Cybersecurity is the study of how to defend computers. But that’s a fairly broad definition. Cybersecurity experts don’t just protect computers: they protect servers, mobile phones, networks, the Internet of Things and data storage facilities from all sorts of digital attacks.
Cybercrime costs Australian businesses about $328 million every year, affecting SMEs and corporate giants alike. These attacks usually take the form of identity theft, online fraud and business email compromise scams. As a result, cybersecurity careers in Australia have boomed over the last decade (there are approximately one million cyber job openings around the world).
So why learn Cybersecurity online? Because you’ll be helping to keep Australia safe. And with RMIT Online, it’s easy to upskill. You don’t need any previous knowledge or experience to get started.
Digital technologies already make up about 7% of Australia’s GDP, and as more and more businesses embrace cloud applications, cybersecurity experts become more highly valued. The federal government has already promised $1.35 billion in cyber funding over the next 10 years, and universities (like RMIT) are bulking up their curriculums to meet industry demand. All of this means one thing: cybersecurity is future-proof.
Here are some careers that draw on Cybersecurity:
By best estimates, Australia needs about 2300 extra cybersecurity workers to close the skills gap. And that’s right now. Experts reckon that, by 2026, we’ll need 17,600 additional cyber professionals to meet the growing threat, and to help businesses stay compliant with cyber regulations.
Careers in cybersecurity tend to pay very well, and employers are looking for graduates with a good mix of technical skills. According to Indeed, Network Security Engineers in Australia earn about $133,000 per annum while IT Security Specialists benchmark around $140,000.
As long as there are cybercriminals, the world will need cybersecurity. Joe Franzi from the Australian Signals Directorate told the ABC, “the demand for cybersecurity professionals is insatiable at the moment. And it’s not just an Australian problem. It’s a global problem.”
Cybersecurity experts can apply their skills overseas. They can work for governments, not-for-profits or private industry. Cybersecurity is a broad field with many applications, and it’s a useful skillset for anyone looking to work in IT, cloud computing or the Internet of Things.
If you’ve got some previous experience in systems technology or coding, that’s great, but they’re not necessary to learn cybersecurity. Anyone can upskill into the basics (and then hone that knowledge with further study). The RMIT Online cyber curriculum is designed to be accessible.
Cybersecurity careers are as varied and interesting as the threats they’re trying to fight. Cyber experts work in all sorts of industries, for companies of every size and shape, and there’s no one path to employment.
Cybersecurity careers also require several soft skills, which anyone can master. If you can communicate complex ideas in simple language, if you’re good at problem solving and active listening, if you’re curious, you can have a long and successful career in Cybersecurity.
Here are just a few cyber careers you might consider:
Our curriculum is purpose-built for online study, and you don’t need any special skills to get started. Each unit combines interactive webinars, 1-on-1 tutorials, group work and practical tasks. We designed these courses alongside some of the best cybersecurity experts in Australia. The ultimate goal is to give you the skills you need for a career in cybersecurity.
Ready to learn cybersecurity? This is the best place to start. Read as much as you can. Ask questions. Contact one of our RMIT Online course counsellors. You can find all our cybersecurity news and coverage below.
RMIT Online is one of Australia’s top cybersecurity training providers. We offer a suite of cybersecurity courses, depending on your career goals and experience. You can learn cybersecurity online, at your own pace, with plenty of support from expert mentors. Each course was designed with the best in the industry.
Cybersecurity touches on dozens of different fields, and there are plenty of ways to expand your CV. Want to learn Cloud Software Solutions, Digital Leadership, Software Defined Networking or Data Privacy? You can browse our related courses below.
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RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.
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