Microsoft to invest $5b in Aussie datacentres & create Cyber Shield with Signals Directorate

Microsoft has announced a "collaboration" with the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) on something they're calling the Microsoft-Australian Signals Directorate Cyber Shield (MACS). According to the vague press release, the Cyber Shield "builds on the longstanding partnership between Microsoft and the Australian Government, where the exchange of cyber threat information has led to better protection for Australian residents, businesses and government entities. The collaboration will enhance the government and Microsoft's joint capability to identify, prevent and respond to cyber threats, which are growing in both frequency and severity". Microsoft will also "invest A$5 billion in expanding its hyperscale cloud computing and AI infrastructure in Australia over the next two years" and work with "TAFE NSW towards establishing a Microsoft Datacentre Academy in Australia".