Stronger cyber security through TAFE

The Albanese Government is helping create the next generation of cyber defenders, teaming with TAFEcyber to train experts to guide Australian government departments, critical infrastructure, and industry to improve their cyber security.

The nation’s top cyber security agency, the Australian Signals Directorate, has developed a new cyber training course that will be delivered nationally by TAFEcyber from August 2023.

The Essential Eight Assessors Course is a three-day course that will help underpin the Government's vision to make Australia the most cyber secure nation by 2030.

The course will equip participants to assess the cyber security of organisations, using the Essential Eight Framework designed by ASD’s Australian Cyber Security Centre.

These eight mitigation strategies are the most effective approach to help entities protect themselves against various cyber threats.

The TAFEcyber training course, along with the Infosec Registered Assessors Program (IRAP) Training Course, forms part of a comprehensive cyber security training catalogue which will continue to build and develop a specialised national cyber workforce.

Targeted at participants who already hold a minimum Certificate IV qualification in a related field and have at least two years’ industry experience, the course will be delivered from August through TAFEcyber – a consortium of 11 TAFEs from across the country.

This rollout follows a pilot at the Canberra Institute of Technology, Reid.

To find out more information about the Essential Eight Assessment Course visit cyber.gov.au or cit.edu.au/cyber.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor

“As we’ve witnessed in recent times, there is a critical need to better equip Australian organisations to protect themselves from the constantly evolving threats in the murky world of cyber space.”

“Using a blend of specialist expertise and hands-on technical training, this course will give cyber professionals the skills to assess their organisation’s cyber security posture and get in front of threats that inflict significant financial loss and intrusion of personal information.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Cyber Security Clare O’Neil

“In order to meet our aim of being the most cyber secure nation by 2030 we need to develop the skills needed to keep Australia safe. This course will put key cyber security skills in workplaces across our country, making Australian businesses harder targets and making our economy and society more resilient.

“All Australians need to be aware that their data, and the data they work with is a valuable asset that we all have a role in protecting. We need to work together to meet this new national security threat.”