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NIIN Cyber Alliance

Building a stronger, more connected cybersecurity ecosystem for Australia.

The NIIN Cyber Alliance is a strategic collaboration between universities, industry, and cybersecurity leaders working together to strengthen Australia's cyber resilience.

Anchored by Cisco and led in collaboration with the University of Canberra, the alliance supports research, innovation, workforce development, and cross-sector partnerships that respond to the evolving needs of the cybersecurity landscape. Hosted through the University of Canberra's NIIN Research Chair in Critical Infrastructure, the alliance connects academic insight with industry expertise and national priorities.

Its focus includes cybersecurity research and innovation, threat intelligence collaboration, education and workforce development, industry–university projects, and support for national cybersecurity policy. Together, these efforts help build stronger partnerships, practical capability, and long-term impact across Australia's cyber ecosystem.

Advisory Committee

The NIIN Cyber Alliance Advisory Committee brings together leaders from academia, industry, and Cisco to help guide the alliance's strategic direction and support its impact across research, education, and industry collaboration.

     

    • Prof Anton Middelberg — Advisory Committee Chair, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, The University of Adelaide
    • Prof Ryan Ko — University Representative, University of Queensland
    • Prof Olaf Maennel — University Representative, University of Adelaide
    • Shainal Kavar — University Representative, La Trobe University
    • Deniz Molokov — Industry Representative, Downer
    • Prof Frank den Hartog — University Representative, University of Canberra
    • Helen Patton — Cisco Representative, International
    • Matt Carling — Cisco Representative, Australia

     

    Cyber Alliance Projects

    The NIIN Cyber Alliance is progressing a range of initiatives across research, workforce development, and international collaboration.

    Together, these initiatives reflect the NIIN Cyber Alliance's commitment to practical collaboration, research excellence and capability-building — helping to strengthen Australia's cybersecurity ecosystem through partnerships across universities, industry and government.

    Research

    Securing the Nation

    A collaboration between Cisco, NIIN, and the University of Canberra, this white paper brings together cybersecurity research and technology capability to address systemic barriers in Australia's cyber landscape. It is framed as a forward-looking roadmap to strengthen the effectiveness and impact of Australia's national cybersecurity strategy.

    Prioritising High-Risk Security Threats

    This project addresses the challenge of cyber teams being overwhelmed by large volumes of alerts and advisories. It involves the development of a Cyber Threat Intelligence Tool that identifies and parses AEGIS intelligence advisories, summarises key insights into a dashboard, and suggests contextual actions to reduce risk and improve cyber resilience across university systems.

    Preventing Drone-Related Cybersecurity Risks

    Developed in partnership with DroneShield, this project examines the growing cyber risks associated with drones — particularly in relation to critical infrastructure. Outcomes include a white paper with recommendations covering operator education, advanced threat modelling, collaborative simulation exercises, and stronger government–industry partnerships.

    SafeClick

    A cyber safety initiative helping individuals and businesses assess whether a website or URL may be malicious or risky. Using Cisco Talos threat intelligence, the project proposes a website or mobile application that provides an easy-to-understand risk score along with detailed statistics to support safer online decision-making.

    Australian Industry Understanding of CMMC

    This project helps Australian organisations understand the additional requirements involved in meeting both the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) and the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). It presents a systematic comparison between the frameworks in a simpler, more accessible format, making it easier for industry to investigate requirements and navigate certification pathways.

    Resilient Platform Interfaces

    Focused on securing systems and data flows across the boundary between operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT), this project develops a Secure Digital Stack for converged OT/IT cyber security — with potential applications across defence platforms, critical infrastructure and industrial control systems.

    Zero Trust Security for Healthcare

    Led by Prof. Trish Williams at Flinders University, this project develops a Zero Trust cybersecurity blueprint tailored to healthcare environments, where protecting interconnected systems and sensitive data is especially critical.

    Medical Device Security — Cyber Assessment and Testing

    Also led by Prof. Trish Williams at Flinders University, this project focuses on the cybersecurity assessment and testing of medical devices, supporting stronger security standards and safer deployment of digital health technologies.

    LLMs for Network Intrusion Detection

    Led by Prof. Marius Portmann at the University of Queensland, this project explores the use of large language models for network intrusion detection to improve the identification and explanation of cyber threats across complex environments.

    Edge AI for Real-Time Intrusion Detection in SDN Data Planes

    Led by Prof. Marius Portmann, this project applies edge AI to real-time intrusion detection within software-defined networking environments, with the aim of improving responsiveness and strengthening network defence.

    Video-Based Edge AI and LLMs

    Also led by Prof. Marius Portmann, this project explores the use of video-based edge AI and large language models, including privacy-aware user behaviour monitoring.

    Skills & Talent Development

    Behind the Breach: Understanding Cyber Threats

    Delivered by the University of Canberra in partnership with Cisco Networking Academy and the Canberra Institute of Technology, this short course builds foundational cyber capability for non-ICT participants. It covers cyber security risk management, recognising cyber threats, and pathways into cyber careers — drawing on academic and industry expertise through practical, scenario-based learning.

    LLMs for Quality of Service Routing in SDNs

    This project explores how large language models can be used to automate and simplify quality of service routing and traffic engineering in software-defined networks.

    ICU Threat Model

    Led by Prof. Frank den Hartog at the University of Canberra and Prof. Trish Williams at Flinders University, this project develops a cyber threat model for intensive care units, focused on identifying and mitigating risks to critical healthcare infrastructure and hospital systems.

    P5G Feasibility Study

    Led by Prof. Frank den Hartog at the University of Canberra, this project explores private 5G use cases in sectors such as defence and mining, with a focus on secure and resilient connectivity in operational environments.

    Events

    Cyber Essentials for Parliamentarians

    This cyber awareness initiative strengthens cyber resilience among parliamentarians and their staff. Framed as Securing Our Future, it supports stronger cyber awareness and helps build public sector understanding of emerging cyber risks and responsibilities.

    NIIN Quarterly Threat Update

    A forward-looking discussion series on emerging cybersecurity challenges and technologies shaping the threat landscape. Drawing on insights including Talos Quarterly Threat Updates, breach trends, SOCI updates and Five Eyes summit takeaways, it explores issues such as AI risk modelling, post-quantum cryptography and secure-by-design principles.

    National Cyber Competition

    Led by Innovation Central Melbourne, this initiative brings together universities and industry partners to showcase talent and build practical cybersecurity capability on a national stage.

    Get Involved

    Interested organisations are encouraged to indicate their interest in joining the NIIN Cyber Alliance or learning more about its work at cyberalliance@niin.com.au