What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the study of how to defend computers. But that’s a fairly broad definition. Cybersecurity experts don’t just protect computers: they protect servers, mobile phones, networks, the Internet of Things and data storage facilities from all sorts of digital attacks.
Cybercrime costs Australian businesses about $328 million every year, affecting SMEs and corporate giants alike. These attacks usually take the form of identity theft, online fraud and business email compromise scams. As a result, cybersecurity careers in Australia have boomed over the last decade (there are approximately one million cyber job openings around the world).
So why learn Cybersecurity online? Because you’ll be helping to keep Australia safe. And with RMIT Online, it’s easy to upskill. You don’t need any previous knowledge or experience to get started.
Why work in Cybersecurity?
Digital technologies already make up about 7% of Australia’s GDP, and as more and more businesses embrace cloud applications, cybersecurity experts become more highly valued. The federal government has already promised $1.35 billion in cyber funding over the next 10 years, and universities (like RMIT) are bulking up their curriculums to meet industry demand. All of this means one thing: cybersecurity is future-proof.
Here are some careers that draw on cybersecurity:
- Security Software Developer
- Security Consultant
- Information Analyst
- Ethical Hacker
- Forensic Analyst
- IT Systems Administrator
5 reasons to learn Cybersecurity
It’s in demand
By best estimates, Australia needs about 2300 extra cybersecurity workers to close the skills gap. And that’s right now. Experts reckon that, by 2026, we’ll need 17,600 additional cyber professionals to meet the growing threat, and to help businesses stay compliant with cyber regulations.
It pays well
Careers in cybersecurity tend to pay very well, and employers are looking for graduates with a good mix of technical skills. According to Indeed, Network Security Engineers in Australia earn about $128,000 per annum while IT Security Specialists benchmark around $107,000.
It’s future-proof
As long as there are cybercriminals, the world will need cybersecurity. Joe Franzi from the Australian Signals Directorate told the ABC, “the demand for cybersecurity professionals is insatiable at the moment. And it’s not just an Australian problem. It’s a global problem.”
It opens doors
Cybersecurity experts can apply their skills overseas. They can work for governments, not-for-profits or private industry. Cybersecurity is a broad field with many applications, and it’s a useful skillset for anyone looking to work in IT, cloud computing or the Internet of Things.
It’s accessible
If you’ve got some previous experience in systems technology or coding, that’s great, but they’re not necessary to learn cybersecurity. Anyone can upskill into the basics (and then hone that knowledge with further study). The RMIT Online cyber curriculum is designed to be accessible.
Cybersecurity careers
Cybersecurity careers are as varied and interesting as the threats they’re trying to fight. Cyber experts work in all sorts of industries, for companies of every size and shape, and there’s no one path to employment.
Cybersecurity careers also require several soft skills, which anyone can master. If you can communicate complex ideas in simple language, if you’re good at problem solving and active listening, if you’re curious, you can have a long and successful career in cybersecurity.
Here are just a few cyber careers you might consider:
- IT Security Specialist | $107,000
- Network Security Engineer | $128,000
- Intelligence Analyst | $91,000
- Chief Technology Officer | $119,000
- Director Of Information Security | $152,000
- IT Systems Administrator | $89,000
How to Learn Cybersecurity for beginners
Our curriculum is purpose-built for online study, and you don’t need any special skills to get started. Each unit combines interactive webinars, 1-on-1 tutorials, group work and practical tasks. We designed these courses alongside some of the best cybersecurity experts in Australia. The ultimate goal is to give you the skills you need for a career in cybersecurity.
Here’s an idea of what you’ll need.
- Commitment. Our course is divided into bite-sized chunks and designed to fit around your schedule. We recommend studying a few hours every day to stay committed and on track.
- Notes. Your RMIT Online mentors will encourage you to take lots of notes. It’s a good way to flag any potential problems.
- Collaboration. As part of your course, you’ll be working with qualified cyber experts. You’ll also have access to an online peer community.
- Knowledge. As threats change, cybersecurity changes too. We’ll help you stay up-to-date with the latest technologies.
- Resources. RMIT Online will provide plenty of great cybersecurity resources. These tools can be used during the course, or even after completion.
Learn about Cybersecurity
Ready to learn cybersecurity? This is the best place to start. Read as much as you can. Ask questions. Contact one of our RMIT Online course counsellors. You can find all our cybersecurity news and coverage below.
Cybersecurity Blogs
Want to find out more about Cybersecurity? Check out our videos and blogs below!
Watch: The future of cyber security in Australia
Watch: RMIT Online CEO Helen Souness and Sean Duca from Palo Alto Networks talk about Cyber Security
AI & Cyber Security: Finding New Ways To Hack
Is AI really the future of Cyber Security?
RMIT Online Cybersecurity courses
RMIT Online is one of Australia’s top cybersecurity training providers. We offer a suite of cybersecurity courses, depending on your career goals and experience. You can learn cybersecurity online, at your own pace, with plenty of support from expert mentors. Each course was designed with the best in the industry.
Topics and courses similar to Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity touches on dozens of different fields, and there are plenty of ways to expand your CV. Want to learn Cloud Software Solutions, Digital Leadership, Software Defined Networking or Data Privacy? You can browse our related courses below.
