ACS to lead consortium upskilling cyber workers

The Australian Computer Society (ACS) has formed a consortium with the Australian Information Security Association (AISA), the Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre and the Australian Women in Security Network aimed at providing career, skills and education pathways for the cybersecurity workforce.

The consortium will deliver a pilot scheme known as CyberPath: Paving the Way Forward for Cyber Professionals, which will form part of the Department of Home Affairs co-funded Growing & Professionalising Cyber Security Industry Pilot Program.

Led by the ACS, the consortium will co-design and pilot a cybersecurity professionalisation, and will work with industry and the wider tech community to recommend standards for career advancement pathways for both current and aspirant cybersecurity professionals.

The initiative will provide guidance for industry regarding skills expectations for accredited professionals and plan to scale the scheme after the pilot including a strategy for increasing industry uptake and participating in the scheme, as well as an independent funding mechanism to sustain the program beyond the pilot.

ACS CEO Josh Griggs said in today’s rapidly-evolving threat environment, it is essential to 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.

Ian Oppermann, Chair of the Growing and Professionalising Cyber Security Program Steering Committee, added that cybersecurity is a forever challenge. “The consortium is helping to professionalise Australia’s cybersecurity workforce and grow the next generation of cybersecurity leaders,” he said.

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