13th May 2022

The Andrews Labor Government is advancing women in cyber security with a pilot program to improve representation and address workforce shortages in the industry.

Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford today announced applications for the Women in Security Pilot Program are now open, backed by $100,000 from the Labor Government’s Cyber Strategy.

The pilot is a training course to be delivered with the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN) giving 26 women currently working in the tech sector industry internships to increase their knowledge and begin a new career or move into security leadership positions.

The program is available for women who have been in the technology sector for at least one year and for women with more than three years’ experience in a cyber role.

Participants will receive specialist training, coaching and mentoring services, as well as attend workshops and networking events with training to commence mid-year.

Women currently make up only 31 per cent of Victoria’s digital technology workforce, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics and less than 17 per cent of the cyber security workforce nationally according to the Australian Information Security Association.

To keep Victoria ahead of the latest cyber-crime tactics, Victoria is focused on building a diverse and inclusive workforce of cyber professionals who can develop solutions and hit these threats head-on.

Victoria’s Cyber Strategy is a four-year plan and investment of over $50 million that will bolster the state’s cyber security resilience, support local cyber businesses and develop a more dynamic and competitive cyber sector.

For more information, including how to apply visit awsn.org.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford

“Cyber security is a rapidly growing industry and we’re thrilled to support more women to take up new jobs and new careers in cyber.”

“We’re investing in Victoria’s cyber security industry so that businesses and other organisations can stay ahead of existing and emerging cyber attack tactics.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Government Services Danny Pearson

“Diverse workforces are stronger workforces and our Cyber Strategy 2021 is supporting programs that deliver on diversity, bringing more women into crucial roles to build a more robust and representative cyber industry.”

Quote attributable AWSN Executive Director and Founder Jacqui Loustau

“I think it’s great to be able to give back and provide these types of opportunities for more talented women with pathways into this industry.”