Cyber skills shortage approaching crisis – research

The Australian cyber skills shortage is approaching crisis levels, according to new research. 

Australia and New Zealand cyber security services organisation CyberCX has released new research that quantifies the size and severity of the cyber security skills shortage plaguing the Australian economy.

The Upskilling and Expanding the Australian Cyber Security Workforce report, developed in partnership with independent think tank Per Capita, has found that over the next four years, the shortfall of qualified cyber security professionals is forecast to hit up to 30,000 unfilled positions across Australia. 

It says established training pathways through universities and TAFEs are unlikely, on their own, to deliver the required qualified graduates to the sector. However, academy-style programs sponsored by cyber and technology companies show great promise in enabling additional pathways into the industry. 

The research found immigration must play a key role is closing the skills gap, alongside increased domestic investment in cyber skills training.

"Cyber skills shortages are biting harder than ever, while at the same time the cyber threat landscape continues to deteriorate, exacerbating cyber risk for businesses, government and across the Australian economy," it says.

John Paitaridis, Chief Executive at CyberCX, says the research, its findings, and its recommendations, are timely and important. 

"As Australian organisations increasingly embrace digital transformation, we need to ensure we have the workforce capability to meet our nations cyber security needs, now and into the future," he says.

"Government, industry and academia must work in partnership to develop and expand pathways for a more diverse group of Australians to move into this exciting industry where there are an increasing number of smart, secure jobs being created and going unfilled. "

In response to the chronic skills crunch, CyberCX recently launched the CyberCX Academy, the largest private sector training academy for cyber security professionals in Australia. 

This model has been endorsed as part of the solution to Australia's cyber skills crisis by Per Capita's independent report. 

Rosemary Driscoll, Director of the CyberCX Academy, says Australia needs to innovate and expand its approach to cyber skills development. 

"While there is no question that our world-class universities and TAFEs are critical to addressing the cyber skills shortage, industry can take the lead on initiatives like the CyberCX Academy to bring job-ready entrants to the market." she says.

"CyberCX looks forward to working with government and industry to address our shared challenges in improving Australia's cyber security preparedness and safeguarding the nations prosperity. 

CyberCX is a specialist provider of cyber security services and cloud solutions across Australia and New Zealand. With a workforce of more than 1100 cyber security professionals, CyberCX is a trusted partner to private and public sector organisations, helping customers confidently manage cyber risk, respond to incidents and build resilience in an increasingly complex and challenging threat environment.