AustCyber, previously a government-backed cybersecurity growth initiative, has been relaunched as the Australian Cyber Network (ACN) after severing its ties with startup incubator Stone & Chalk.
The newly formed not-for-profit organisation was unveiled on Wednesday, signalling a fresh direction for the cybersecurity industry group.
Under the leadership of former AustCyber executives Linda Cavanagh and Jason Murrell, the ACN will act as a dedicated advocate for Australia’s cybersecurity industry.
It will provide business advisory services to startups and scaleups while working with vulnerable sectors to enhance cyber defences.
The transition to ACN follows a plan set in motion in 2017, when AustCyber was established under the federal government's Industry Growth Program.
Several entities from the program, such as the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre and Food Innovation Australia, have since transitioned to private funding, while others have wound down operations. AustCyber was acquired by Stone & Chalk in 2021 to ensure continuity after government funding ceased, which officially concluded in June 2024.
With no remaining legal ties to Stone & Chalk, ACN will now operate independently, a move that CEO Linda Cavanagh says will allow the group “to provide that independent voice to government that doesn’t have vested interests, whether they be commercial, political or otherwise”.
ACN’s primary focus will be supporting cybersecurity startups by offering tailored business advisory services in areas such as human resources, finance, governance, and export market requirements. Startups will pay a nominal annual membership fee, while larger companies will be subject to higher rates.
The network also plans to release an annual report on the state of Australia’s cybersecurity industry, providing insights into industry growth, composition, and the effectiveness of the national Cyber Security Strategy.
Additionally, the second phase of ACN’s development will see the creation of a “trusted advisory network,” a resource connecting members with specialised services such as legal advice, accounting, and industrial relations.
ACN Chair Jason Murrell emphasised that the transition from AustCyber to ACN represents more than just a rebranding exercise. “The ACN will serve as a bridge between Australia’s cybersecurity industry and global initiatives, ensuring Australia plays a leading role in shaping international cybersecurity standards,” he stated.
Andrew Charlton, the Albanese government’s special envoy for cyber security and digital resilience, praised the establishment of ACN, describing it as the start of a “new era of collaboration” between the government and the cybersecurity industry.