Buying and selling online, doing your banking, recording videos, and taking pictures, sending personal messages to your friends and family- the increased use of data has changed almost every aspect of our lives. However, it’s also hugely increased the opportunities for cybercriminals to access our data in ways we haven’t authorised. Cybercrime is estimated to damage the Australian economy by $1 billion per year** in direct costs.
Cybersecurity is the specialist work carried out to protect data - yours and everyone else’s - so that information technology systems work and protect networks from the risk of attack.
Careers in Cybersecurity
The cybersecurity workforce is a fast-growing sector. Across the world, organisations aim to protect their customers and users from constantly evolving online fraud and threats. The skills required to keep data safe are in high demand and there’s a shortage of cybersecurity specialists. According to Cisco there are more than 1 million unfilled security jobs worldwide. There is a significant shortage of cybersecurity skills in Australia, so those with the right skills can expect high salaries.
Roles in cybersecurity are diverse and rewarding. Technical programming and development roles are central but the industry also spans policy, risk management, marketing and engagement, product management and many other career paths. Working in cybersecurity, you’ll implement security protocols, helping a business recover after a cyberattack, or develop policies and projects to reduce the impact of cybercrime.
Organisations of all sizes with an online presence make use of cybersecurity services. Experts in the field may be employed by security firms devoted to online security or may work within very large organisations such as Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. You can be employed as a consultant by organisations such as Deloitte, Accenture and PwC. Organisations who aren’t primarily IT, but whose services are delivered online and need cybersecurity, include banks, charities, educational institutions, retailers, charities, educational institutions, and media and government institutions.
Relevant roles:
- Infosec Officer
- Cryptographer
- Security Engineer
- Chief Information Security Officer
- Network Analyst
- Incident Responder
- Vulnerability Assessor
- Forensic Expert
- Source Code Auditor
