current filtering and e-security measures potentially reducing Internet access and accessibility speeds, it’s essential that Australia has a national e-security framework that reflects contemporary communication modes and contemporary work environments. The ACS E-Security Task Force will play an important role in developing policy and technical advice for the ACS. The ACS will be looking to ensure that businesses and consumers are protected from online risks while fully harnessing the opportunities of an emerging digital economy,” said Mr Parakala.

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Media information:

Yesica Ares (02) 9270 0204 or mobile: 0413 791 988

About the ACS:

The ACS (Australian Computer Society) is the recognised professional association for those working in Information and Communications Technology, seeking to raise the standing of ICT professionals and represent their views to government, industry and the community. A member of the Australian Council of Professions, the ACS is the guardian of professional ethics and standards in the ICT sector, committed to ensuring the beneficial use of ICT for all Australians. It provides both members and non-members with opportunities for professional education, networking and certification, as well as enabling them to contribute to the development of their profession. Visit www.acs.org.au for more.

^[1] ABS, Summary of IT Use and Innovation in Australian Business, 2006-07