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The Beginner's guide to Cyber Security

By Fi Darby
Fi Darby

There isn't an organisation in Australia that doesn’t have a pressing need to take cyber security precautions seriously. This requirement is so strong that digital security best practices have become a top priority for management. Despite this, there is still a shortage of professionals who understand cyber security methods, and can give top-notch cyber security advice.

All of this is currently making cyber security prevention one of the most required job roles out there. Whether you’re a career-starter who wants to find out how to become a cyber security analyst, or already work in tech but want to stay ahead of the curve, we have the beginners’ guide to cyber security you’ve been waiting for. It’s time to upskill or reskill for career success.

What is the importance of cyber security?

By utilising the best cyber security practices, a business can protect itself and its customers from the serious damage an attack can cause. It’s important not to underestimate the devastation this type of threat can inflict.

When an attack is made on a network, outsiders can potentially gain access to everything connected to that network. From hardware, to vital systems, to private customer data, unless there’s an effective cyber security plan in place, everything becomes vulnerable.

According to the ACSC Annual Cyber Threat Report, during the financial year 2020 –21, a cyber crime was reported every eight minutes in Australia. This includes fraud, shopping and online banking cybercrimes. This isn’t just bad news for individuals; with significant financial losses recorded, cyber security measures for business are more important today than they have ever been.

Who is best qualified to give cyber security guidance?

Ensuring that an organisation has the best computer security practices in place is a job for qualified professionals. This is a fast-moving field in which up to date training is the only way to keep ahead of threats. Ongoing learning really is the key to getting a cyber security job in Australia.

Most of us can’t afford to give up the day job to gain qualifications but opting for online training will give you the flexibility to fit your new qualifications alongside your regular work and home commitments. Whether you’re new to cyber security or already on this exciting career ladder, training is available at all levels.

If you want to try online learning for a short time or enjoy learning through live virtual classes, we also offer online short courses and online bootcamp programs. We have three examples of online cyber security courses below.

Our short course in cyber security awareness only takes up to four months and is a great way to boost your existing knowledge of basic cyber security. If you work in an office or are a business owner, this would be particular suitable for you.

Our cyber security specialist bootcamp program offers a combination of self-paced online learning and live virtual classes, and takes between five and seven months. It will deliver the skills and knowledge you need to become a cyber security specialist, at the same time as providing the foundation for more advanced cyber security skills.

Our cyber security professional bootcamp program also offers live virtual classes alongside self-paced online learning. It teaches advanced-level, industry-focused skills over three to five months, and is suitable for newcomers as well as experienced professionals.

All of our bootcamp trainers have at least 15 years of experience in their specialist field. To fully understand how to strengthen cyber security, you need to learn from people with this level of real-life industry expertise. With over 85% of our bootcamp trainees reporting career benefits, promotions or new jobs, we’re convinced this is a winning formula.

Are cyber security careers in demand?

There are a number of important job roles in information security. These include:

  • Information security analysts  who upgrade and test existing security systems, make appropriate cyber security recommendations and install new systems as required.
  • Information security engineers who create the network security systems we rely on to protect our networks. They often work at the forefront of the industry and are well-placed to deliver the very latest cyber security tips.
  • Cyber security managers who take overall responsibility for the flow of information through an organisation’s network. They issue cyber security guidelines and make sure that the best internet security practices are in place.

Across the ICT security industry job prospects are excellent. Requirements remain high, and according to the latest labour market insights, in the five years to November 2026, the number of workers in the group ‘database & systems administrators and ICT security’ is predicted to rise by almost 40%.

On top of that, jobs in these fields are expected to attract salaries that are considerably higher than average. Weekly average earnings in May 2021 exceeded $2,300. In other words, this particular set of digital skills could be your key to job security.

There’s no doubt about it, if you can offer cyber security tips to business and advise them on the best practices for cyber security, you’re unlikely to have trouble finding employment in Australia. You might not land a six-figure cyber security job as your first position, but you shouldn’t rule that eventual possibility out.

To make that all-imporant next step towards boosting your salary with digital skills, why not take advantage of Upskilled’s fantastic range of nationally recognised cyber security courses.

Get in touch with our team today to find out more.

Fi Darby
Fi Darby Fi is a professional copywriter based in Devon, England. She specialises in education, careers, travel and outdoor writing and is the co-author of the popular daily outdoor blog 'Two Blondes Walking'. Fi has written three children's books and, when she isn't writing, Fi loves to gather inspiration from long walks, early morning sea swims and winter wild camps.