The Australian Government is working to alleviate the extreme shortage of skilled cybersecurity workers by funding a new workforce development program. The program, called Purple Team Australia, will aim to train 320 female and First Nations cybersecurity professionals.
Amelia Norris, a reporter for CRN, “Purple Team Australia aims to increase the quality and availability of job-ready cyber security professionals in Australia and attract participation from women and First Nation Australians into the cyber security industry.”
Norris added that the Australian Government would be utilising its Cyber Security Skills Partnership Innovation fund for the program. The reporter noted that the program was designed and implemented by multiple agencies who acknowledge the severe lack of cybersecurity experts in the country.
The program will be made possible by strategic partnerships in multiple industries, such as education and not-for-profit (NFP) organisations like Cybermerc, AustCyber, Anomali, and the Australian Women in Security Network.
Purple Team Australia will start taking in participants in June 2023 and 2024, with 160 students coming from all eight states and territories. The program will be running 40 mentors who are experts in the industry.
Similarly, a European-based cybersecurity company recently offered a scholarship program designed to provide education for women who wish to enter the cybersecurity industry. The program is just in its second year and awards $5,000 to a woman majoring in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). According to the company, the scholarship winner will be awarded on 8th March, coinciding with the International Women’s Day celebration.
Clare O’Neil, Home Affairs and Cyber Security Minister, noted, “We are embarking on a new era of cybersecurity capability in this country and aiming to be the most cyber-secure country by 2030. Our cybersecurity workforce has never been more important. The percentage of women in cybersecurity is growing, and initiatives such as ESET’s scholarships complement the work the Government is doing to support that influx of women. Women rising through ranks in cybersecurity will encourage the younger generation into STEM-related studies and technical roles.”
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