Google has announced a significant collaboration with Indonesia's primary cyber defence and cybersecurity government agency, the National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN). The new cooperation between Google and the BSSN aims to provide advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills and tools to Indonesia’s public sector and up to 70,000 small businesses. The goal of this initiative is to enhance the country's cybersecurity, thus fortifying the resilience of Indonesia’s digital ecosystem.

One of the core elements of the collaboration seeks to build advanced cybersecurity skills among Indonesia's public sector. This will be accomplished through the provision of 1,000 Google Cybersecurity Certificate scholarships. Officially selected by the BSSN, government officials will acquire skills to protect networks, devices, people, and data from external threats and unauthorized access. The professional certificate can be completed online, allowing officials with no prior experience to transition into cybersecurity analyst roles.

Another essential element of this partnership involves Mandiant, part of Google Cloud, who will share frontline threat intelligence with the BSSN's cybersecurity teams. This will allow them to comprehend new and prevalent tactics, techniques, and procedures used by cybercriminals and state-sponsored threat actors targeting public sectors.

Furthermore, Google and the BSSN will engage in joint capacity building using Google's Secure AI Framework (SAIF). This involves developing and implementing next-gen cloud-based solutions that combine automation, analytics, threat intelligence, and AI. These solutions are expected to effectively detect, investigate, and defend against cyber attacks on critical national infrastructure.

Dono Indarto, Deputy for Cyber and Crypto Strategy and Policy at BSSN, said, "This collaboration (...) will help us maximize the use of AI to give our defenders the upper hand, while limiting the technology's utility to our adversaries."

As part of the collaboration, Google Cloud will deliver cybersecurity and AI skills development training options accessible to all Indonesians through the Google Cloud Skills Boost Program. This initiative includes cost-free courses that can be used by individuals to demonstrate their proficiency in in-demand cybersecurity and AI skills to future employers.

The Asia Foundation will also offer support by providing individuals at 70,000 local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), nonprofits, and social enterprises with cybersecurity training. They will assist by teaching effective use of AI-powered cybersecurity tools for individuals to better defend themselves against cyber threats.

These joint initiatives between Google, the BSSN, and various nonprofits and social enterprises represent a substantial commitment to amplifying Indonesia's digital future. By fostering collaborations that focus on bolstering AI security training and creating new capabilities for defenders, Google hopes to minimise cybercrime-related costs for Indonesian businesses and citizens.