Media releases

Research into cyber security will be boosted following the signing of a renewed agreement between Westpac Bank and Federation University Australia.

The five-year contract between the university and the bank will financially support the Internet Commerce Security Laboratory (ICSL), which is located at the University’s Mt Helen Campus.

“The ICSL is a cyber security research laboratory conducting research in issues which are relevant to the industry,” Dr Iqbal Gondal, Director of the ICSL, said.

“Westpac’s generous support to the ICSL helps to create a great environment to conduct industry-relevant research and hosting conferences in cyber security.

“Cyber security is crucially important for everyone so we are particularly appreciative of Westpac’s support,” Dr Gondal said.

“Our team conducts important research applying advanced analytic techniques to threat intelligence, threat profiling, forensics, fraud detection, malware analysis, identity theft, blockchain, and IoT security.”

Besides providing funding to the laboratory, senior Westpac staff also work part- time with ICSL to help drive the direction of research, particularly by providing industry context and consulting. Funding also supports the research of staff and students.

“ICSL provides flexible environment and support for PhD students who are working with industry, so they can conduct research relevant to their industry needs,” Dr Gondal said.

“We are very grateful that Westpac has agreed to partner with us for another five years.”

The new contract will bring the relationship between Westpac and ICSL to 15 years.