• Charles Sturt University is the first regional member of network that facilitates the growth of cyber-capability in NSW
• It is the largest provider of postgraduate degrees in information technology, and is the eighth leading university to join the network
• Approximately 18,000 cyber security workers needed in Australia by 2026, and these jobs will be very important in our regions

The addition of Charles Sturt University (Charles Sturt) to the NSW Cyber Security Network (NSWCSN) adds to the strength of the network’s research capabilities and provides new opportunities for cyber security research and development in regional NSW.

Associate Professor in Computing at the Charles Sturt School of Computing and Mathematics Tanveer Zia  (pictured left) said, “We look forward to working with NSWCSN to boost momentum in cyber security research.

“Charles Sturt University’s mission is to build knowledge and skills in the regions, and so it is a natural fit with the NSWCSN.

“Charles Sturt University is Australia’s largest provider of postgraduate degrees in information technology, and is the eighth leading university and first regional member to join the NSWCSN, and brings significant research expertise to the Network.

“With around 18,000 cyber security workers needed in Australia by 2026, there will be no shortage of jobs for graduates, and nowhere will these jobs be more important than in our regions.”

The NSWCSN is an organisation which facilitates the growth of cyber-capability in NSW and strives to bring industry and universities closer together so that its research and development grants to universities are targeted and relevant.

It fosters collaboration between NSW universities which specialise in cyber-related research to deepen cyber security research and development, and build practical capabilities to support the growth of the NSW economy, promotes their capabilities, and supports their connection with industry and government.

“At Charles Sturt, we value collaboration with industries and communities in teaching and research,” Professor Zia said.

“We are already deeply engaged with raising cyber security awareness through programs like our ‘Girls in Cyber Security Advancing’ project, but know there is much more to be done, so our membership of the NSWCSN is a great opportunity.

“The membership of NSWCSN promotes Charles Sturt as a leading institution in cyber security research and education, and will further strengthen our existing cyber security capabilities and open more opportunities for Charles Sturt researchers and students to engage with the industry.

“We are already part of national-level cyber security research due to our participation in the $140 million Cyber Security CRC, along with five other universities.

“In particular, some of the NSWCSN programs such as Cyber Vouchers and Cyber Ambassadors  will enable our researchers and students to engaged closely with Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs) in Charles Sturt’s regional footprint and make real contributions to securing information assets in our regional communities.”