Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said universities were key to ensuring Australia avoids the projected shortfall of 30,000 cyber professionals in the coming years, which threatens the strategy’s success.

“The government’s cyber security strategy is a welcome initiative in the fight to keep Australians safe online and our sector is a willing partner of government in this endeavour,” Ms Jackson said.

“Cyber-attacks are the fastest-growing threats facing us. It’s alarming that we don’t have a big enough workforce to adequately protect Australians.

“Without urgent attention, Australians will remain vulnerable to cyber threats and government will struggle to deliver on the actions outlined in the strategy.

“Universities stand ready to help government and industry overcome this challenge and we welcome the strategy’s focus on building Australia’s cyber workforce. This is desperately needed.

“The government’s defence strategic review was a missed opportunity to address the workforce challenges facing the cyber sector as well as the broader defence landscape.

“We are encouraged by the acknowledgement in the cyber security strategy of education and training being central to the development of a world-class cyber workforce in Australia.

“Universities would welcome formal opportunities to engage closely with government on how we can boost the flow of workers and research needed to protect Australians from cyber threats.”