Last weekend saw the inaugural Cyber Battle Australia final take place at the Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre in Adelaide’s Lot Fourteen. This isn’t just a competition – it’s a glimpse into the future of Australia’s cyber security landscape, with SA at its heart.
Battle of the bytes
On Saturday July 6, fifty of Australia’s top emerging ethical hackers came together in Adelaide to showcase their skills in combating cyber criminals. These Cyber Battle finalists, ranging in age from 17 to 49, had already proven their know-how by outperforming more than 250 competitors nationwide.
The all-day event saw participants, including talented South Australians, tackle a series of challenges designed to test their cyber security prowess. It wasn’t just about crowning a winner – it was about identifying the next generation of digital defenders who will help protect Australia’s online infrastructure.
What’s an ethical hacker?
Ethical hackers, aka “white hat” hackers, use their skills to identify and fix security vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks and applications. Unlike malicious hackers (i.e. those mysterious hooded characters who break into our online accounts and steal private info), ethical hackers work with the permission of the system owners to improve security and prevent cyber attacks.
They simulate real-world attacks to uncover weaknesses that could be exploited by cybercriminals, providing essential services to enhance an organisation’s security posture. That makes them crucial to the future of Australia’s defence industry – as well as the safety of our society’s entire digital future.
Training the cyber defenders of tomorrow
With cyber threats becoming increasingly severe, the need for skilled professionals in this field has never been more critical. The Cyber Battle serves a dual purpose: identifying top talent and raising awareness about career opportunities in cyber security.
The cyber security industry in Australia is on a trajectory of rapid growth. According to a CSIRO report, the sector is expected to expand from 20,000 workers today to 31,600 by 2026, with revenue potentially tripling to $6 billion.
This growth translates into a wealth of job opportunities for young South Australians. From ethical hacking to cyber risk management, the field offers diverse and exciting career paths that are both challenging and rewarding.
Around 11,000 new jobs will be created in Adelaide alone over the next decade. It’s a chance to be part of a sector that’s not just about defending systems, but shaping the future of our digital society.
Lot Fourteen: the perfect battle venue
Lot Fourteen, located in the heart of Adelaide, is an innovation district that’s home to a diverse mix of organisations working in space, defence, critical technologies and creative industries.
The district a carefully curated and dynamic community driving innovation through collaboration, in the heart of Adelaide’s city centre. It houses world-class research institutions, including the Australian Institute for Machine Learning and the Australian Space Agency headquarters, creating a dynamic environment where innovation thrives. It will also soon be home to the $60 million Australian Defence Technologies Academy. You can read more about the academy and Lot Fourteen here.
Welcome to the cyber future at Aus3C!
Cyber Battle host, Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre (Aus3C), is a cornerstone of Lot Fourteen’s innovation district. Established with a $10 million investment from the South Australian Government, Aus3C was developed through collaboration with industry partners, academic institutions, and government agencies.
The South Australian Government’s support for the Centre underscores the state’s vision to become a national leader in cyber security. Aus3C is key to driving the growth of Australia’s cyber industry, creating high-tech jobs and generating significant interest from interstate and overseas. The Centre supports the development of a cyber workforce capable of addressing the increasing cyber threats faced by businesses, governments and essential systems.
Aus3C’s primary mission is to enhance cyber security capabilities and foster collaboration in the field. It offers services such as vulnerability identification, hardware and software testing, cyber security training and strategic planning. The Centre focuses on helping businesses, especially small ones, protect themselves against cyber threats.
Where are the opportunities?
For young South Aussies inspired by the Cyber Battle, there are a whole lot of training options on offer, all designed to equip the next generation of cyber security professionals. The University of Adelaide, Flinders University and the University of South Australia all offer degrees in the field.
Then there’s TAFE SA, which has established a state-of-the-art Training Security Operations Centre to provide a wide range of training to help stem the worldwide growth of malicious cyber activity. It also offers the Certificate IV in Cyber Security, the first national skills-based certificate level qualification.
For more information about Cyber Battle Australia 2024, click here.
