Last weekend saw the inaugural Cyber Battle Australia final take place at the Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre in Adelaide’s Lot Fourteen. This isn’t just a competition – it’s a glimpse into the future of Australia’s cyber security landscape, with SA at its heart.
Battle of the bytes
On Saturday July 6, fifty of Australia’s top emerging ethical hackers came together in Adelaide to showcase their skills in combating cyber criminals. These Cyber Battle finalists, ranging in age from 17 to 49, had already proven their know-how by outperforming more than 250 competitors nationwide.
The all-day event saw participants tackle a series of challenges designed to test their cyber security prowess. It wasn’t just about crowning a winner – it was about identifying the next generation of digital defenders who will help protect Australia’s online infrastructure.
What’s an ethical hacker?
Ethical hackers, aka “white hat” hackers, use their skills to identify and fix security vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks and applications. Unlike malicious hackers (i.e. those mysterious hooded characters who break into our online accounts and steal private info), ethical hackers work with the permission of the system owners to improve security and prevent cyber attacks.
They simulate real-world attacks to uncover weaknesses that could be exploited by cybercriminals, providing essential services to enhance an organisation’s security posture. That makes them crucial to the future of Australia’s defence industry – as well as the safety of our society’s entire digital future.
Training the cyber defenders of tomorrow
With cyber threats becoming increasingly severe, the need for skilled professionals in this field has never been more critical. The Cyber Battle serves a dual purpose: identifying top talent and raising awareness about career opportunities in cyber security.
The cyber security industry in Australia is on a trajectory of rapid growth. According to a CSIRO report, the sector is expected to expand from 20,000 workers today to 31,600 by 2026, with revenue potentially tripling to $6 billion.
This growth translates into a wealth of job opportunities for young South Australians. From ethical hacking to cyber risk management, the field offers diverse and exciting career paths that are both challenging and rewarding.
Around 11,000 new jobs will be created in Adelaide alone over the next decade. It’s a chance to be part of a sector that’s not just about defending systems, but shaping the future of our digital society.
(taken from an article by Laura Dare in ‘InDaily’ on-line newspaper) At Australian Institute of Advanced Technologies we are providing support to industry on cyber-security through our affiliation with the Global Cybers Alliance Our initial focus is assisting small and medium businesses with good cyber security methodologies using the Global Cyber Alliance’s Small Business Tool Kit.