PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS CAREERS IN CYBER SECURITY

THE Queensland Virtual STEM Academy at Thuringowa State High School is preparing students to adopt a digital security mindset through its Cyberattack Chaos Grand Challenge.

Students from Thuringowa State High School, NSW, the Northern Territory and New Zealand have been collaborating online with cyber security experts to investigate the impact of cyberattacks on smart cities.

They have also learnt how to protect smart cities from digital infiltration and disruption.

Throughout the course, students were mentored by cyber security experts from IBM, Splunk, City of Newcastle and Townsville City Council.

Thuringowa State High deputy principal Wendy Bodes said cyber security was one of the most indemand industries in the world with a growth of more than 4000 employees every year in Australia since 2017.

But she said that since the COVID19 pandemic, more people were working remotely and there was an even greater focus on the need for data security.

“The key aspect of the cyberattack online virtual program was to highlight careers in cyber security,” Ms Bode said.

“Students are now more aware of the need to build the cyber-resilience of our cities and they have a better understanding of potential career pathways in the cyber security industry.”