It's now just under a year since the VMC started in Bathurst with a range of new services and jobs added as part of a recent expansion.

The centre initially created eight new jobs in the region, with that number growing to 13 permanent and two contract staff positions over the past 12 months.

Utilising Charles Sturt University was one of the key factors in Bathurst being selected as the location for the centre and now a relationship between CSU and the VMC is forming, with plans for a one-year graduate placement program being finalised.

ALSO MAKING NEWS:

"A number of staff have completed formal industry certifications in cyber security specialisations, while others are pursuing academic qualifications such as the Graduate Certificates in Cyber Security through Charles Sturt University," Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said.

The VMC provides state government agencies and councils with early detection and notification of vulnerabilities, and provides outputs to other functions of Cyber Security NSW, increasing the overall cyber security of agencies and councils.

The Bathurst-based centre is a key step towards strengthening the State Government's cyber security capabilities, Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said.

"The Cyber Security Vulnerability Management Centre is providing the NSW Government with an increased awareness of vulnerabilities in internet-facing services and assets," Mr Dominello said.

"We are building our cyber resilience to ensure we stay ahead of the kerb in this ever evolving space.

"Early detection of vulnerabilities and the ability to report them to the relevant agencies and departments is essential to improving our cyber security."

Mr Toole said the VMC had shown it was not just the big cities that offer technical skills when it comes to the growing cyber security industry, with the Bathurst-based centre proving to be an asset.

"The VMC will be used as a model for further regional cyber capabilities and the plans for these next regional sites are currently under development," Mr Toole said.

"This new centre was the first of it's kind in the State and shows the NSW Government is committed to expanding cyber security knowledge and capability across regional areas that simultaneously provides increased assurance for NSW's digital services."

Mr Toole said the initiative demonstrated the government's commitment to investing into regional NSW, creating jobs and keeping money in local economies.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: