Australia Tech News Archives

ASD Secures $70 Million Agreement with AWS for Cloud Solutions

David Leane on June 20, 2025

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ASD Collaborates with AWS in Groundbreaking Cloud Agreement

Quick Review

The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) has formalized a $70 million agreement with AWS.
This arrangement is part of a broader $364 million government-wide contract with AWS.
AWS is set to create a Top Secret Cloud for national security purposes.
The project is anticipated to improve Australia’s cyber defence over the upcoming decade with an estimated $2 billion expenditure.
Federal agencies have already secured $364 million in contracts with AWS since April 2025.

ASD Finalizes Historic $70 Million Agreement with AWS

ASD embraces $70 million AWS cloud partnership

The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) has entered into a significant $70 million contract with Amazon Web Services (AWS), marking a notable achievement in Australia’s cloud service arena. This agreement is part of a larger, renegotiated government-wide deal with AWS, now worth approximately $364 million.

Cloud Solutions for Enhanced National Security

This new deal significantly surpasses the $6.3 million total value of ASD’s previous 13 contracts with AWS, reaching back to 2017. AWS is entrusted with the creation of a Top Secret (TS) Cloud, specifically tailored for ASD’s applications in national security. The initiative is projected to incur a minimum cost of $2 billion over the next decade, with the goal of substantially enhancing Australia’s cyber defence capabilities.

Transforming Cloud Services Across Government

The three-year agreement was facilitated via the Digital Transformation Agency’s renewed whole-of-government contract with AWS for public cloud services, which was originally established in 2019. The initial contract valued at $39 million, grew to $390.8 million over three years. The government renewed this contract in 2022 for an additional three years at $174.1 million, reflecting the increasing dependence on AWS’s cloud infrastructure.

Cloud Investments by Federal Agencies

An examination of contracts released on AusTender shows that since the latest renewal became effective on April 1, 2025, federal agencies have entered into agreements totaling $364 million in just over two months. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) leads with a $147 million contract, followed by the Digital Transformation Agency at $64.7 million, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission at $23 million, the Australian Bureau of Statistics at $19.2 million, and the Department of Home Affairs at $14 million. Furthermore, the Department of Health and Aged Care allotted AWS a $22.9 million contract under a separate agreement.

Recap

The ASD’s $70 million contract with AWS signifies a crucial turning point in Australia’s digital overhaul and cyber defence strategy. As AWS continues to grow its data centre operations in Sydney and Melbourne, the collaboration is set to strengthen the country’s security framework through innovative cloud solutions. The significant investments from various federal bodies further highlight the government’s dedication to integrating cloud technology for enhanced operational effectiveness and security.

Q&A: Clarifying the AWS-ASD Cloud Agreement

Q: What is the financial value of the agreement between ASD and AWS?

A: The agreement is valued at $70 million.

Q: What is the function of the Top Secret Cloud?

A: The Top Secret Cloud is designed to improve national security applications and enhance Australia’s cyber defence capabilities.

Q: How has the government-wide AWS agreement changed over the years?

A: The original $39 million contract from 2019 has expanded to $390.8 million over three years and $364 million in federal agency contracts since April 2025.

Q: Which federal agency holds the largest contract with AWS?

A: The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) possesses the largest contract, amounting to $147 million.

Q: What are AWS’s future plans for its data centres in Australia?

A: AWS plans to extend its data centres in Sydney and Melbourne.

South32 Employs AI to Predict Employee Achievement

Nicholas Kinports on June 19, 2025

South32 Adopts AI for Improved Employee Insights

Brief Overview

South32 employs AI to improve employee safety, performance, and cultural evaluations.
The organization revamped its engagement systems in 2021 for enhanced real-time insights.
AI intends to offer predictive metrics throughout the employee journey.
South32 aims to pinpoint critical metrics that foster superior performance.

Improving Employee Experience with AI

South32, a leading mining and metals company located in Western Australia, is embracing artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen forecasts concerning safety, performance, and cultural aspects of its workforce. With personnel located globally in cities such as Perth, Singapore, London, and Vancouver, as well as in more remote regions, the company is actively transforming its employee engagement strategies.

