The Victorian Government is investing in the state’s cyber security capability with the launch of Victoria’s Cyber Strategy 2021. 

“Cyber security has never been more important to our economy – it’s why we’re backing our local cyber industry and securing the state’s services with this multimillion-dollar investment,” Minister for Government Services Danny Pearson said. 

“This strategy re-focuses on protecting Victorian’s data and government systems while growing jobs and supporting cyber businesses.” 

The four-year plan will see over $50 million being invested in bolstering cyber security resilience, supporting local cyber businesses, and developing a more dynamic and competitive cyber sector. 

It has been planned that the Strategy will focus on strengthening security for Government online services and communications for the first year. This will ensure that all online services and electronic messages from the Government are safe and secure. 

Victoria’s Cyber Strategy 2021 will also provide more opportunities to grow local cyber security talent such as IPSec, which has helped the Victorian Government implement a state-wide Security Operations Centre and created 14 local jobs. 

“Victoria’s cyber security industry is poised to thrive – with a vision shared by government and industry we will launch even more local innovators and entrepreneurs on to the global stage as we future proof our economy,” Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford said. 

With one in three Australians falling victim to cybercrime and losing an estimated $29 billion cost to Australia’s economy every year, it is vital that Victoria’s cyber security be improved in order to secure its economic future. 

Over the next four years, Victoria’s Cyber Strategy 2021 will grow opportunities for innovation and jobs growth with collaboration across government, industry, and the community. 

The Victorian Government also recognises the importance of training citizens for the growing cyber industry. In line with this, they are offering a Certificate IV in Cyber Security as part of the landmark Free TAFE initiative. 

The Government has also launched a $64 million Digital Jobs Program to help grow Victoria’s digital workforce. 

The short courses and industry placements, which were created in partnership with Victorian businesses and training providers such as the major cyber security firm CyberCX, will help people transition into a digital career for the state’s growing cyber security sector.  

Source: Premier of Victoria Media Release. Content has been edited for style and length.

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.

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