MEDIA RELEASE
Cyber Security strategy welcomed by peak professional body
MEDIA RELEASE - Cyber Security strategy welcomed by peak professional body
Sydney, 21 April 2016: The ACS – The professional association for Australia’s ICT sector – has welcomed the release of Australia’s Cyber Security Strategy, launched by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull this morning.
The Strategy is built around five pillars – a national cyber partnership, strong cyber defences, global responsibility and influence, growth and innovation, and a cyber smart nation – which will help improve the overall cyber security capability of the digital economy.
ACS CEO Andrew Johnson attended the launch at the Australian Technology Park in Sydney, and welcomed the focus on education.
“Cyber security is perhaps the biggest roadblock for Australia before we can fully embrace the opportunities of the digital age,” Johnson said. “We need the policies and infrastructure in place to engender confidence in online platforms. Without this confidence, we place economic growth and productivity at severe risk. Cyber security must be a top priority for all stakeholders in the digital sector – government, business, academia and professional bodies. Only a collaborative approach will deliver the solutions we need.
“It is no secret that we suffer from a lack of skilled cyber security professionals in Australia, and ACS is keen to play a role in addressing this shortage. Our strong and growing relationships with employers and the academic sector, as the accrediting body for ICT degrees, see us in a pivotal position to be a part of the solution. Extending cyber security education to all levels of the workforce will also help us realise the skills potential right through to the senior executive level.”
Last month the ACS and Deloitte Access Economics released its annual report, Australia’s Digital Pulse 2016, which found thatwhilst the digital economy will grow from 5 per cent to 7 per cent of GDP by 2020, there is a major skills shift underway in our economy.
“Our research points to the need for a broad range of skills in the modern workforce, and cyber security skills form an important part of that. We are pleased to see that workforce training is included as part of the action plan for building a cyber smart nation,” Mr Johnson said.
Further information
Thomas Shanahan, ACS, 0449 902 130
About the ACS
The ACS (Australian Computer Society) is the professional association for Australia's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. Over 20,000 ACS members work in business, education, government and the community. The ACS exists to create the environment and provide the opportunities for members and partners to succeed. The ACS strives for ICT professionals to be recognised as drivers of innovation in our society, relevant across all sectors, and to promote the formulation of effective policies on ICT and related matters. Visit www.acs.org.au for more information.