South32 implementing AI for predicting employee success

Revamping Engagement Systems

In 2021, South32 restructured its employee engagement and evaluation systems. Previously dependent on traditional methods such as standard surveys, the pandemic underscored the demand for more immediate insights. This transition seeks to harness AI for improved predictive analytics, providing a deeper understanding across the employee lifecycle.

Concentrating on High Performance and Core Values

At the Qualtrics X4 conference in Sydney, Dave Vile, South32’s head of culture and capability, emphasized the power of AI to uncover hidden insights. “Everyone’s addressing AI … what can it reveal that is unknown to us?” he remarked. The aim is to identify leading indicators that can forecast future results.

Lincoln Cox, general manager for HR strategy performance and culture, reaffirmed South32’s dedication to evolving into a high-performance, values-driven organization. “We assess numerous aspects. We implement several filters. The subsequent step is to determine what genuinely influences change,” Cox mentioned.

Conclusion

South32 is pioneering the integration of AI within its employee management strategies, aiming to extract actionable insights that can improve safety, performance, and cultural coherence. By transforming its engagement platforms, the organization is set to utilize predictive analytics for optimized workforce management.

Q&A

Q: What does South32 aim to accomplish with AI?

A: South32 seeks to enhance predictions regarding employee safety, performance, and cultural dimensions using AI.

Q: Why did South32 upgrade its engagement platforms?

A: The upgrade was motivated by the need for immediate insights, particularly emphasized during the pandemic.

Q: In what way does AI assist in forecasting employee success?

A: AI provides predictive metrics that can help anticipate future employee performance and outcomes.

Q: What is the company’s focus concerning employee performance?

A: South32 is focused on evolving into a high-performance, values-driven enterprise.

Q: What significant challenges is South32 addressing with AI?

A: The organization is aiming to uncover metrics that meaningfully quantify and influence performance.

Canva Introduces Text-to-Video AI Utilizing Google’s Veo 3 Model, Offering Up to 1080p Quality

Nicholas Kinports on June 19, 2025

Quick Read

Canva launches a new AI-driven video creation tool utilizing Google’s VEO-3 model.
This tool enables users to fabricate high-quality video segments from textual descriptions.
Accessible to paid Canva members, including Pro, Teams, and Enterprise subscriptions.
Initial cap of five video clips per month, with intentions for future enhancement.
Pro subscribers can export videos at resolutions extending to 4K.

Canva’s Foray into AI Video Creation

Canva has recently unveiled an innovative feature that allows users to produce video clips just by entering a text description. This tool, called “Create a Video Clip,” harnesses the sophisticated capabilities of Google’s VEO-3 model. As the inaugural commercial use of VEO-3, this integration represents a significant leap in rendering high-quality video creation attainable for everyone, particularly aiding marketers, content creators, and small enterprises in Australia.

Create Video from Text

The primary function of Canva’s new feature lies in its capacity to interpret a user’s textual prompt to generate a customized eight-second video clip, inclusive of audio. Powered by Google’s VEO-3 model, this tool can comprehend intricate instructions, providing flexibility over the video’s topic, action, and style, be it cinematic, animated, or stop-motion.

Users have the option to detail aspects like camera movements and lighting, while the built-in audio can deliver synchronized dialogue and accompanying music, enhancing the video’s realistic appeal.

Comprehensive Editing Suite

Once a video clip is created, it smoothly integrates into your Canva design. Users can trim, split, and arrange it on the timeline, utilizing Canva’s extensive array of editing features. This includes overlaying text, adding branding components, incorporating further clips, and accessing Canva’s vast library of graphics and music. Canva Pro subscribers can also benefit from AI-enhanced tools like background removal and audio enhancement.

Canva's AI video creation tool utilizing Google's VEO-3 model

High-Quality Output

The AI-generated video clips are rendered in a 1920×1080 resolution, assuring sharpness and suitability for a range of applications from social media to professional presentations. While the AI generates at 1080p, Canva Pro users can export their projects in resolutions reaching up to 4K, ensuring the highest quality for compatible platforms.

