How to get a job in cyber-security in Australia

Last year, the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) received over 67,500 reports of cyber-crime (a 13 per cent increase from the previous year), and ransomware-related incidents increasing by nearly 15 per cent.

Consequently, for cyber-security professionals, Australia offers a wealth of career opportunities.

If you want to get a job in cyber-security, here are five popular security-related roles in Australia to help you choose your ideal career path.

1. Network Architect

The Network Architect identifies where a company needs data networks, and designs and constructs appropriate networks including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs) and intranets.

A Network Architect is also responsible for managing software upgrades and reviewing hardware such as adapters or routers, to ensure networks are performing at an optimal level with minimum downtime.

A formal degree is typically required for a Network Architect in Australia, often with tertiary qualifications in Computer Science or Information Systems. Additional professional certifications including CISSP tend to be highly regarded.

In addition to being able to develop and drive IT solutions, a Network Architect needs to be able to establish collaborative working relationships to accomplish objectives, and have strong communication skills to convey complex ideas to non-IT employees.

Related: How to find the right job

2. IT Security Analyst

An IT Security Analyst reviews a company’s IT systems to recommend and deploy measures that enhance system security. The IT Security Analyst is also tasked with documenting any security incidences, and managing system recovery.

A formal degree is typically required for an IT Security Analyst in Australia often with tertiary qualifications in Computer Science or Information Systems. The CISSP certification can be a requirement for IT Security Analysts among some employers in Australia.

The IT Systems Analyst needs to be able to learn and adapt to new technologies with minimal support and guidance, and have a strong ethical approach to business practices and promotion of workplace integrity.

Related: Finding the right cultural fit

3. IT Auditor

An IT Auditor is responsible for developing a systematic risk-based approach to review a company's IT infrastructure, and ensure all processes and systems are operating efficiently, and meeting compliance standards as they apply in both Australia and globally.

In addition to planning and managing the audit process, an IT Auditor will evaluate the IT controls supporting business operations, and make recommendations to strengthen the system against security breaches.

Along with suitable tertiary qualifications (usually a degree in Computer Science or Information Systems), IT Auditors can benefit from professional certifications such as Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).

Candidates considering an IT Auditor role in Australia need to be able to establish and maintain constructive and objective working relationships with teams across all levels of the organisation, and liaise confidently with external auditors.

4. Systems Security Architect

The Systems Security Architect is responsible for overseeing the security of a company’s IT network in Australia. On a daily basis the role involves designing, building, testing and implementing security systems, and monitoring the effectiveness of security measures.

Systems Security Architects are expected to stay up to date with the latest security standards and authentication protocols, and engage best practice security products across an organisation’s entire IT network.

A formal degree is typically required for a Systems Security Architect role in Australia often with tertiary qualifications in computer science, information systems or engineering. Having specialist security certifications such as GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) can give candidates an edge.

Candidates applying for a Systems Security Architect role in Australia are expected to be able to work under pressure, especially when faced with urgent issues.

5. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is a senior role that brings responsibility for designing, managing and implementing effective IT security programs and practices to protect the company from internal and external threats.

In today’s environment of rapidly evolving cyber-security threats, a CISO in Australia is expected to continually review and update a company’s security systems to ensure data and assets are protected at all times, and nurture a company-wide culture of security compliance.

As the CISO is a leadership role, tertiary qualifications are typically required, usually a degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering or equivalent.

Candidates for a CISO role in Australia are expected to have excellent communication skills with the ability to confidently interact with all levels of staff to convey complex ideas in clear terms.