Telstra has signed a $32 million deal to protect government agencies from online viruses and hacking attempts.

The telco struck a five year deal with the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service to roll out secure gateway internet services across 11 government agencies.

Telstra will migrate agencies including Customs, the department of finance and deregulation, the attorney-general’s department and the department of immigration and citizenship, to a system that provides public access to internet services while protecting against malware and hacking attacks.

Telstra’s group managing director, Telstra Enterprise and Government, Paul Geason, said the agreement would provide more than 22,000 government staff with enhanced online security and deliver large-scale operational and cost efficiencies.