Victoria is this week playing host to cyber experts from around the world as the largest annual cyber security conference in the Southern Hemisphere, CyberCon, lands in Melbourne.
This year’s conference features over 150 exhibitors and 200 speakers.
“Melbourne continues to excel as a global destination for world-class events,” said Australian Information Security Association Chair, Akash Mittal.
“By bringing the best minds from around the world to Victoria, we are sparking the innovation needed to drive the future of cyber security.”
The Victorian Government is backing a range of programs to strengthen the state’s cyber economy.
The Summer of Cyber program, run in partnership with the Australian Women in Security Network, will see more than 40 women and gender diverse students complete a paid studentship over summer; while the Women in Security program, also run by the Australian Women in Security Network, is supporting more than 100 women to transition into cyber careers through training and mentorship.
Women are also entering the sector through the Digital Jobs program, which has helped more than 100 Victorian women to gain qualifications and take part in a cyber security work placement over the past three years.
“Victoria’s cyber security sector sits at the heart of our modern economy and underpins the safe and secure delivery of government services,” said Minister for Government Services, Gabrielle Williams.
“Our Cyber Strategy sets out five year vision for a thriving Victoria that creates a cyber safe place for everyone to work, live and learn.”
Victorians keen to work in cyber security can also access Free TAFE to gain a Certificate IV in Cyber Security qualification – which is one of the most enrolled courses under the Free TAFE initiative.
Minister for Jobs and Industry, Natalie Hutchins today announced that CyberCon has been secured for Melbourne for the next two years.
“We’re bringing the best and brightest minds in cyber security to Victoria for CyberCon, and backing our own growing cyber sector by locking in this event for another two years,” said Ms Hutchins.
“More women working in cyber security is growing the sector and making it more diverse – helping us on our road to creating a cyber safe Victoria.”
