The 2020 Cyber Security Strategy reflects the rising threat of cybercrime in Australia. As the world becomes increasingly connected online, securing Australia’s digital interests has never been more of a priority. This need has been further accelerated due to the effects of COVID-19 which is propelling digital transformation within businesses, pushing their services and ways of working online.

This strategy also presents significant opportunities for cyber security professionals, looking to be at the forefront of cyber crime prevention. Australian cyber professionals have the ability to not only impact how Australian businesses and individuals operate online, but also influence the creation of cyber security policies and procedures.

With the intention of transforming Australia’s cyber security industry, this $450 million investment will also result in the creation of over 500 jobs for the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD).

If you work in cyber security or are thinking of joining the industry, there has never been a better time to invest in your future.

Join us as we look at what the 2020 Cyber Security Strategy could mean for cyber security professionals in Australia.

Increased demand leads to job security

Australia is facing progressively more sophisticated attacks from cyber criminals, resulting in substantial financial and reputational damage. A 2020 study found that cybercrime now costs the Australian economy over $1 billion a year, with small businesses accounting for 43% of cyberattacks. In response to this growing threat, the 2020 Australia Cyber Security Strategy aims to provide cyber security professionals with the knowledge and resources to prevent and respond to these increasing cyberattacks.

However, as rates of cybercrime have risen, so too has the cyber security skills gap; research by recruiting company Hays indicates that demand for cyber security knowledge is far outpaced by the number of qualified workers. This means that in the fight against cybercrime, qualified cyber security professionals will enjoy strong job security and career progression opportunities. Cyber security professionals can also expect strong salaries, with Neuvoo estimating the average wage between $86,430 – $111,909, depending on experience.

Upskill in the rapidly evolving field of cyber security with the University of Adelaide’s online Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security. Taught in six-week teaching periods, this flexible online program will have you workforce-ready in just 8-months.

Best-in-class cyber infrastructure

The 2020 Cyber Security Strategy represents the Australian government’s biggest ever investment in cyber security. This funding allows the industry to prepare for continued growth, providing cyber security professionals with the resources, funding and training they need.

The funding will be delivered through the new Cyber Enhanced Situational Awareness and Response (CESAR) package, which is designed to support the following initiatives:

• Support the ASD in preventing foreign cyber criminals and expanding its AI capability
• Build a cyber threat-sharing platform
• Assist telecommunications providers with identifying and preventing threats
• Strengthen institutional awareness of cybercrime
• Research into emerging cyber security technologies.

This package will enable Australian cyber security professionals to access best-in-class infrastructure and increased training opportunities – ultimately driving Australia towards becoming a trusted global leader in cyber security.

As this package spans across a range of initiatives including the creation of tools and platforms, research into technology, and community and business awareness, so to do the career opportunities. This industry growth and funding will allow cyber security experts to move into a specialism of their choice, working on initiatives that matter most to them.

Career opportunities within the Australian Defence Force (ADF)

Due to this large investment in Australia’s cyber security infrastructure, an increased number of exciting career opportunities will become available with the ASD.

As Australia’s central source of defence against cybercrime, the ASD offers qualified cyber security professionals the chance to provide direct support to the Australian Defence Force and play a part in cyber security government decision making.

The ASD currently lists several cyber security professions as crucial to its operations, including:

• Cyber specialists
• Analysts
• Corporate staff

With a focus on attracting and retaining the best and brightest in cyber, be them for a technical or non-technical background, the ASD is creating a dynamic workforce with exciting industry-led career pathways for its employees.

Getting qualified will ensure you’re prepared to make the most of the increased job opportunities and earning potential generated by the 2020 Australian Cyber Security Strategy. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, the University of Adelaide’s online Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the modern cyber security landscape.

The University of Adelaide partners with defence and government on a range of initiatives, providing students with opportunities to gain valuable experience in real-world cyber security settings. Discover what it’s like to study online with us.