The Victorian Government is investing in Victoria's cyber security capability, protecting Victorians and businesses from the growing threat of cybercrime and promoting the growth of our cyber security industry.
Minister for Government Services Danny Pearson launched Victoria's Cyber Strategy 2021, a four-year plan and investment of more than $50 million to bolster the state's cyber security resilience, support local cyber businesses, and develop a more dynamic and competitive cyber sector.
The Cyber Strategy's first year will focus on strengthening security for Government online services and communications. This work will give Victorians and local businesses confidence that online services and electronic messages from the Government are both safe and secure.
It will also provide more opportunities to grow our local cyber security talent such as IPSec, which is helping the Government implement a state-wide Security Operations Centre and created 14 local jobs as a direct result.
One in three Australians have fallen victim to cybercrime with an estimated $29 billion cost to Australia's economy every year, making cyber security vital to Victoria's economic future.
Over the next four years, the strategy will continue to grow opportunities for innovation and jobs growth, with collaboration across government, industry, and the community.
The Government also recognises the importance of training Victorians for the skills we need in the future, including in our growing cyber industry.
Certificate IV in Cyber Security is offered as part of the Government's landmark Free TAFE initiative at 19 locations across the state. In the past year alone, more than 2,000 people have enrolled in the course.
The Government has also launched a $64 million Digital Jobs Program - a game changer set to significantly grow Victoria's digital workforce.
Created in partnership with Victorian businesses and training providers such as the major cyber security firm CyberCX, the short courses and industry placements will help people transition into a digital career, including in our growing cyber security sector. For more information on the strategy, visit vic.gov.au/cyber
As stated by Minister for Government Services Danny Pearson
"Cyber security has never been more important to our economy - it's why we're backing our local cyber industry and securing the state's services with this multimillion-dollar investment."
"This strategy re-focuses on protecting Victorian's data and government systems while growing jobs and supporting cyber businesses."
As stated by Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford
"Victoria's cyber security industry is poised to thrive - with a vision shared by government and industry we will launch even more local innovators and entrepreneurs on to the global stage as we future proof our economy."
