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CAREER SPOTLIGHT: Cyber Security

What is Cyber Security?

Cyber Security is the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, data, and digital infrastructure from cyber threats such as hacking, malware, ransomware, data breaches, and cybercrime. Cyber Security professionals play a critical role in keeping information secure in an increasingly digital world.

 

Cyber Security is not one single job — it is a broad career field with technical, analytical, investigative, and strategic roles.

 

Career opportunities in Cyber Security are rapidly expanding, with demand expected to reach 51,100 workers by 2026, according to the Cyber Security Sector Competitiveness Plan. Since 2016, jobs for Cyber Security professionals have grown by an average of 24.6% each year. There is an increasing need for experts in cyber defence across primary industries, SMEs, Commonwealth agencies, and departments, and indeed any large organisation that cares about data security, to counter the rising number of cyber-attacks.

 

What Do Cyber Security Professionals Do?

Depending on their role and level of experience, Cyber Security professionals may:

  • Monitor systems for cyber threats and suspicious activity

  • Detect, investigate, and respond to cyber attacks

  • Protect networks, databases, cloud systems, and devices

  • Identify vulnerabilities and recommend security improvements

  • Conduct ethical hacking and penetration testing

  • Manage cyber risks, policies, and compliance

  • Investigate cybercrime and digital evidence

  • Educate staff and users about cyber safety.

 

Their goal is to prevent attacks where possible and minimise damage when incidents occur.

 

Where Do Cyber Security Professionals Work?

Cyber Security professionals are employed across every industry, including:

  • Government and Defence

  • Banking and Financial Services

  • Technology and Software companies

  • Healthcare and hospitals

  • Energy, utilities, and transport

  • Consulting firms

  • Universities and research organisations.

     

Any organisation that uses digital systems needs Cyber Security expertise.

Below is an article that looks at the role of a Cyber Security Analyst:

 

Cyber Security Analyst_Mrs Cupac.pdf

 

Refer to the below webinars for information on careers in Cyber Security:

 

Study Pathways (Australia)

Common pathways into Cyber Security include:

  • Bachelor of Cyber Security

  • Bachelor of IT or Computer Science with a Cyber Security major

  • Postgraduate study (e.g. Master of Cyber Security) for advanced or career-change entry.

 

Courses in Cyber Security

 

Scholarship Opportunities

Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) Co-operative Scholarship Program at UTS ($49,500 across three years plus two industry placements).

 

To apply, click on the following link:

 

Cadetship Opportunities

 

This is a cadetship course intended for current school leavers, although applications are accepted from post-school applicants who have completed Year 12 one year prior to application. Applicants must submit a Bachelor of Computing Science – IDeA application to both UAC and UTS.

 

Applicants must demonstrate technical potential and motivation for the program. Students are then chosen for interviews, and final selection is based on the result of the interview and their ATAR. There are two application and interview rounds. 

 

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.

 

Joanne Cupac

Head of Careers