Canberra, Australia’s Cyber Security Capital: A Great Place to Kickstart a Career

Australia's cyber security workforce is anticipated to grow by 7,000 people by 2024. Canberra, Australia’s capital, is a major cyber security education and research center and is home to more cyber security workers than any other city (per capita). The industry has plenty to offer with exciting, high-paying jobs and increasing employment opportunities. 

Globally, the number of cyber-attacks and data breaches is steadily increasing. According to Forbes, the average number of cyber-attacks will grow by over 15% in 2021. Telecom giant Optus was affected by a data breach of 10 million Australian customers, followed by a similar incident at Dialog, the Australian unit of Singapore telecommunications, affecting 1,000 current and former employees. 

Meanwhile, the lack of qualified cybersecurity professionals continues to pose problems. CyberCx recently estimated the shortfall to hit 30,000 unfilled positions across Australia over the next four years. With the number of cyber-attacks expected to increase, Australia and Canberra continue to invest in cyber security to counter the threat. 

Businesses are responding to the threats by building better systems to thwart cyber-attacks. Cybersecurity professionals play a significant role in making this happen, and, as such, there is little wonder the demand for their skills is seeing such a significant upward tick.

Canberra’s cyber security ecosystem

Canberra is leading Australia’s cyber security industry, largely thanks to being the nation’s government's home. The Australian Government is one of the biggest cyber clients. Key Australian agencies like the Department of Defence, the Australian Secret Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), and the Australian Cyber Security Centre are based in Canberra. 

The city offers an innovative, knowledge-driven economy and cutting-edge Infrastructure. Several cyber security facilities have been established in Canberra - Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and IBM, to name a few. One of the world’s leading cyber security experts, Quintessence Labs (QLabs), works on advanced technologies like quantum safety and is based in Canberra. This ecosystem comprising researchers and innovators enables world-class cyber security businesses to thrive, making Canberra Australia’s cyber security capital. 

Jobs in cyber security

Those looking for a rewarding career in cyber security stand to gain a lot from pursuing a career in Canberra. The city has the highest density of organizations in need of such skills. The job market is constantly evolving as the cybersecurity industry continues to grow. Here’s a look at some of the jobs in cyber security:

Security and Response - investigate and mitigate threats and respond to crises to preserve property, information security, and safety.

Data and Analysis - prevent and quickly identify malicious activity by understanding data patterns and behaviors.

Education and Training - teach or train people on different roles in cyber, or develop courses, methods, and techniques in cyber education.

Legal and Privacy - prepare specialist advice on legal aspects of cyber, or advocate on cyber policy.

Management and Support - manage and lead cyber work and workers. Support staff with deep knowledge of IT systems to deliver safety outcomes.

Development and Infrastructure - develop system concepts, administer Infrastructure or write code for applications.

Canberra is an incubator for cyber talent.

Not just the high concentration of jobs on offer attracts people. Canberra’s education, research options, and connected community make it the best place to study cyber.

Canberra hosts three of Australia’s top universities – The Australian National University, UNSW Canberra, and the University of Canberra. It is also home to world-class research institutions. This includes the National Computational Infrastructure, the Southern Hemisphere’s most integrated supercomputer and computational facility. This facility supports the most advanced data analysis, modeling, and computational capability.

The University of Canberra’s National Security Institute and Australia’s national data and ICT research agency - Data61 and CSIRO, play key roles in implementing the Federal Government’s national cyber security strategy.

Students keen on studying in Canberra can choose from over 44 courses in cyber security. These include degree and Ph.D. courses offered by Australia’s top universities in Canberra. For example, the University of Canberra offers Postgraduate Specialist Majors in Cyber security and System administration in three degrees. 

Government push on cyber is unlocking opportunities.

To boost Canberra’s cyber capabilities, the local Government has set up the Canberra Cyber Hub. The Hub is working with industry and stakeholders to establish Canberra as a career destination in cyber security. It also works towards highlighting talent and capability. It focuses on encouraging innovative technologies, supporting companies based in Canberra, and connecting Canberra’s cyber capabilities across all sectors, so they can work together to make Australia safer and more productive.

Canberra is backed by a strong innovation ecosystem. This includes The Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN), which connects high-growth businesses, universities, and research institutions. CBRIN has more than 10,000 visitors each year and hosts more than 250 events for business innovators. CBRIN is also delivering the first Cyber Security Business Accelerator program.

Cyber stakeholders, researchers, businesses, and government departments in Canberra are close. This unique cyber ecosystem gives people in Canberra a special advantage to network and collaborate. It is where academics in the tertiary and research sector mix with people in tech, start-ups, and global defense companies. 

Cyber security expert, Mathew Wilson, explains that “if we want to have a global impact on the technology we were creating, there is only one place to do that from. Canberra is where the toughest problems are!”

Canberra is at the forefront of this rapidly growing key sector for people looking to study and work in cyber security. 

You can learn more about these opportunities at www.canberra.com.au