The Computer Network Vulnerability Team (CNVT) was established as a significant element in DSD's contribution to the Commonwealth Government's arrangements to protect Australia's national information infrastructure. The CNVT also provides a source of practical expertise in IT system and network security to government agencies in order to ensure they could meet community expectations for the delivery of on-line services, and the security of personal and confidential information.

Members of the team are experienced IT security professionals whose primary mission is to identify, and help counter, vulnerabilities of Australian Government IT networks and more broadly of the national information infrastructure.

The CNVT's skills and services are generally available to all Commonwealth Government agencies , and to State and Territory Government agencies on a case-by-case basis. The CNVT can help agencies that wish to improve their information security posture within specific IT projects.