Optus hack ups ante for experts

THE Optus data breach has forced companies to reconsider their cyber security and in doing so created a demand for experts in the field.

Almost 10 million Australians were impacted in the Optus hack last month, which exposed personal details such as their full name and address, as well as passports, drivers licence and Medicare numbers.

Now organisations across Australia are racing to up the ante in cyber protection.

“We are seeing some of Australia’s largest organisations’ data compromised and this is focusing the attention of C-suites, boards of directors and leadership groups across the country on the need for more investment in cyber security personnel,” Synchro Partners cyber security and risk director Jim Morris, said.

Mr Morris said recent breaches amplified an already short supply of cybersecurity experts.

“Prospective, available candidates are already in low supply,” he said.

Mr Morris said employers faced increased competition for talent, less overall supply and changes in candidate behaviour and expectations.

“It has never been so easy to get into cybersecurity either full-time or part-time,” he said.

“The universities and TAFEs around Australia are a great pathway.”

But not all roles require tertiary education.

“The nature of cyber security and the need to think outside the box, means that candidates are coming from all different walks of life,” Mr Morris said.

“There are so many different skills that can be transferred into a cyber security role, meaning people from outside the industry can build successful cyber security careers.”

Some of the key industries include, defence, healthcare, logistics, financial services, transport and infrastructure.