AARNet launches 24/7 managed detection and response for Australia’s education and research sector, powered by CrowdStrike

We’re proud to announce the general availability of our new 24/7 Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service for research and education institutions across Australia. Delivered in partnership with CrowdStrike, the service provides unified, real-time protection against today’s most advanced cyber threats.

Meeting the Challenge of Advanced and Increasing Cyber Threats

Australia’s research and education institutions continue to be prime targets for sophisticated cyber threat actors. With limited internal security resources and adversaries using increasingly sophisticated tactics – including the weaponisation of AI – many organisations need support to protect their sensitive data, intellectual property, and critical systems.

Scott Sorley, Interim CISO at AARNet explains why partnering with CrowdStrike to deliver 24/7 managed detection and response was the right move for the sector:

“The sector is constantly targeted by sophisticated cyber threat actors. Our customers need to be able to protect their vital assets with best-in-class cyber security capabilities and expertise. We’re excited to work with CrowdStrike to provide an MDR solution that ensures customers can comprehensively manage, detect and respond to threats.”

AARNet’s MDR Service: Delivering Industry-Leading Managed Detection & Response

The new MDR service combines CrowdStrike’s Falcon® Complete Next-Gen MDR with AARNet’s sector-specific expertise to provide universities, schools, research centres, and other academic institutions, with industry-leading MDR capabilities and trusted local support. Key features of our new MDR service include:

• 24/7 monitoring, detection and response powered by CrowdStrike’s AI-native Falcon platform and elite team of Falcon Complete MDR analysts.

• CrowdStrike detects, investigates and responds to threats, while AARNet manages customer onboarding, provides ongoing support, and escalates issues to the customer whenever further action is required.

• Available as a standalone service or as an extension of existing AARNet Security Operations Centre (SOC) offerings, with flexible deployment models to complement or enhance current security operations.

• AARNet’s unrivalled research and education sector expertise, knowledge, and understanding.

Jon Fox, vice president of channels and alliances, CrowdStrike Asia Pacific and Japan, shared how AARNet’s new MDR service, powered by CrowdStrike, enhances the security postures of education and research organisations:

“We’re thrilled to have expanded our partnership with AARNet to continue providing the mission-critical cybersecurity capabilities that Australia’s education and research sector needs to stop breaches. Falcon Complete Next-Gen MDR sets the standard for MDR and transforms security operations with the breakthrough technology required to defend against increasingly sophisticated threats. Together, we’re a force multiplier for security teams – uniting the industry’s platform of choice for the AI era with AARNet’s deep sector expertise.”

To learn more about how AARNet’s MDR service can support your institution, please contact our Customer Relations team or visit our website.