Subscription Information

The “Create a Video Clip” feature is available to paid Canva members, including those subscribed to Pro, Teams, and Enterprise plans, as well as Canva for Nonprofit clients. Initially, users can produce up to five video clips per month, but this restriction is anticipated to increase. In Australia, a Canva Pro subscription is priced at A$164.99 annually for an individual, whereas Canva for Teams begins at A$135 per user per year, with a minimum of three users.

For additional details, visit Canva’s AI Video Generator.

Conclusion

Canva’s rollout of the “Create a Video Clip” tool signifies a notable achievement in AI-assisted content creation. By collaborating with Google’s VEO-3 model, Canva presents users with a novel method to easily generate high-quality videos. This feature is poised to revolutionize how marketers, content creators, and small businesses undertake video production, providing an effective solution that caters to the increasing demand for dynamic visual content.

Q: What is the key feature of Canva’s newly introduced tool?

A: Canva’s new tool enables users to generate video clips from text descriptions using Google’s VEO-3 model.

Q: Who has access to the “Create a Video Clip” feature?

A: The feature is accessible to paid Canva members, including those subscribed to Pro, Teams, and Enterprise plans.

Q: How many video clips can users create initially?

A: Users are allowed to create up to five video clips per month initially, with future expansion planned.

Q: What is the resolution of the AI-generated video clips?

A: The video clips are generated at a resolution of 1920×1080, with Pro users permitted to export up to 4K.

Q: How does the editing process function with the generated clips?

A: The clips seamlessly incorporate into Canva designs and can be modified using the complete suite of editing tools offered by Canva.

Amazon’s Employees Confront Cuts as AI Assumes Repetitive Duties

David Leane on June 18, 2025

Quick Read

Amazon is set to cut back on its corporate workforce as artificial intelligence takes over mundane tasks.
AI is transforming sectors by automating monotonous responsibilities.
Analysts foresee a reshuffling of the workforce rather than widespread job losses.
Amazon is leveraging AI to refine its processes and improve customer satisfaction.
Major tech firms like Microsoft and Google are also adopting AI, resulting in changes to their workforce.

AI’s Influence on Amazon’s Workforce

CEO Andy Jassy of Amazon has revealed that there will be a reduction in the corporate workforce as artificial intelligence (AI) progressively automates traditional tasks. This tactical move indicates a larger trend within the sector, where AI is being utilized to enhance productivity and improve operational efficiency.

Amazon's corporate workforce may shrink as AI takes over routine tasks

AI Automation and Workforce Evolution

The adoption of generative AI and specialized agents is poised to alter the work dynamics at Amazon. While certain positions may diminish, this simultaneously creates prospects in emerging domains, suggesting a reorganization instead of a decrease in overall employment. Experts believe this pattern will persist as AI capabilities advance.

Amazon’s Tactical Deployment of AI

Amazon’s recent efforts involve the application of AI to improve its internal processes. This encompasses streamlining inventory management, enhancing customer service with sophisticated chatbots, and optimizing product detail pages. By embracing AI, Amazon aims to refine operations and enhance customer interactions.

Market Trends

The changes occurring at Amazon reflect a wider industry trend. Firms such as Microsoft and Google are also integrating AI to bolster efficiency. Nevertheless, this has resulted in workforce adjustments, with reports of notable layoffs as organizations adapt to the shifting technological environment. These tech giants have primarily concentrated on automating software development and operational tasks.

Conclusion

AI is fundamentally altering the operational landscape of companies like Amazon, leading to changes in the workforce. While this may lead to fewer roles in certain sectors, it simultaneously paves the way for new opportunities and necessitates an adjustment in skills and positions. The tech sector at large is experiencing comparable shifts, with AI playing a crucial role in determining the future of employment.

Q&A

Q: How is AI affecting Amazon’s workforce?

A: AI is taking over routine functions, which is likely to lessen the demand for certain positions within Amazon’s corporate structure, triggering a reorganization rather than an outright reduction.

Q: Which areas is Amazon prioritizing with AI?

A: Amazon is applying AI to refine inventory, enhance forecasting, improve customer service chatbots, and optimize product detail pages.

Q: Are other tech companies also implementing AI?

A: Indeed, firms like Microsoft and Google are adopting AI to enhance productivity, which has also prompted modifications in their workforce frameworks.

Q: Will AI result in widespread unemployment?

A: Analysts suggest that AI will lead to a workforce reshuffling rather than massive job losses, as new opportunities and roles develop.

Q: What is the wider impact of AI on the tech industry?

A: AI is instigating significant shifts within the tech industry by automating tasks and boosting efficiency, leading to a reassessment of workforce requirements.

Enhance Intelligent Choices with EcoStruxure Insights

David Leane on June 18, 2025

Quick Overview

EcoStruxure IT Expert provides full visibility into physical infrastructure.
Organisations can effectively monitor energy consumption and carbon footprint.
Sustainable approaches result in cost savings and prolonged asset lifespan.
Datacom collaborates with Schneider to facilitate these sustainable transformations.

Enabling Smarter Choices with EcoStruxure IT Expert

As sustainability becomes a necessity rather than an option, TechBest explores how EcoStruxure IT Expert is revolutionising Australian enterprises. Collaborating with Schneider, Datacom is leading the way, offering a powerful platform that provides extensive visibility into physical infrastructure. This technological innovation empowers organisations to precisely monitor their energy usage and carbon emissions, leading to significant reductions in operational costs and extending the longevity of crucial assets.

The Importance of EcoStruxure IT Expert

EcoStruxure IT Expert serves as a guiding light for organisations pursuing sustainable operations. The platform’s capacity to furnish detailed insights into energy consumption and carbon footprint enables companies to make well-informed decisions. These insights are vital for businesses striving not only to adhere to environmental regulations but also to take a leadership role in sustainability efforts.

Collaboration for Sustainable Development

The alliance between Schneider and Datacom is crucial for promoting sustainable development throughout Australia. By utilising the features of EcoStruxure IT Expert, Datacom assists companies in embracing practices that are beneficial to the environment while also improving operational efficiency. This partnership highlights the significance of technology in attaining long-term sustainability objectives.

The Advantages of Increased Visibility

A key feature of EcoStruxure IT Expert is the increased visibility it offers. With extensive information on energy usage and carbon emissions, organisations are in a better position to adopt strategies that minimise waste and enhance energy efficiency. This leads to not only financial savings but also plays an essential role in corporate sustainability initiatives.

Empowering decisions with EcoStruxure insights

Conclusion

EcoStruxure IT Expert, in collaboration with Schneider and Datacom, provides Australian businesses the chance to adopt sustainability through improved infrastructure visibility. By comprehending energy use and carbon impact, organisations can make knowledgeable decisions that promote cost efficiency and prolong asset life.

Q: What is EcoStruxure IT Expert?

A: EcoStruxure IT Expert is a platform that delivers extensive visibility into an organisation’s physical infrastructure, facilitating accurate tracking of energy consumption and carbon footprint.

Q: How can EcoStruxure IT Expert aid organisations?

A: The platform assists organisations in lowering costs, extending the life of assets, and making knowledgeable decisions for sustainability by offering detailed insights into energy use and carbon emissions.

Q: What is Datacom’s role in this endeavour?

A: Datacom collaborates with Schneider to utilise EcoStruxure IT Expert, aiding clients in achieving sustainable transformation through efficient practices.

Q: Why is visibility into infrastructure significant?

A: Visibility into infrastructure enables organisations to monitor energy consumption and carbon emissions accurately, empowering them to optimise operations and meet environmental standards.

Q: How does this collaboration benefit Australian enterprises?

A: The partnership equips Australian enterprises with tools to enhance their sustainability initiatives, boosting operational efficiency and minimising environmental impact.

