Consortium launches security, blockchain postgrad courses

Tech university RMIT Online has launched two industry co-designed postgraduate courses to help meet demand in emerging specialisations.

The Graduate Certificates in Cyber Security and Blockchain-Enabled Business will each be delivered in partnership with IBM, Palo Alto Networks and Stone & Chalk — with classes due to start in October this year.

Rupert Colchester, Head of Blockchain for IBM ANZ, said the new courses will ready businesses for the blockchain revolution — an industry expected to see 80% annual growth until 2025.

As it stands, 84% of tech-aware executives expect to apply blockchain to their business but only one in 20 managers could easily source the necessary skills, according to PWC research.

“Blockchain technology is having a greater impact on Australian businesses now than ever before, and it is quickly becoming an essential tool for many businesses in Australia and worldwide,” said Colchester.

“Graduates will possess the skills necessary to harness blockchain to create new levels of transparency, allowing businesses and individuals to securely share information that previously would have not been possible. Students will also be able to build more transparent supply chains, which can be used across a number of industries ranging from the financial sector to fast-moving consumer goods.”

Sean Duca, Vice President and Regional Chief Security Officer at Palo Alto Networks, said the courses would also address the cybersecurity skills shortage and help businesses stay agile in an ever-changing and growing threat landscape.

In Australia alone, the cybersecurity industry is tipped to almost triple in size to $6 billion by 2026 — with an estimated 18,000 cybersecurity professionals needed to bridge the gap.

“The sophistication and scope of cyber attacks will continue to rise and, with an interconnected world, cybersecurity has become even more paramount than ever before and we need to ensure that everyone has a part to play,” said Duca.

“Organisations however are struggling to find the talent to keep up with the constant race against cybercriminals and secure digital innovation. It is important we enable our next generation to recognise the good and the bad of the cyber world, so they can ensure a safer workforce.”

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