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There is no doubt that cyber crime is one of the greatest threats Australians face online. And while much of the attention of late has been focused on the crippling hacks into company data bases—and whether companies should pay a ransom—there remains a pressing need for switched-on cyber staff to prevent these attacks in the first place. Tech-savvy thinkers who demonstrate close attention to detail, and a willingness to learn, may thrive as cybersecurity professionals.
But what exactly is involved in cybersecurity study? This guide covers all the basics, including career paths, common courses and business sectors where these workers are needed.
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What Is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity has been making headlines as of late, with cybercrime on the rise and data hacks becoming commonplace post-pandemic. This has been especially evident in Australia, following the Optus data breach and Medibank cyber attack, which compromised the accounts of millions and allowed personal information to fall into the hands of hackers. In the case of the Medibank data breach, this included, in some instances, highly personal health records.
The Australian Signals Directorate’s (ASD) Australian Cyber Security Centre has received 76,000 reports of cybercrime in a year, or one every seven minutes. This statistic refers only to the cyber hacks and breaches that are reported, meaning the real figure is likely to be exponentially higher. The most common crimes reported were fraud (27%), online shopping scams (14%) and online banking-related incidents (13%). According to new figures by Scamwatch, Australians lost $424.8 million to scammers between January and September this year. As the ABC points out that’s more than $47 million a month.
In its most recent report, ASD said cyberspace has now “become a battleground” in Australia, one that is “increasingly the domain of warfare”.
As a result, Australia needs to protect itself from the growing threat of cyber warfare. To do so, more cybersecurity professionals and specialists will be required; a career path that sees professionals anticipate, prevent and respond to attacks.
For example, cybersecurity professionals may work with government organisations to safeguard defence communications or with businesses to keep malicious actors from accessing financial records. Healthcare companies also use cybersecurity workers to protect their sensitive patient data. Large retailers can shield customers’ credit card data with cybersecurity measures as well.
The Australian government agrees, and is anticipating the demand for cyber security specialists who can help protect Australian companies and their data to be fierce in the coming decades. The Australian Cyber Security Growth Network has stated that nearly 17,000 more cyber security workers will be required in Australia by 2026, and PwC research shows businesses are responding to such data, with 60% of Australian companies set to increase their cyber budgets in 2023.
Related: Will a VPN Protect you from Hackers?
Why Is Cybersecurity Important?
As mentioned above, cybersecurity has become an even greater concern among Australians, and companies, of late owing to recent data breaches.
As humans have become more reliant on technology, the prevalence and severity of cybercrimes have grown. For example, ransomware is a type of cyberattack that locks an individual’s or organisation’s information until certain demands are met, including extorted payments.
Cybersecurity remains important for anticipating, reacting and assessing cyberattacks. Professionals in this field study breaches and malicious actors to safeguard our most sensitive information and communications. A field that is clearly in high demand in Australia.
Common Cybersecurity Careers
Cybersecurity professionals can work in many different sectors to protect sensitive data from bad actors. After gaining industry experience, they can pursue management-level roles to oversee departments and craft organizational security efforts.
The following section explores common cybersecurity careers.
Chief Information Security Officer
Average Annual Salary: Around $184,000
Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology, master’s degree often preferred
Job Description: CISOs prepare for, manage and assess cyberthreats. These senior, executive-level professionals oversee and implement organisations’ cybersecurity and information security efforts. CISOs, which may also carry the title of chief security officer, typically collaborate with other executives to reduce damages related to breaches and ensure that security programs meet organisational goals.
Larger employers may require CISOs to hold seven to 10 years of experience in information security and/or cybersecurity. Many hiring managers seek candidates with master’s degrees, but more professional experience can often stand in for formal education.
Though certification is not required for the role, CISOs can pursue relevant credentials like certified information systems security professional (CISSP) and certified chief information security officer to increase their earning power and career opportunities.
Information Security Analyst
Median Annual Salary: $90,000
Required Education: High school diploma and experience, bachelor’s degree in computer science preferred
Job Description: Information security analysts assist organisations by scanning computer systems and networks for potential breaches. They use data encryption software and firewalls to safeguard data and communications. These professionals set companies’ security standards and apply security best practices while remaining current on changes and trends in the field.
Information security analysts primarily work in computer systems design and other related professions, along with the finance and insurance sectors. They often work alongside computer systems analysts and network administrators, requiring strong collaboration skills.
Most employers look to hire applicants with certifications in the field, like CISSP. These professionals can also pursue certified information systems auditor (CISA), certified ethical hacker (CEH) and CISSP credentials.
Security Architect
Average Annual Salary: Around $153,000
Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field, MBA in information systems cyber threats
Job Description: Security architects plan and construct safe networks for businesses and organisations. These systems may include traditional local area and wide area networks, along with modern technologies like cloud computing. Their work also includes researching emerging networking technologies and presenting their findings to stakeholders to suggest upgrades and improvements.
These professionals use network penetration tests, or ‘ethical hacks’ to perform intrusions in good faith to test the effectiveness of safeguards in place. Security architects, like other cybersecurity workers, also assess cyberattacks and breaches to study damages and plan for data recovery efforts.
