Holmesglen In Focus: Building Cyber Resilience for the Fourth Economy

Speakers at Holmesglen Institute’s In Focus summit agreed that Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) should offer their employees modern cyber training, use security operations centres (SOC) and implement affordable security solutions like Multi-factor Authentication (MFA).

The summit was facilitated by industry expert Richard Magalad, IRAP CISM CRISC MACS Cyber, and featured panellists Chantelle Ralevska, CEO of Psyber, Jason Murrell, Chair CAN, Jamie Wiggins, SCYNE Advisory Manager and Pranjali Karve.

Head of Department at Holmesglen’s Centre for Cyber Security and Digital Information Technology, Jamie Weston, called on SMEs to learn more about Australia’s Six Cyber Shields framework and take action.

“SMEs are the engine room for Australia’s digital economy, but they’re also growing targets for malware attacks and cyber criminals. Boosting cyber skills of SME workforces can help the whole economy,” he said.

Holmesglen released a Research Paper at the summit, exploring the role of TAFE-delivered cyber security training in building national digital resilience for the Fourth Economy. Holmesglen found:

• Most of its cyber security graduates were male career changers, with increasing participation expected from women and mature workers who would help address industry skills shortages

• Its cyber security graduates had very high satisfaction rates, showing quality TAFE-based delivery was trusted and competitive in the field, despite more non-accredited private training options

• TAFE cyber security graduates are well-positioned to earn attractive entry-level salaries and generally had employment and further training outcomes that were above the TAFE average

• Responsive micro credentials developed and delivered by TAFE in collaboration with industry, can complement existing training packages and support Australia’s 1^st and 5^th Cyber Shields

• Further collaboration between TAFE, industry and government could strengthen Australia’s defence posture – notably by advancing training approaches and problem-solving through applied research.

Cyber Security Engineer and Holmesglen alumnus, Pranjali Karve, addressed the In Focus summit and urged more women to consider careers in IT and cyber security.

“TAFEs like Holmesglen are doing a great job bridging the skills gap and providing a genuine CSOC experience for cyber security students. My advice is to get started now, talk to other women in the industry and network. There are plenty of women-focused organisations and mentors willing to help,” she said.

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