Cyber Security is the way of the future
Studying Cyber Security provides fundamental knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of security services, their key mechanisms, attacks and how to improve systems for the future.
Introducing diverse security technologies and demonstrating the principles of security design, cyber security is critical for individuals, enterprises and governments to reduce attacks, and effectively conduct business. With the increasing number of cyber security breaches, cyber education is a highly valuable matter.
With almost 93% of all cyber-attacks penetrating company networks, cyber-attacks on Optus and Medibank are seen as prime examples of security risks threatening the privacy and security of our nation and community1 These attacks highlight the significance of essential security education and training.
Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) revealed a cyber-attack occurs every seven minutes2 With an increased need for understanding cyber security within corporate organisations, the Master of Cyber Security aims to better prepare the future generation of workers for these challenges. In recent media, Optus and Medibank have encountered confidentially threats where a loss of data through either exfiltration, or physical loss of storage media.
Medibank saw personal information of around 9.7 million current and former customers, including almost 500,000 health claims stolen in the Medibank breach3. In response to this attack, Medibank created a dedicated Cyber Response Support program for current and former customers to assist in areas including cybercrime health and wellbeing, mental health, personal duress, and hardship support for customers in vulnerable positions.
Whilst Optus had a lower-level breach of confidentiality, with over 10,000 customers' personal identification details being released on the web, customers were immediately notified to act for replacement identity documents and protect themselves. Working collaboratively with the Australian Cyber Security Centre and Australian Federal Police, Optus has since worked towards educating and reinstating confidence for customers in their cyber security management4.
Program Convenor of the Master of Cyber Security program at the University of Newcastle, Dr Nan Li, believes that education is one of the most effective ways to prevent security attacks.
“No technology is absolutely secure for data privacy. We must be ready for the consequence of the attacks and reduce the impact on the data owners."
The Master of Cyber Security program at the University of Newcastle is intended to equip graduates with knowledge in cyber security technologies and techniques, as well as practical experience in providing applications that solve cyber security problems in business and government.
Emphasising the design of secure systems, networks and applications provides students with the knowledge of how cloud and network systems can be attacked and what techniques can be used to defend them and counteract these attacks. Students also learn about encryption techniques to protect data and cryptographic techniques for securing network protocols.
What our programs can offer to combat cyber security risks?
Students of the Master of Cyber Security receive hands-on training in advanced virtualized cloud systems in our dedicated Cyber Labs, where attacks, such as those that have occurred this year, can be simulated and studied.
“The Cyber security programs at Newcastle have been established considering the industry needs, in particular, the cyber security trends and market needs identified by AusCyber, the Australian Cyber Security Industry Growth Network,” Professor Vijay Varadharajan, Global Innovation Chair in Cybersecurity at the University of Newcastle, said.
As technology and cyber is a rapidly evolving field, The Master of Cyber Security is continually updating. Exposing students to emerging technologies such as Internet of Things, security, cloud security, and machine learning security, often in the form of guest seminars and lectures from leaders in the field.
“A unique aspect of our program is that it covers industry standards and security best practices currently being used in the industry such as ISO27001 on Security Management, Security Evaluation Criteria such as Common Criteria, Payment Security Standards such as PCI DSS and in Digital Health such as New Health Records.
“Some of these lectures are given by adjuncts from industry who have practical experience in the specific topics,” Professor Varadharajan said.
Offering different pathways based on different backgrounds and experience, the suit of Cyber Security programs offered at the University of Newcastle encourages students of all experience levels to apply.
“Cyber security specialists and professionals are in demand, more than ever, and with the emerging developments in technology and its applications, the demand for cyber security skills and graduates is likely to remain high for the foreseeable future,” Professor Varadharajan said.
Where Cyber Science can take you?
By undertaking a hands-on project spanning over two semesters, Master of Cyber Security students have the opportunity to work with industry partners and gain highly valuable skills relevant to their future careers.
The University of Newcastle’s Advanced Cyber Security Labs consisting of three labs; System Security Lab, Smart Infrastructure Security Lab and Malware Lab, offers students an isolated and secure environment for each student to learn and expand their skills.
Facilitating group projects and research capacity, the labs can be used to run safe cyber hackathons offering students access to advanced technology. The labs are critical for carrying out cyber security projects in partnership with both industry and government through facilitating researchers and students.
“Cyber security is more than technology alone. It also includes social and legal aspects.
“Our program includes legal aspects related to privacy and Internet law and mandatory data breaches as well social aspects such as phishing and how to trust users and systems,” Professor Varadharajan said.
Upon graduation, this program allows students to harness their expertise in cyber security to work in a variety of industry sectors and job roles. Some of the key roles graduates may work within include:
Security System Manager
From overseeing and executing enterprise cyber security monitoring for potential threats to developing applications, analysing information and communicating complex data, Security System Managers play a key role in reporting incidents and breaches. Being proactive to predict and prevent security breaches makes this role an increasingly fundamental in the success of organizations.
Security Consultant
Sometimes referred to as a security analyst, this role is a highly specialized IT occupation where they pinpoint vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks and software programs to work towards solutions to strengthen cyber security against hackers. Maintaining the safety and security of networks and applications within database management systems requires great understanding of cyber security systems and policy to work collaboratively with police investigations where required.
Cryptographer
Cryptographers ensure computer and network security through algorithms to safeguard data through encryption. Reported by the New York Times an expected 3.5 million jobs in the cybersecurity sector will be unfulfilled by 20255. Through the development and testing of techniques to implement or improve encryption solutions, these professionals have extensive knowledge of data, coding language and cyber security to protect individuals and organizations.
IT Security Engineer
Information technology is an evolving industry that harnesses the lifeforce of every organization. Working within this role of IT security engineer, workers seek to resolve problems with technology including engineering firewalls, implementing breach detection systems and working with other professionals to solve security-related problems. Through conducting assessments and analysing risks, IT security engineers work across a large range of problem-based solutions to ensure the consistent growth of an organization without risk.
Security System Developer
Being an innovative technologist is the driver for this role, writing computer programs guided towards computer system and data information safety is top priority in this. Following all stages of software development from design to implementation and testing and further development strategies, this role takes a pre-emptive approach to cyber security.
3https://www.medibank.com.au/health-insurance/info/cyber-security/
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.