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Victorians have a new weapon to fight cyber crime and internet security issues such as identity theft and financial fraud with the opening today of a $3.7 million Internet Commerce Security
Laboratory in Ballarat.

Information and Communication Technology Minister Theo Theophanous said the laboratory,
located at the Ballarat Technology Park, would address a variety of eSecurity issues.

'As the nation's leader in ICT, the Brumby Government is working to ensure local business and families are protected by the latest in internet security measures and keep Victoria at the forefront of ICT development,' Mr Theophanous said.

'This new security lab will tackle cyber crime and security issues businesses and individuals face every day, providing greater protection for online transactions.'

'Research from a Newspoll survey released this month show the top two issues of concern faced by Australians are the theft or misuse of personal identity, and credit and debit card fraud.

'This reiterates the importance of developing eSecurity initiatives to ensure Victorians are
protected from cyber crime.

'It is estimated that cost to Australians of cyber, crime is about $1 million annually and this lab will be crucial in ensuring new threats of cyber crime can be restrained quickly and effectively.'

The Internet Commerce Security Laboratory is the result of an alliance between the Brumby
Government, which provided $1 million to help set up the facility, Westpac and IBM.

It will target threats such as identity theft, viruses, worms, malware, financial fraud and spyware, and also develop solutions to identify organised cyber criminal groups around the globe.

'Internet security is important to both businesses and families, so this facility will develop
solutions to help protect those thousands of Victorians who make online transactions every day,'
Mr Theophanoussa said.

'With the increase in popularity of online activities, there has been a rise in internet scams. This
affects everyone, from companies conducting business online to mums and dads who go online every day to pay bills and shop.

'Confidence and security remain the key concerns among those Australians who reluctant to adopt online banking.'