The call to arms has universities offering up new courses in ‘priority areas’, targeted at occupations in dire need of more skilled workers, with teaching, nursing, health, engineering and IT skills the main areas of focus.

In line with the government’s initiative to support workers who have been displaced by the pandemic, Griffith University is using this time of uncertainty to plug gaps in Australia’s cyber security and data analytics fields, and has launched two new online Graduate Certificates in Cyber Security and Data Analytics and Cyber Security. 

In an age of digital disruption, the commercial and government sectors are crying out for skilled cyber security experts with the ability to assess threats to information security and extract relevant intelligence from vast quantities of data.

“Covid-19 is the perfect opportunity for Griffith University to help fill the skill shortage in cyber security and data analytics workers in Australia,” School of Information and Communication Technology Head Professor Paulo de Souza said.

Head of the School of Information and Communication Technology, Professor Paulo De Souza. (Supplied)

“With cyber-attacks on the rise for both business and government, these timely degrees will provide the specialised skills to examine and investigate cyber-crime,’’

People who embark on these degrees will learn how to use the latest digital forensic tools and techniques to identify cyber security risks and combat threats on information security.

In just six months, students will walkaway uniquely qualified to identify current and future trends in cyber-crime, analyse the behaviours and motivations of cyber criminals and assess the effectiveness of cyber-crime mitigation strategies.

“Our goal is to provide students with crucial data science, management and cyber security skills that make them a valuable asset to any company in these uncertain times,” Professor Paulo De Souza said.

It’s a sentiment echoed by Griffith University Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Debra Henly.

Griffith University Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Debra Henly. (Supplied)

“These Graduate Certificates provide options to people isolated under current government restrictions and help upskill those who may have been made redundant due to the COVID-19 crisis,” Professor Henly said.

“Our School of Information and Communication Technology has a strong record in offering high quality and industry focused programs accredited by the Australian Computer Society.”

Commencing in mid-July, the Graduate Certificates in Cyber Security and Data Analytics and Cyber Security are available fully online, and are offered full-time, studying two courses at time in six-week blocks, with the potential to progress into a Master program.

“In this data rich, cyber society, these specialised skills in analysing and securing data, and fighting cyber-crime will prove invaluable, not only to business sector, but also as a sure way to a future-proof career,” Professor Henly said.

Find more information about Griffith’s short, focused, online certificate programs that can be completed by 1 December 2020 online.