In less than 10 years, Australia’s cybersecurity industry is predicted to triple in size, with revenues growing from about A$2 billion last year to reach A$6 billion by 2026.
That startling prediction came from the Australian Cyber Security Growth Network – an industry-led organisation established by the Australian Government after a serious cybersecurity skills shortage was identified.
Growing alongside these revenues will be a workforce that’s predicted to increase by almost 37 percent if Australia maintains a ‘business-as-usual’ approach to the growing global cyber threat.
By those estimations, the amount of cybersecurity professionals working in Australia will reach 26,000 by 2026, growing from the 11,000 people working in the sector last year.
However, the problem with taking a ‘business-as-usual’ approach is that the sector is already facing a serious skills shortage, especially in areas such as forensics – offered through UniSC – which we expect to see particular growth in as the internet of things expands to include more devices.
If Australia adopted a ‘cyber smart’ approach to the industry, Deloitte estimated we could create 60,000 jobs in the sector over the next 12 years to meet the growing demand for workers.
All of this indicates demand for skilled cybersecurity workers is going to remain strong over at least the next decade.
demand for skilled cybersecurity workers is going to remain strong over at least the next decade
There are signs Australia is moving to meet this growing global demand, including the creation of the Australian Cyber Security Growth Network, which is a really positive step in the right direction.
But now there is a critical need for the tertiary sector to join them in advancing education, research and employment opportunities.
For example, even though the amount of universities offering cyber security degrees doubled in just 24 months, it’s still only scratching the surface of what’s needed.
All the evidence is clear – this is growth industry hungry for job-ready graduates who want to make a difference to the world while earning a good income.
USC can help you achieve that. As one of the only tertiary institutions in the world that offers specialisations in forensic analysis and investigations, you’ll leave with skills that are in high demand.
All the evidence is clear – this is growth industry hungry for job-ready graduates who want to make a difference to the world while earning a good income.
Forensics is important because the internet of things means we are becoming more connected online through our phones, cars, fridges and homes. It is an area we can expect to see particular growth but there are few education providers offering the skills needed to work in that sector.
What else makes our online cyber security courses unique is that we offer virtual placements for students who enrol in a master’s course. That means you can undertake a placement with a large multinational organisation or government agency from literally anywhere in the world.
Learn from UniSC academics who work at the forefront of the cyber security industry.
The time to enrol in cyber security is now.
Media enquiries: Please contact the Media Team media@usc.edu.au