There’s been an explosion in the number of people connected to the internet through computers, phones (or even their cars, televisions and pets!). By 2020, there will be nearly 200 billion such connected things. We use these devices to store and process personal information, financial information and confidential and sensitive information, like trade secrets, government records and business plans.

This leaves all of us, governments and firms included, vulnerable to cyber security attacks. Being a victim of these attacks can have consequences ranging from loss of information to financial woes to even national security breaches.To avert and minimise these negative episodes, we need suitably qualified cyber security professionals.

Australian universities deliver well-organised, industry-relevant programmes that are valued by employers. In fact, most of the programmes are embedded with a work experience option which involves either undertaking a work placement or completing a cyber security project at an external company.

Most of Australia’s 37 universities offer programmes in cyber security.

Some of the specialisations offered are:

• Edith Cowan University
• Macquarie University
• RMIT University
• Latrobe University
• Griffith University