National computer emergency response team CERT Australia has announced it will become part of the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC). 

Both agencies fall under the wider Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) umbrella agency. 

The move is expected to “bring together the Australian Government’s cybersecurity agencies to improve services for all Australians,” CERT Australia declared. 

Prior to its move, the ACSC had worked extensively with CERT Australia, enlisting the agency in ‘protection and detection’ missions of CERT-reported cyber incidents and systems vulnerabilities. 

“CERT Australia provided remediation advice to the affected businesses and engaged with the AFP (Australian Federal Police) and the ACIC (Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission) in relation to the malicious adversary’s activities,” a 2017 ACSC Threat Report revealed. 

The ACSC is expected to continue CERT Australia’s work in building defence strategies towards “malicious cyber activities” through operational support, information sharing, and trusted advice.

CERT Australia’s website said the ACSC will also introduce a new 24/7 response capability for cybersecurity incidents, expected to enhance the agency’s existing services and provide expert cybersecurity advice around the clock.

CERT staff have already begun the move to the purpose-built facility at Brindabella Business Park in Canberra, with a full transition expected at the end of July.