Microsoft signs MOU with government on cybersecurity and infrastructure

Microsoft has announced that it has formalised what it says is a first-of-its-kind partnership with the Australian Government to “strengthen the nation’s digital resilience”.

Under an agreement signed on Tuesday in Canberra by Tony Burke, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Cyber Security, and Lisa Monaco, Microsoft’s President of Global Affairs, the two parties established a framework for strategic cooperation on secure cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, AI and critical infrastructure protection.

The memorandum of understanding outlines joint initiatives to protect Australia’s digital assets and ensure vital services remain secure and under Australian control, especially amid evolving cyberthreats in the AI era. Focus areas include reinforcing the resilience of critical connectivity networks and data centre infrastructure, enhancing cybersecurity threat information-sharing and response, supporting the secure adoption of AI in government, strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure providers, and collaborating on policy and regulatory measures to advance national digital resilience.

“We can’t stop all cyber attacks, but agreements like this make sure we’re more resilient. There’s no better example of private/public partnership than cyber,” Burke said. “We rely on each other to keep Australians safe online. Microsoft is a critical partner in cybersecurity and this agreement takes our relationship to the next level.”

“Digital resilience is foundational to Australia’s national and economic security in the AI era. This partnership demonstrates what is possible when government and industry work together to strengthen critical systems, support trusted innovation, and ensure new technologies are deployed securely and responsibly in the national interest,” Monaco said. “This collaborative approach is a strong example of how governments and industry can work together to support a more digitally resilient future, delivering meaningful benefits for the economy and society.”

The MOU also establishes an operating framework for ongoing strategic dialogue between Microsoft and the government to continually monitor progress and assess the evolving threat landscape. Microsoft said all efforts aim to provide trusted, sovereign digital foundations for Australia’s security and economy in the face of rapidly changing technology and threat environments.

Image caption: Minister Tony Burke and Microsoft’s President of Global Affairs Lisa Monaco signing the MOU. Image: Supplied