While security architects do not need certification, they can pursue credentials like systems security certified practitioner, certified cloud security professional and CISSP to demonstrate their knowledge of and commitment to the field.
Security Engineer
Average Annual Salary: Around $89,000
Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or related field and experience
Job Description: Security engineers craft and oversee networks for organisations to protect sensitive information and data. They may perform vulnerability tests to find areas for improvement and implement network upgrades to protect against breaches.
These engineers set organisational best practices, training coworkers on security measures and ensuring timely updates for network-connected devices. They also investigate cyberattacks to identify the intruder and avoid future breaches. After an intrusion, a security engineer may collect information on the attack and implement efforts to mitigate data loss and future attacks.
Like other professionals in information security and cybersecurity, security engineers can boost their earning potential and competitiveness in the job market by earning certifications such as CISM or CISSP.
Education for Cybersecurity Professionals
Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity
A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity typically takes three years to complete if studying full-time, although some schools offer accelerated pathways with shorter degree timelines or part-time offerings. Most employers require candidates to have bachelor’s degrees, making this a common starting place for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. For example, Victoria University offers a Bachelor of Cyber Security, both full or part-time.
Typical coursework for a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity covers computer forensics, information technology and security ethics, network security design and cyber security regulation. Some programs tailor concentrations to career aspirations, allowing enrollees to focus on aspects of the field such as business, management and digital forensics.
Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity professionals and individuals looking to increase their knowledge of the field can pursue master’s degrees, which can take between one and two years to earn. These programs allow learners to focus on specific elements of cybersecurity, while developing their leadership skills to pursue more advanced roles.
Courses for cybersecurity master’s programs build on bachelor’s curriculum through classes in information security strategy and policy, encryption and cloud architecture security. Many master’s degrees in cybersecurity require students to have a bachelor’s degree in cyber security or a STEM course. Industry experience may also be taken into consideration depending on the institution.
Master’s-level cybersecurity programs may feature a thesis in the final year. Enrollees can demonstrate their skills through these courses by researching and exploring real-world issues in cybersecurity and providing relevant solutions.
Cybersecurity Bootcamps
Cybersecurity bootcamps offer shorter, more intensive timelines than traditional degrees. Bootcamp length can vary based on the provider and enrolment type. Part-time bootcamps may stretch on for 24 or more weeks, while full-time programs may only require 12 weeks.
Bootcamps allow enrollees to learn new skills or sharpen their existing abilities on an accelerated timeline. Employers seeking entry-level cybersecurity professionals may hire bootcamp graduates. Candidates with unrelated degrees can also complete bootcamps to demonstrate their skills and commitment to potential employers.
Cybersecurity bootcamps like those provided by Monash University, University of Sydney and Hacking School Australia offer career-planning assistance for graduates. Some bootcamps also offer job guarantees or income-share agreements, which allow learners to hold off on making payments until they find relevant employment. The University of Sydney, for example, runs an intensive 24-week boot camp, for those already working in a technical field who wish to expand their knowledge.
Cybersecurity Certifications
Cybersecurity professionals can earn industry certifications to illustrate their abilities and engagement with the field to hiring managers. The following list is not exhaustive, and cybersecurity professionals should research available credentials relating to their specific professions and aspirations.
CISSP: A CISSP certification, offered by (ISC)², indicates that its holder can successfully plan, deliver and oversee effective cybersecurity programs. This credential typically suits experienced professionals rather than entry-level cybersecurity workers. Australian Information Security Association (AISA) signed a strategic partnership with (ISC)² that recognises (ISC)² certifications as particularly relevant to their members.
CISM: The certified information security manager credential from the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) demonstrates high-level knowledge relating to risk assessment, incident management and security governance. Professionals looking to advance into management roles can pursue this certification, which requires continuing professional education credits to renew. There are numerous ISACA accredited partners in Australia who offer CISM certification tests.
SSCP: “The Systems Security Certified Practitioner Trade Mark is available to those who have gained competence in key areas of industry knowledge and information security concepts and can pass the SSCP examinations, but lack the years of practical work experience required for full certification,” the Australian government’s IP Australia website explains. SSCP can credited to individuals through the AISA and (ISC)² partnership.
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FAQs
Which course is best for cyber security?
This depends on your level of education in cyber security, ambitions and your experience. For example, if you are completely new to the world of cyber security and want to make it a full-time career, then a bachelor’s degree may be best. If you are already working in the world of IT and simply want to hone your skills, then a cyber security boot camp may be your best bet. The good news is that Australian universities offer a range of courses: from bootcamps to Master’s degrees for a range of levels.
What qualifications do I need for cyber security?
In order to determine the cyber security qualifications you need, it’s important to first look at the role you wish to work in. If, for example, you wish to become a chief information security officer, or CISCO, then you may need both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. A more entry-level role may only require a bachelor’s degree. Do your homework on the role first and what employers are looking for.
How long is cyber security training?
Cyber security training can be as short as three months for bootcamps or three years (full-time) for Bachelor of Cyber Security degrees. Tertiary courses, such as Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, can usually be completed part-time, but this means they may take longer to complete.
