8 February marked Safer Internet Day and today it represents the launch of the Australian – Lithuanian Cyber Research Network, a joint initiative of RMIT University and Mykolas Romeris University. The network is the first of its kind globally and will provide a platform for Australia and Lithuania to cooperate on common cyber security issues that affect both the Asia Pacific and Europe.

The Australian activities will be led by RMIT University’s Centre for Cyber Security Research & Innovation, one of Australia’s leading multi-disciplinary Cyber Security Research Centres. While the activities in Lithuania will be undertaken by Mykolos Romeris University, one of their leading universities specialising in law, public security and public administration.

The Australian – Lithuanian Cyber Research Network was launched today by His Excellency Gabrielius Landsbergis, the Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs who has stated that this trip to the Asia Pacific region which includes Singapore and Australia is about “strengthening old friendships and building new ones. Political dialogue, enhanced economic cooperation, and regional security are main subjects for conversations during upcoming busy days!”

RMIT University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Business and Law) and Vice President, Professor Julie Cogin stated that, “building alliances with Australia’s key allies in the European Union around important research activities like cyber security will help build Australia’s capacity and ensure that we have the skills and knowledge in place to allow Australia to build its sovereign capability in this important sector.”

Director of RMIT’s Centre for Cyber Security Research & Innovation and co-convenor of the Australian-Lithuanian Cyber Research Network, Professor Matt Warren said “the network provides a platform for the two countries to undertake jointly important cyber security research. 

Professor Warren went on to say “The first initiative of the network will be the Australian – Lithuanian Hybrid Threat Observatory. Hybrid threats are state and non-state actors that are challenging countries and institutions they see as a threat, opponent or competitor to their interests and goals with a focus on disputing industry and society”.

The Australian – Lithuanian Threat Observatory will:

• Undertake joint research looking at hybrid threat impacts upon Australia and Lithuania;
  
• Assess the society and organisational impact of hybrid threats;
  
• Explore the impact of hybrid threats upon countries critical infrastructure including democratic institutions;
  
• Develop a joint seminar series exploring the issues;
  
• Write thought leadership items regarding the impact of hybrid threats.