Huskee Launches Groundbreaking Reusable Cup System in Sydney, Showcasing Advanced Barcodes

David Leane on June 18, 2025

Fast Overview

Huskee unveils Borrow by Huskee, a reusable cup system in Sydney.
Distinct QR codes on every cup allow for real-time tracking and returns.
Cups can be borrowed for a period of 14 days from participating cafes and Smart Bins.
Collaboration with GS1 Australia facilitates scalable reuse through Next Gen barcodes.
The Borrow cup is produced from 100% recyclable polypropylene.
Expertly sanitized and repackaged at Huskee’s WashHub.

Huskee’s Reusable Cup Innovation in Sydney

In an effort that has the potential to greatly lessen coffee cup waste, Sydney-based start-up Huskee has rolled out Borrow by Huskee, an intelligent reusable cup system. This initiative, currently available at International Towers Barangaroo, seeks to eradicate the reliance on single-use coffee cups by enabling consumers to borrow a cup for their coffee orders from participating locations.

Operation Mechanism

The system streamlines sustainability for consumers. When ordering a beverage, customers can opt for a reusable cup instead of disposable options. They have a 14-day timeframe to return it to any participating cafe or deposit it in a tech-enabled Smart Bin. This closed-loop process guarantees that cups are collected, sanitized, and reintegrated into circulation effortlessly.

Advanced Barcode Technology

At the core of Borrow by Huskee is the cutting-edge implementation of QR codes on every cup. These Next Gen GS1 barcodes allow for real-time tracking and returns via the Borrow App and a network of collection sites. This technology not only boosts user convenience but also encourages a traceable, circular economy in the coffee sector.

Environmental and Financial Implications

The partnership with GS1 Australia illustrates how global standards can foster scalable, sustainable solutions. By establishing a common language for circularity, these systems can aid both the environment and the economy. Saxon Wright, Co-Founder of Huskee, aspires for this initiative to motivate cafes and venues throughout Australia to implement similar systems in the next year.

Eco-Friendliness and Cleanliness

The Borrow cup is fashioned from 100% polypropylene, recognized for its strength and recyclability. This is in line with Huskee’s pledge to sustainability, as the material is fully recyclable within the HuskeeLoop end-of-life program. Additionally, Huskee’s WashHub ensures that each returned cup is expertly cleaned, dried, and repackaged prior to reuse, upholding high hygiene standards.

Huskee introduces a smart reusable cup system in Sydney

Recap

The introduction of Borrow by Huskee in Sydney marks a notable advancement towards minimizing waste from single-use coffee cups. With distinct QR codes, a comprehensive app for tracking, and a recyclable cup design, Huskee is setting the foundation for a more sustainable future in the hospitality industry. The initiative is already picking up momentum, with ambitions for nationwide implementation.

Q: What is Borrow by Huskee?

A: Borrow by Huskee is a reusable cup system that allows consumers to borrow and return cups from participating cafes, minimizing the reliance on single-use coffee cups.

Q: How does the QR code technology function?

A: Each cup is equipped with a unique QR code that enables real-time tracking and returns through the Borrow App and a collection point network.

Q: What is the composition of the Borrow cups?

A: The cups are constructed from 100% polypropylene, selected for its durability, safety, and complete recyclability.

Q: How are the cups sanitized?

A: Cups are professionally cleaned, sanitized, dried, and repackaged at Huskee’s WashHub before their next use.

Q: What is the borrowing period for a cup?

A: Customers can borrow a cup for a maximum of 14 days before returning it to a participating venue or Smart Bin.

Q: What role does the partnership with GS1 Australia play in the system?

A: GS1 Australia supplies Next Gen barcodes that improve traceability and interoperability, promoting scalable and sustainable reuse systems.

Microsoft announces data security initiatives for cloud users in Europe

Vanessa May on June 17, 2025

Microsoft’s European Strategies for Cloud Data Protection

Brief Overview

Microsoft guarantees that European data will stay within Europe in accordance with local legislation.
Personnel based in Europe will oversee and authorize remote access to data in real time.
Microsoft’s sovereign private cloud is currently in preview, with a full rollout expected later this year.
Concerns regarding data sovereignty have been raised by European businesses.

