New scheme aims to boost & accredit Australia’s cyber workforce

A new scheme aimed at streamlining and professionalising Australia's cyber security workforce has been launched by a consortium of industry groups, as the need for skilled cyber professionals continues to grow.

Sector framework

The CyberPath scheme has been developed by the Australian Computer Society, the Australian Information Security Association, the Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre and the Australian Women in Security Network. It will co-design and pilot a professionalisation framework for cyber security roles in collaboration with industry and the wider technology community. The initiative forms part of the government's Cyber Security Strategy and receives co-funding from the Department of Home Affairs.

Organisers say the scheme will outline clear career paths, skills expectations, and educational requirements for cyber professionals. It also aims to provide guidance for employers regarding accredited professionals and will assess the pilot programme before planning for scale-up. As part of this process, a strategy will be developed to encourage industry participation and ensure the scheme's sustainability through independent funding, without creating new barriers to entry.

Workforce development

The scheme is designed to increase the number of skilled cyber professionals in Australia as demand continues to outpace supply. Industry groups involved in the consortium highlight the increasing challenge posed by cyber threats to public and private sector organisations, and the critical importance of building and maintaining a specialist workforce.

"With threats evolving faster than ever, we must clearly define roles, skills, and career pathways for the cyber workforce. This consortium is working closely with industry and the entire ecosystem to build a rigorous framework and a pilot model that will help close the gap in cyber capability, recognition and professionalisation to keep Australia safe," said Josh Griggs, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Computer Society.

Ian Oppermann, Chair of the Growing and Professionalising Cyber Security Programme Steering Committee, said the changing nature of digital risks made such initiatives necessary. "Cyber security is a forever challenge, something we will live with so long as we live in a digitally enabled world. The consortium is helping to professionalise Australia's cybersecurity workforce and grow the next generation of cybersecurity leaders," said Oppermann.

Industry collaboration

Michael Burchell, Chair of the Australian Information Security Association, emphasised the sector's responsibility. "The Australian Information Security Association (AISA) recognises the immense trust placed in the cyber security community to protect Australia's digital systems. We are proud to represent the voice of our members, and all cyber practitioners, in the design and delivery of this pilot scheme," said Burchell.

Guy Roberts, Interim Chief Executive Officer at the Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre, underlined the potential for broad sector benefit. "Aus3C is delighted to be a Consortium Partner in this industry shaping program. We look forward to playing our part and reflecting the views of our members in shaping the deliverables to benefit the future of the cyber security industry," said Roberts.

Ensuring diversity within the cyber security sector is also a focus for the programme. "AWSN is pleased to join the Professionalising the Cyber Security Industry consortium with ACS, AISA, Aus3C, to ensure that the voices from underrepresented groups are heard and considered in shaping the future of the industry. AWSN's participation in this pilot program is consultative, and we are committed to ensuring that all efforts throughout the project are inclusive by design, consider all types of personas/pathways in our sector, and is carried out in a considered, respectful, and collaborative manner," said Jacqui Loustau, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Australian Women in Security Network.

Accreditation standards

The pilot will set out standards for accreditation across the sector, seeking alignment with existing frameworks and interoperability across industries and jurisdictions. The scheme's architects have committed to broad consultation with organisations and individuals to ensure all perspectives are represented.

"The Scheme will align with existing skills frameworks and accreditation pathways to ensure seamless interoperability across industry and jurisdictions. Its success hinges on broad consultation with stakeholders to capture insights from every corner of the cyber community. With cyber attacks on the rise, staying ahead of malicious actors is critical. Australia needs a strong pipeline of cyber professionals to safeguard resilience and outpace evolving threats." said Hamish Hansford, Head of National Security, Department of Home Affairs.