Are you curious about cyber security?
But do not know where to start!
How can I access this course?
NSW students and teachers can access this course for free:
- Scan the QR code or register for an account. Use your @education.nsw.gov.au email to register.
- Verify your email address. Use the password in the welcome email to log in. Set up a new password.
- Log in and delve into the course.
All other students can also access this course for free for a limited time.
Time required to complete: 3 hours
Learn quickly with this micro-skill
The Introduction to Cyber Security micro-skills course has been developed by the Institute of Applied Technology (IAT) at TAFE NSW. It will help you learn the why, how, and what of a role in cyber security. You can watch videos, hear from experts, and read reports and knowledge bites. You can also test your knowledge with interactive quizzes.
What will I learn?
Topics covered are:
- What is cyber security – defines terminology and describes the need and importance of cyber security
- Careers in cyber security – identifies and describes various types of technical and non-technical roles and provides links to courses
- Common cybersecurity threats – discusses the methods used to deliver different types of cyber threats using case studies and how to spot them
- Vulnerabilities and risks – identifies the various types of weaknesses in IT systems and people's behaviours
- Adversaries and their motivations – informs about threat actors and their types- who they are and why they do what they do
- Staying cyber safe – how to maintain a high level of cyber hygiene such as by using strong passwords and MFA, installing updates and taking backups.
There is an option to provide feedback and download a certificate as evidence of completion.
The future of work
The world of work is evolving. The jobs and careers of today are constantly changing, leaving us in uncertain territory when it comes to educating and preparing the next generation. So, how do we keep up with these changes and engage in meaningful career conversations?
Watch this 8-part series about the future of work called #Work2030
The days of a job for life are over
Cyber Security Conversations: Pathways into cyber security
Cyber Security conversations
Watch this panel discussion to learn that is quite easy to get into a role in cyber if you have the right skills and mindset. A qualification in cyber is not always necessary.
If you are a high school student and interested to learn more about cyber, check out this flyer. (PDF 1.64MB) Students in NSW can also contact Cybermarvel to get support with their questions.
Questacon's Cyber Castle Challenge with Minecraft EE
Game-based learning of cyber security concepts
The Cyber Castle Challenge encourages students to explore, discover and set their own priorities. In-game achievements guide you to understand cyber security concepts. The game is open-ended and exciting. It encourages players to solve problems using critical and creative thinking.
The game can be played over 4 lessons, with each one introducing a new cyber security concept:
- Defend your assets -Identify assets and balance resources to defend against predictable waves of fox attacks.
- Evolving threats - Collect intelligence, continue to balance resources and defend against unpredictable waves of foxes.
- Kingdom expansion - Manage and defend a wider network as the Cyber Kingdom expands
- Who can you trust - Verify the identity of those accessing the castle and train users to identify strange behaviour.
Teachers can visit the Questacon website for support documents, student playbook, and help videos.
Watch this video to learn more
Questacon's Cyber Castle Challenge - Promo
Cyber Security courses and training programs
TAFE certificates
TAFE Certificate III in Information Technology ICT30120
Specialise in cyber security, game design, IT networking, IT support or web design. Traineeships and JobTrainer fee subsidies are available.
TAFE Certificate IV in Business (Cyber Security)
Learn how to protect networks and other digital assets from online threats. Traineeships and JobTrainer fee subsidies are available.
University degrees
Bachelor of Cyber Security and Behaviour at Western Sydney University
Understand the behavioural science behind online fraud and advanced hacking and learn how to think dynamically to respond to cyber threats.
Computer Science (Cyber Security) BSc Honours at Newcastle University
Learn about designing dependable software systems, cryptographies and software verification technology.
Training programs
Australian Defense Force Cyber Gap Program
A 12-month online program designed to enhance skills and employability. Get financial support, mentoring and exposure to cyber experiences. Watch this video to learn more.
CompTIA Security+ and Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
Learn about network and operational security and specialise to prevent, detect and combat cyber threats.
Traineeships and apprenticeships
The NSW Government’s IT Traineeship is for Year 12 school leavers interested in developing professional skills in the Information Technology industry.
This 2-year program provides paid training opportunities for Year 12 school leavers in Australia. It is a collaboration between NSW Government agencies and Training Services NSW and includes accredited and non-accredited training delivered through TAFE NSW and the NSW Government’s Institute for Applied Technology (IAT).
Trainees work full-time at a NSW Government agency. They undertake formal training for up to one day per week within work hours and complete a Cert III in Information Technology or Cert IV in Information Technology (Programming, Networking, General) or Cert IV in Cyber Security.
Cyber Security Microsoft Traineeship Program
This program will equip you for cyber roles such as junior software developer, systems engineer, cyber security specialist or cyber crime analyst. The two-year traineeship is run in collaboration with Microsoft, AustCyber, Prodigy Learning and TAFE NSW. It combines paid, on-the-job experience and supervision with formal training. You will spend four days per week working in the industry, and the fifth pursuing a Certificate IV in Cyber Security from TAFE NSW, and the latest Microsoft and ITS certifications from Prodigy Learning.
Deloitte, TAFE NSW and Wollongong University combine to provide this unique degree program with an earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship.
State-based graduate programs
Various states in Australia offer graduate programs varying in length from 10 to 18 months. They offer job experiences across diverse roles, training, networking, mentorship and also ongoing employment. Check them out below:
NSW government graduate program
QLD government graduate program
TAS government graduate program
ACT government graduate program
More resources
Read Careers with STEM: Cyber Security 2022 – explore the range of jobs in this crucial field, and highlight real-life role models working in Cyber Security. Discover study pathways into a career in Cyber Security, career stats, insights and practical advice.