Microsoft outlines data protection strategy for cloud customers in Europe

Concerns About Data Sovereignty in Europe

Issues surrounding the potential relocation of their data beyond Europe, especially to countries like the US, have increasingly alarmed European businesses and governments. This concern has driven leading American technology companies, including Microsoft, to implement strategies for data security and adherence to European regulations.

Microsoft’s Pledge to Data Privacy in Europe

To address these issues, Microsoft has revealed that data handled by its cloud customers in Europe will remain stored on the continent, compliant with European legislation. Management will be conducted by local personnel, ensuring complete customer control over their information.

European Personnel’s Real-Time Oversight

All remote system access by Microsoft engineers that involves European data will need approval and real-time oversight from personnel located in Europe. This initiative is designed to strengthen trust and guarantee strict adherence to local regulations.

Launch of the Sovereign Private Cloud

The sovereign private cloud from Microsoft, which is currently in preview, is anticipated to be available to the public later this year. This service is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to improve data security and privacy for cloud customers in Europe.

Conclusion

Microsoft is making substantial progress to alleviate European data privacy worries by ensuring that data remains in Europe and is regulated by local laws. With the upcoming launch of the sovereign private cloud, Microsoft intends to provide enhanced data security and foster trust among users in Europe.

Q: What drove Microsoft to improve data protection practices in Europe?

A: Microsoft introduced these strategies in response to heightened concerns from European businesses and governments about data sovereignty and adherence to local regulations.

Q: How will Microsoft make certain that data stays in Europe?

A: Microsoft will guarantee data remains in Europe by operating in line with European laws and supervising access through local personnel.

Q: What does the sovereign private cloud entail?

A: The sovereign private cloud is a service aimed at improving data security and privacy for cloud users in Europe, currently in a preview phase.

Q: When will the sovereign private cloud be available for general use?

A: Microsoft has indicated that the sovereign private cloud will be launched for general use later this year.

Q: Who will be responsible for monitoring access to European data?

A: Personnel residing in Europe will manage the approval and real-time monitoring of remote data access.

Q: What implications does this have for European customers?

A: European customers can anticipate that their data will be retained within Europe, governed by local laws, with improved privacy and oversight.

Lanrex Reveals Major Flaws in Cybersecurity for Australian Businesses

wpengine on June 17, 2025

Lanrex Reveals Major Issues in Cybersecurity for Australian Businesses

Quick Overview

A considerable number of Australian companies face vulnerabilities due to single points of failure and insufficient ongoing monitoring.
Lanrex provides a tiered cybersecurity enhancement program to remedy these shortcomings.
The collaboration with Microsoft boosts security using tools such as Microsoft Defender and 365 E5 Security.
The E5 Security add-on delivers advanced features at a lower price for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

Cybersecurity Issues in Australia

Australian organizations are becoming increasingly susceptible to cyber attackers, often attributable to single points of failure and the absence of continuous monitoring. Lanrex, a managed IT service provider and partner of Microsoft, asserts that these weaknesses are widespread throughout various sectors.

Lanrex exposes cybersecurity deficiencies in Australian firms

David Reid, Lanrex.

During the CyberSecure Summit held in Sydney, David Reid, Lanrex’s Head of Operations, highlighted the necessity for a unified security strategy. Reid noted that while many companies maintain a robust security framework, they often lack the strategic execution needed for ongoing security implementation and monitoring.

Lanrex’s Tiered Cybersecurity Strategy

In response to these issues, Lanrex provides a tiered strategy designed for businesses of various sizes. This encompasses managed support and account management. The initial tier includes Microsoft Defender products, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and geo-location restrictions, among other resources.

The subsequent tier enhances the first by adding improved alerting and remediation functions, concentrating on risks identified in Office 365 and the behavior of Microsoft Defender for endpoints.

Enhancing Security with Microsoft Products

Lanrex’s partnership with Microsoft significantly augments its cybersecurity offerings. As the world’s largest security vendor, Microsoft supplies a variety of security tools utilized by over 1 million corporations. Their zero-trust security model anticipates breaches and authenticates every user and device.

Karen Negus, Microsoft’s Director of SMB Security for Asia, promotes a comprehensive, end-to-end security perspective. The company is consistently updating its SMB offerings to deliver thorough solutions.

