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CyberPath initiative aims to bolster Australia's cybersecurity workforce
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CyberPath initiative aims to bolster Australia's cybersecurity workforce
In a significant move to strengthen Australia's cybersecurity workforce, the Australian Computer Society (ACS) has announced the launch of a new initiative, CyberPath: Paving the Way Forward for Cyber Professionals. This program is a collaborative effort involving the Australian Information Security Association (AISA), the Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre (Aus3C), and the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN), and is co-funded by the Department of Home Affairs. It is a pivotal component of the Australian Government’s Cyber Security Strategy 2023-2030.
CyberPath initiative aims to bolster Australia's cybersecurity workforce
In a significant move to strengthen Australia's cybersecurity workforce, the Australian Computer Society (ACS) has announced the launch of a new initiative, CyberPath: Paving the Way Forward for Cyber Professionals. This program is a collaborative effort involving the Australian Information Security Association (AISA), the Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre (Aus3C), and the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN), and is co-funded by the Department of Home Affairs. It is a pivotal component of the Australian Government’s Cyber Security Strategy 2023-2030.
The CyberPath initiative aims to address the growing need for a professionalised and skilled cyber workforce in Australia. The consortium, led by ACS, plans to co-design and pilot a Cyber Security Professionalisation Scheme. This scheme will recommend standards and establish clear career, skills, and education pathways for both current and aspiring cybersecurity professionals.
Josh Griggs, CEO of ACS, highlighted the urgency and importance of this initiative. “With threats evolving faster than ever, we must clearly define roles, skills, and career pathways for the cyber workforce. This consortium is working closely with industry and the entire ecosystem to build a rigorous framework and a pilot model that will help close the gap in cyber capability, recognition, and professionalisation to keep Australia safe,” he said.
The program will guide the industry regarding skills expectations for accredited professionals, evaluate the pilot scheme, and devise a plan to scale the scheme post-pilot. This includes a strategy to boost industry uptake and participation and creating an independent funding mechanism to sustain the program without introducing further barriers to entry into the cyber industry.
Ian Oppermann, Chair of the Growing and Professionalising Cyber Security Program Steering Committee, emphasised the ongoing nature of cybersecurity challenges. “Cyber security is a forever challenge, something we will live with so long as we live in a digitally enabled world. The consortium is helping to professionalise Australia’s cybersecurity workforce and grow the next generation of cybersecurity leaders,” he stated.
AISA Chair, Michael Burchell, expressed pride in the association’s role in the initiative. "The Australian Information Security Association (AISA) recognises the immense trust placed in the cyber security community to protect Australia's digital systems. We are proud to represent the voice of our members, and all cyber practitioners, in the design and delivery of this pilot scheme," Burchell said.
The Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre (Aus3C) is also a key player in this initiative. Aus3C Interim CEO, Guy Roberts, expressed enthusiasm about the centre's involvement. "Aus3C is delighted to be a Consortium Partner in this industry-shaping program. We look forward to playing our part and reflecting the views of our members in shaping the deliverables to benefit the future of the cyber security industry," he remarked.
The initiative also places a strong emphasis on inclusivity and diversity within the cybersecurity sector. AWSN Founder and CEO, Jacqui Loustau, highlighted the importance of representation from underrepresented groups. “AWSN is pleased to join the Professionalising the Cyber Security Industry consortium with ACS, AISA, Aus3C, to ensure that the voices from underrepresented groups are heard and considered in shaping the future of the industry. AWSN’s participation in this pilot program is consultative, and we are committed to ensuring that all efforts throughout the project are inclusive by design, consider all types of personas/pathways in our sector, and is carried out in a considered, respectful, and collaborative manner,” Loustau said.
The consortium is eager to engage with various stakeholders over the coming months to define the challenges and collaboratively shape the future of Australia’s cyber workforce. They have extended an invitation to industry participants to join the consultation process and contribute to the initiative.
For those interested in learning more or participating in the consultation process, further information is available on the CyberPath: Paving the Way Forward for Cyber Professionals program information page on the ACS website.
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