​At Paxus, we understand the importance of cyber security - not just for our IT professionals but for every Australian business navigating the digital landscape today. As we reflect on Cyber Security Awareness Month this October, we are proud to support the theme, "Cyber Security is Everyone's Business", highlighting the collective responsibility we all share in protecting organisations, ourselves and the integrity of our digital systems.

Why Cyber Security Matters Now More Than Ever

In an era of increasing digital dependency, cybercrime and malicious cyberactivity are on the rise posing significant threats to both individuals and businesses. In conjunction with this increase, the demand for cyber security professionals has surged with current estimates suggesting that Australia requires an additional 5000 cyber security workers each year to avoid facing a massive shortfall by 2030. Alarmingly, experts have warned that Australia is already lagging behind other countries when it comes to addressing these shortages, making it more critical than ever to bolster our efforts to attract and train cyber security talent.

According to the latest Paxus Salary Guide, cyber security continues to be one of the fastest-growing skills within the IT talent pool. Cyber security roles have become some of the most sought-after positions across all sectors. To meet this demand, the Australian Government has published the 2023 – 2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy detailing a roadmap that not only aims to match market growth, but to position Australia as a world leader in cyber security by 2030.

What Does This Mean for Organisations and IT Professionals?

For organisations, investing in skilled cyber security experts is no longer just a precaution, but a critical necessity. With high-profile cyberattacks becoming more frequent, businesses need to be proactive when it comes to protecting their sensitive data and digital infrastructure. Failure to act could lead to increasingly severe consequences including financial loss and reputational damage – issues we have already seen impacting organisations across Australia in recent years.

For IT professionals, the growth signals unparalleled career opportunities. Whether you are a seasoned cyber security expert or an IT professional looking to upskill, now is the perfect time to consider a career in this evolving field. Employers are actively seeking experts who can help fortify their digital systems and mitigate cyber threats. The opportunities and career development in this field will only continue to grow.

While the current job market calls for skilled cyber security experts, it is important to remember that cyber security is not exclusively the responsibility of IT departments. In today’s interconnected world, every employee and individual needs to be vigilant about online security.

By implementing strong cyber governance, organisations can better protect their information assets, ensure compliance, and build a culture of security awareness. To help build a culture of awareness, leadership teams need to be visibly committed to cybersecurity. When leaders prioritise and model good cybersecurity practices, it sets a tone for the entire organisation. Employees in non-technical roles can contribute by following best practices, such as reporting phishing attempts and keeping their systems updated.

Investing in Cyber Security Talent

As Cyber Security Awareness Month draws to a close, we encourage organisations and professionals to continue prioritising cyber security in the future. At Paxus, we are committed to helping organisations secure the talent they need to protect their digital environments and empowering IT professionals to find rewarding careers in cyber security. Whether you are looking to hire cyber security experts or take the next step in your IT career, Paxus can help connect you to the right candidates and opportunities.

Cyber security is everyone’s business - and by working together, we can build a more secure and resilient digital future.

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Are you looking for your next role in cyber security? View our current cyber security job opportunities here.