Advanced Security Features with Microsoft 365 E5

In March, Microsoft launched the 365 E5 Security add-on for Business Premium, providing advanced security functionalities at a lower price point. The add-on incorporates real-time risk-based conditional access, identity protection, and Extended Detection and Response (XDR).

This package bolsters device, email, and collaboration security, thereby making advanced cybersecurity more attainable for smaller organizations.

Conclusion

Australian businesses encounter significant cybersecurity obstacles, frequently due to single points of failure and inadequate monitoring. Lanrex, in partnership with Microsoft, delivers cutting-edge solutions to fill these gaps, offering a tiered security enhancement program that utilizes Microsoft’s comprehensive security products.

Q: What are the primary cybersecurity challenges for Australian businesses?

A: The primary challenges consist of single points of failure, insufficient continuous monitoring, and inadequate strategic implementation of security protocols.

Q: How does Lanrex address these cybersecurity challenges?

A: Lanrex provides a tiered cybersecurity enhancement program designed for businesses of all sizes, incorporating Microsoft security tools and a strategic approach to continuous security implementation and monitoring.

Q: What role does Microsoft play in Lanrex’s cybersecurity framework?

A: Microsoft offers powerful security tools, including Microsoft Defender and 365 E5 Security, which are integrated into Lanrex’s solutions to bolster protection and mitigate security vulnerabilities.

Q: In what ways does the Microsoft 365 E5 Security add-on support SMBs?

A: The E5 Security add-on provides advanced cybersecurity functionalities at a reduced cost, making it accessible for smaller companies. It includes features such as real-time risk-based conditional access and Extended Detection and Response (XDR).

Quorum Employs AI to Provide Major Cyber Time Savings for Australian Companies

Matthew Miller on June 16, 2025

Concise Overview

Quorum’s AI-powered solution is aiding Australian businesses in alleviating cybersecurity alert fatigue.
By leveraging Microsoft’s Security Copilot, companies decrease daily alerts from 300 to 35 actionable items.
AI instruments like Copilot can introduce data exposure risks if not adequately supervised.
Effective data governance and permission structures are critical for reducing AI-related risks.
Quorum’s customized AI solutions empower businesses to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses.

AI-Powered Cybersecurity Solutions

Australian organizations burdened by cybersecurity alerts are experiencing relief through Quorum’s AI-powered methodology. By incorporating Microsoft’s Security Copilot, Quorum assists businesses in reducing alert fatigue and honing in on actionable threats.

Quorum using AI for efficient cybersecurity solutions

Daniel Tracey, Quorum’s Principal Consultant for Cybersecurity, elaborated at the CyberSecure Summit in Sydney on how their partnership with Microsoft has facilitated the automation of alert responses. This innovation has significantly lowered the number of daily alerts necessitating human engagement from 300 to 35.

Handling “Impossible Travel” Alerts

The approach is especially beneficial for managing “impossible travel” alerts, which arise when employee logins from distant places raise security flags. With large teams traveling around the globe, manually verifying each alert was a cumbersome task.

“We employed Security Copilot to evaluate these alerts, determining if they represented actual threats. Most turned out to be false positives, enabling us to concentrate on real issues,” Tracey stated.

Recognizing AI Risks

While AI tools bolster cybersecurity, they also introduce risks, particularly regarding data exposure. Oscar Gonzalez, Microsoft’s SMB Cybersecurity Lead for ANZ, cautions against the risks of data leaks, both accidental and intentional, underscoring the significance of data governance.

“Establish a data classification scheme and proper permission levels to alleviate these risks,” Gonzalez recommended.

Case Study: AI in Practice

Gavin van Niekerk, Quorum’s Practice Manager for Cybersecurity, recounted how a Melbourne-based electrical wholesaler enhanced its security posture utilizing Quorum’s AI solutions. Initially lacking proactive monitoring, they now utilize Quorum’s SOC team to bolster data security without risking overexposure.

“They now use AI with confidence, understanding their security maturity and prepared to advance,” van Niekerk remarked.

