The Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) is looking for a new data centre panel to launch in 2023. 

The DTA has put forth a request for tender on AusTender for a new panel similar to the existing data centre facilities supplies panel, but covering a new category for prefabricated data centres.

It is part of the federal government’s cybersecurity strategy, which is aimed at making “public and private data more secure”. 

The Australian Signals Directorate and the Department of Home Affairs have identified threats and activities from a “sophisticated state-based actor” as a major and ongoing risk to government data security.

Experts at the Lowy Institute say serious security challenges are created by the mounds of data collected by governments.

The implications of data collection are “underappreciated” in public policy conversations, according to Lowy Institute analyst Miah Hammond-Errey. 

“Identifying and protecting the uses of critical data should be a national security priority for government on par with safeguarding critical digital infrastructure,” she said.

“The task now is to mitigate the most serious national security threats, ensure that growth and innovation of technologies reflect our values and culture.”

Applications close on September 19, 2022.