signs you should work in cyber security

5signs you should work in cyber security Are you a fast learner? Have you got comms covered? Yep? You’re on track for a bright career in cyber security

Cyber security is growing fast in the career arena. There are employers all over the world looking to hire people proficient in protecting their data. Working in cyber security means that you’ll be a cyber-bodyguard – with career pathways that include ethical hackers, security architects, engineers and cryptographers (using codes to protect information and communication). You’ll have a desire to learn, be super perceptive, totally inquisitive, have good communication skills and an eye for detail. Want even more signs cyber security could be your job jam? Read on...

You <3 puzzles

You play sudoku, complete Rubik’s Cubes without even trying, and nail crosswords. Not only do you enjoy the challenge of solving puzzles – you excel at it. Developing security for data and systems comes with its own unique set of challenges. Coding is just a piece of the cyber security puzzle; coming up with strategies and solving problems are important, too. Sound like you? You’ll meet the challenges in cyber security head-on!

You want a job straight outta uni

Cyber security careers are growing fast and are expected to stay that way in coming years. Posts for jobs in cyber security have risen three times faster than overall tech jobs, so kicking off your career straight after study is totally doable. Industry choice + high income = fab start!

You think analytically and can hold a convo

No matter who you’re dealing with, you find a way to communicate and integrate with everyone and you’re able to explain your critical thinking and reasoning. Cyber security comms is an essential skill – you’ve gotta be able to convey ideas to people across different departments. These can be technical engineers, non-technical bosses, advertisers or high schoolers! Read all about it on p12.

Coding languages are evolving all the time, as are tech and industry trends. If you enjoy learning and keeping your skills up to date, a gig in cyber security could be for you. The tech field changes rapidly and cyber security, in particular, employs strategies that are constantly modified with cybercrimes. So if you like to learn on the job, you'll be honing your skills for years.

You’re a detail warrior

You can spot a flaw a mile away. Your attention to detail makes you the perfect cyber-bodyguard of data, with an ability to focus on and strengthen holes in the cyber armour. In cyber security, it’s important to uncover vulnerabilities that can be exploited by breaches. It is equally important to detect risks – no matter how big or small – and squash them. Put your keen eye to the test and give a career in cyber security a go. – Saskia Horgan-Catchpole

Gain a Bachelor and Master’s in four years with a UQ vertical dual degree.

Save time and double your opportunities with a vertical dual degree in computer science. UQ’s vertical dual degrees enable students to gain a Bachelor and Master’s degree in four years - instead of five. With a Commonwealth Supported Place* throughout the program, students will study the Bachelor of Computer Science before commencing in a Master’s program in Cyber Security or Data Science. Make yourself more employable and ready to launch into an exciting career with skills that are in high demand from some of the world’s biggest technology corporations.

*Commonwealth Supported Places are currently only available for domestic students in these programs.

For further information, please visit:

future-students.uq.edu.au

HIRE UP!

Meet today’s top cyber security employers

Cyber security is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world – we’re talking 57% in the last year according to AustCyber. With cyber crimes costing Australian organisations around $3 million, businesses are all about hiring people with the skills to protect them. A job in cyber security isn’t just about working for banks or the government; there are plenty of opportunities in transport, comms and even big brands like Tesla and Apple! Roles include cyber security specialists, consultants and security architects. The Australian economy will need about 18,000 new employees by 2027, so there’s no shortage of employers. Here’s proof... Employers

QANTAS

TRANSPORT

FUN FACT: QANTAS uses work simulations to prepare employees for cyber risks and keep awareness up to date.

QANTAS is Australia’s leading airline. Cybercrimes against the airline could cause data breaches or in-flight interruptions. A career in QANTAS’ cyber security will require preventing hacks and strengthening any weaknesses in the airline’s armour.

Australian Cyber Security Centre

Public Administration and Safety

FUN FACT: The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) helps around six businesses a day respond to cyber security incidents.

The ACSC educates and advises families and businesses on how to protect their information and technology. Their social media pages offer links to articles, and provide bite-sized pieces of information to help people learn to protect themselves. Good communication skills are a must.

Telstra

Communications

FUN FACT: Telstra has plenty of helpful tips about staying safe while using devices on their website, including how to detect scams.

Australia’s biggest telco, Telstra, provides almost 25 million Aussies with services like the internet, mobile data and more. Telstra also sells cyber security software, including antivirus software that provides security for devices across their network. Skills in marketing, sales and comms will be put to good use working in cyber security here.

FUN FACT: The Australian Federal Police (AFP) are part of a group of organisations that have created the ThinkUKnow Program to educate young and old people on being safe with their technology. The AFP detect, prevent, disrupt, respond and enforce the law when cybercrimes are committed. They also investigate attacks on the government and banks, assisting state and local police. Australian Federal Police Public Administration and Safety

ANZ Bank

Finance

FUN FACT: The ANZ Bank blocks around 12 million deceitful emails per month.

The ANZ Bank is one of the four big banks of Australia and the leading bank of New Zealand. ANZ has around nine million customers worldwide needing protection against cyber crimes and phish-y emails.

Boeing

Manufacturing

FUN FACT: Boeing has recently partnered with Microsoft to experiment with their artificiaI intelligence (AI) to improve efficiency in their products. Known for producing its world-famous planes, Boeing is an American company that also creates satellites, missiles and telecommunications equipment. Cyber security is essential to defend info that’s gathered and spread via the equipment.

Tesla

Manufacturing and Technology

FUN FACT: Tesla has over 20,000 electric car chargers around the world and they need cyber protection.

Tesla is known for electric cars and for founder Elon Musk’s stake in the space race. Tesla also builds self-driving cars. Because of the threat of hackers taking control of self-driving cars, Tesla issues regular cyber security updates and they need people power to do it.

Cybernetic GI Technology

FUN FACT: As cyber security experts, Cybernetic GI works with companies around the globe, including operations in Europe, USA and New Zealand.

Cybernetic GI is an Australian company based in Brisbane that offers cyber security packages to businesses. Their services include risk assessment, penetration testing, wireless testing and information security awareness.

Apple

Technology

FUN FACT: In 2017, online recruitment platform, Indeed, ranked Apple first in US companies hiring cyber security professionals.

Apple is like the celeb of tech companies, producing smartphones, laptops and other information tech. Protecting user data and sensitive company data through cyber security is crucial for Apple.

Penten Technology

FUN FACT: Penten has a range of partners in the secure tech field, including CSIRO, UNSW Canberra and Apple’s Consultant Network.

Penten is a cyber technology business based in the ACT that provides software and hardware products to a range of clients. Penten works with the Australian government in order to create new security and defence products.

Atlassian

Technology

FUN FACT: The Atlassian Foundation was created with the vision of helping make the world better. Partnering with other organisations, Atlassian contributes 1% of annual profits, 1% of employee time and 1% of company equity to the foundation, to support charities and communities around the world.

Atlassian builds tools like Jira, Confluence and Trello to help every team unleash their full potential. With a global footprint, Security Engineering is integral to protecting and defending Atlassian’s infrastructure, products and networks from both anticipated and unforeseen cyber security threats.

Stickman

Technology

FUN FACT: Stickman produces a webinar almost every month, with keynote speakers such as an ex-US Homeland Security employee, a health and wellness speaker and the CEO of a company in India.

Stickman is a Sydney-based cyber security firm that offers solutions, services and security systems to customers looking to protect their businesses. They focus on a five-step model – define, plan, execute, report and monitor – to get it right. – Saskia Horgan-Catchpole