Federal funding for 'threat intelligence platform' to defend against cyber attacks

Australian businesses will be able to share information about cyber threats in a bid to help defend against attacks under a platform being developed with federal government funding.

Cybermerc has secured $1.22 million to help develop Aushield Defend, a threat intelligence platform for Australian industry, researchers and academia.

The company sees it as an online community where information can be shared to collaboratively build up defences for the next big cyber attack.

READ MORE: Three steps Australians need to take to protect themselves

Cybermerc chief Matthew Nevin says the new platform will allow Australians to work together to protect networks.

"This includes universities and research institutions who will, as a world-first, have access to the very latest malware, and be able to use this to work with industry on a whole-of-nation effort to defend our digital economy," he said.

The latest round of AustCyber funds will also go towards a TAFE cybersecurity education project, a University of Adelaide project to provide schools with cyber resources, and a cyber security job platform.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison recently confirmed Australia has been the target of increased cyber attacks by a foreign entity.

READ MORE: State-based cyber attack an 'affront to Australia's sovereignty', former cyber security adviser says

Experts say China is likely behind the sophisticated cyber attacks on Australia's private and public organisations, but political leaders in Canberra are refusing to point the finger.

– Reported with AAP