Protection of SME sector a priority with new cyber security scheme

Under the Cyber Security Skills Partnership Innovation Fund, grants of between $250,000 and $3 million will be provided to improve the quality and availability of cyber security professionals through training.

The fund is part of the $50 million Cyber Security National Workforce Growth Program that forms the federal government’s Cyber Security Strategy 2020.

Eligible activities may include developing and delivering specialist cyber security courses for professionals; retraining programs; professional development; apprenticeships; establishing new internships, cadetships, work experience and staff exchanges; and establishing cyber labs and training facilities.

Applicants must submit a joint application, with one lead organisation that is the main driver of the project and is eligible to apply, and at least one other project partner. 

It is estimated that $13 million will be available for round one of the grants program, which closes on 11 March 2021. The second round of funding is expected to be launched later this year.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the funding would help build cyber-security career pathways as Australia continues its comeback from COVID-19.

“The Cyber Security Skills Partnership Innovation Fund will support partnerships between industry, education providers and governments to build the next generation of cyber security experts,” Minister Andrews said.

“Cyber security is essential to our digital economy and needs to be strong in all areas, particularly in small and medium enterprises which comprise 98 per cent of all Australian businesses.

“This fund builds on our commitment to keep Australians secure online, and to support building industry capability.”

Find out more about the Cyber Security Skills Partnership Innovation Fund by here.