Conclusion

Quorum’s AI-driven solutions considerably enhance cybersecurity by alleviating alert fatigue and prioritizing actionable threats. Nevertheless, organizations must stay alert to AI-related risks, particularly data exposure. Sound governance and a well-structured data security framework are vital for the safe utilization of AI technologies.

Q: What is Quorum’s AI-powered solution?

A: Quorum’s AI-driven solution utilizes Microsoft’s Security Copilot to automate and optimize the management of cybersecurity alerts, significantly decreasing the number of alerts that require human intervention.

Q: How does Quorum’s solution handle “impossible travel” alerts?

A: The solution employs Security Copilot to assess these alerts, frequently identifying them as false positives, thus enabling security teams to concentrate on real threats.

Q: What are the risks tied to using AI in cybersecurity?

A: Risks include potential data exposure and leaks that can happen either accidentally or maliciously. Effective data governance and permission frameworks can help lessen these risks.

Q: How can businesses reduce AI-related risks?

A: By instituting a solid data classification and governance framework, ensuring appropriate permission levels, and consistently reviewing their security posture.

Q: What was the result of Quorum’s involvement with the Melbourne-based wholesaler?

A: The wholesaler enhanced its data security posture, gaining assurance in utilizing AI tools without risking data exposure, and establishing a proactive monitoring system.

NSW Nationals Shift to Discard Net Zero and Withdraw from Paris Agreement

Nicholas Kinports on June 16, 2025

NSW Nationals Alter Their Position on Climate Policy

Quick Read

NSW Nationals opt to drop net zero emissions goal.
Party aims to retract from the Paris Agreement.
Worries regarding the economic effects of existing climate policies.
Possible political consequences within the Coalition.
Grassroots initiative emphasizes Australian priorities.

NSW Nationals’ Climate Policy Revision

In a significant development, the NSW Nationals have voted to relinquish their pledge to net zero emissions and support Australia’s pullout from the Paris Agreement. This determination was reached at their yearly conference in Coffs Harbour, mirroring a rising feeling among party members that existing climate frameworks do not adequately serve regional Australia.

Economic Issues Propel Policy Change

Supporters of the new path assert that the pursuit of net zero has heightened living expenses, affecting prices related to food, energy, and transportation. They argue that Australia’s pledge has yielded no discernible environmental advantages and that the nation’s rich resources should permit some of the lowest costs for food and energy in the world.

Consequences for Employment and Industry

The emphasis on net zero has allegedly resulted in job reductions as businesses relocate to nations with laxer environmental standards. The party’s choice highlights a call for the Australian government to focus on domestic prosperity over global obligations.

Exiting the Paris Agreement

After the net zero vote, the NSW Nationals endorsed a resolution calling for the Federal Government to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Members contend that international climate treaties place undue economic pressure on Australia, impeding its growth potential.

Political Fallout

This policy alteration may heighten scrutiny on the federal leadership of the National Party and the larger Coalition, revealing a divide between urban and regional beliefs regarding climate policy. As Senator Matt Canavan remarked, it is time for the “AUSTRALIAN government to prioritize AUSTRALIANS.”

Summary

The NSW Nationals’ choice to forsake net zero objectives and the Paris Agreement signifies a crucial change in Australian climate policy, spurred by economic concerns and a wish to emphasize national interests. This action has the potential to transform internal party relations and sway discussions in forthcoming federal elections.

Q: What prompted the NSW Nationals to discard net zero?

A: The choice was motivated by worries concerning the economic ramifications of current climate policies, such as increasing costs for food, energy, and transport.

Q: What are the consequences of exiting the Paris Agreement?

A: Departing from the Paris Agreement could free Australia from global climate responsibilities but may draw criticism from environmental advocates and international allies.

Q: How could this decision impact the Coalition?

A: It may foster discord within the Coalition, shedding light on disparities between regional and urban viewpoints on climate policies.

Q: What is the wider political consequence of this decision?

A: The decision might shape future federal election battles, with climate policy emerging as a crucial topic of discussion.

For more details, visit the NSW Nationals website.