Cyber security is a rapidly growing sector where demand for workers generally outstrips supply across Australia.

After the Australian Government announced the acceleration of our defence infrastructure as a key measure in the 2021-22 Federal Budget, we predicted the demand for specialist tech talent would continue to rise, along with skills shortages (see more in Talenza’s 2021-22 Budget Wrap Up).

However, it’s the recent audit of NSW government’s two transport agencies that’s driving the demand for cyber security talent in September.

We’re working with Transport for NSW (TfNSW)

Earlier in the year, the NSW Audit Office conducted a red teaming exercise which uncovered a number of ‘significant’ cyber security vulnerabilities at Transport for NSW and Sydney Trains that were previously undetected.

The audit also revealed low levels of maturity against the Essential Eight controls and the NSW government’s broader cyber security policy. The Essential Eight is a series of baseline mitigation strategies an organisation should implement as a minimum to make it harder for cyber-attacks that compromise their systems.

As a result of the audit, several recommendations were made to improve security.
We’re currently working with Transport for NSW to recruit 4 Cyber Security Project Managers. These roles will largely be based on managing a maturity uplift of the Essential Eight.

Key traits for cyber security project managers

We’re seeking experienced cyber security project managers who can drive projects from concept to launch. You must have a critical eye and the ability to not only manage risks but predict them. And given it’s a project management role, the usuals apply: strong organisation, communication and negotiation, and project management from project plans and governance to reporting.

Cyber security remains a specialist area where demand outstrips the supply of experienced candidates. At the junior level, the NSW government is attempting to tackle this with their NSW Cyber Ambassador Program which conducts online careers workshops for high school students throughout the state to help inspire young people to join the rapidly involving industry.

Given the low supply, we’re also seeing savvy employers diversify their hiring criteria and approach humanitarian graduates to lure them into the field. What they lack in technical knowledge, they make up for with an intrinsic drive to make a difference and stop crime.

Want to learn more about these cyber security roles in government?

Get in touch with Dan Cobelli 02 8248 8096 or Rick Nunez 0478 079 255