SYDNEY, 25 September 2025 – The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) and Cisco-owned Splunk have teamed up to provide a plug-in that integrates Splunk Enterprise Security with ASD’s Cyber Threat Intelligence Sharing (CTIS) platform, marking a significant step for Australia’s cyber security ecosystem. Splunk has strengthened its standing as a reliable technology supplier for the Australian public sector by announcing its 20th IRAP assessment in conjunction with this development.
Why CTIS Matters for Government and Industry
The way the public sector and vital industries react to cyber threats is being revolutionised by the Cyber Threat Intelligence Sharing (CTIS) platform, which has been required for federal government agencies since July 2024. CTIS assists government agencies and business partners in identifying and thwarting malicious activity at machine speed by facilitating real-time, two-way intelligence sharing.
With Splunk’s new CTIS plug-in, organisations can not only meet compliance requirements but also strengthen their detection, incident response, and resilience strategies. This capability is equally vital for critical infrastructure operators, ensuring that cyber defence becomes a national collective effort.
IRAP: Building Confidence in Secure Platforms
A key announcement alongside this partnership is Splunk achieving an IRAP PROTECTED assessment for its Observability Cloud. IRAP (Information Security Registered Assessors Program) is an Australian Government initiative that validates whether a product, system, or service meets security controls outlined by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC).
IRAP evaluations give organisations and agencies peace of mind that platforms are safe, legal, and able to safeguard private information. Government agencies can now confidently implement contemporary observability practices thanks to Splunk’s most recent milestone, which offers real-time visibility, quicker reaction times, and increased service continuity assurance.
The Bigger Picture: Cyber Security as Economic Security
Cyber resilience is no longer just a technology issue – it’s a matter of economic and national security. Research shows that only 3% of Australian organisations are adequately prepared for today’s threat landscape, with unplanned downtime costing an estimated AU$86 billion annually.
Splunk is giving agencies and critical operators the visibility, automation, and contextual insights they need to protect against rapidly changing cyberattacks by fusing CTIS intelligence-sharing with IRAP-assured solutions. This guarantees the protection, dependability, and trustworthiness of vital services, ranging from government systems to vital infrastructure.
ARANKISH Viewpoint: Why IRAP Assessments Are Critical
At ARANKISH, we help organisations navigate the complex regulatory and compliance requirements of Australia’s cyber security landscape. The announcement of Splunk’s IRAP achievement highlights why these assessments are vital:
- Trust & Assurance: Agencies and critical operators can adopt solutions with confidence, knowing they meet stringent government security benchmarks.
- Compliance Readiness: IRAP helps ensure alignment with ASD and ACSC standards, avoiding costly compliance gaps.
- Operational Resilience: Platforms validated under IRAP are designed to safeguard data, maintain uptime, and protect citizen trust.
For Australian organisations looking to secure their digital future, IRAP is more than just a compliance box-tick – it is a cornerstone of resilience and trust in a rapidly evolving threat environment.