Last month Macquarie University hosted its first Cyber Security Challenge with over 140 Year 9 and 10 students from 11 local schools. Participating students were selected by their schools because of an existing interest in learning more about the cyber security field. Macquarie University is at the forefront of the cyber security field through its $10 million partnership with Optus, which includes the Optus Macquarie University Cyber Security Hub.

With a third of Australian businesses falling victim to cybercrime and the cost of cyber-attacks estimated to exceed $1 billion a year, cyber security is one of the most in-demand career fields worldwide. This demand for talent far exceeds supply across a broad range of industries including technology, entertainment, telecommunications, banking, finance and accounting, meaning that a cyber security qualification opens the door to a wide range of interesting and rewarding careers.

Associate Professor Christophe Doche, Executive Director of the Optus Macquarie University Cyber Security Hub, kicked-off the day which included a competition amongst teams of 5 students participating in multiple challenges that tested logic, teamwork, and time management skills. It was an exciting day of challenges and an opportunity for students to learn more about the skills required to create an effective cyber security environment and the range of careers available in the field.

After a tight competition, a team from Turramurra High School scored the most points followed closely by two teams from Girraween High School, to cheers from a positive and buoyant group of students and teachers.

Teachers also had the opportunity for professional development whilst the students were participating in the competition. A workshop aimed to elevate teachers’ understanding of cyber security was led by Steve Morrill who is the Director of Cyber Science & Technology at Loyola Blakefield in Towson, Maryland. Teachers learned several strategies of how to introduce cyber careers into their curriculum, including leveraging LifeJourney’s Optus Cyber Security Experience and Cyber Teacher programs.

To learn more about the Macquarie University Cyber Security Challenge please contact (futurestudents@mq.edu.au) or call 9850 7250.

For more information and to register for Day of STEM: https://dayofstem.com.au/