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Media Release

CBA helps bring cyber skills to schools

CBA helps bring cyber skills to schools

A new program for students aims to improve skills in cyber and technology and raise awareness of online security.

Commonwealth Bank is partnering with the University of Sydney’s Australian Computing Academy (ACA) to build and strengthen the cyber security skills of Australian high school students.

The Australian Cyber Security Growth Network (AustCyber) has announced funding for a number of initiatives that support the implementation of the Australian Government’s national cyber security strategy and the development of cyber skills in Australia.

The ACA program will provide classroom-ready challenges that develop students’ cyber security skills while empowering teachers to confidently bring cyber security curriculum into their classrooms. It is hoped the program will entice students to consider tertiary education and careers in cyber security.

The ACA will develop the challenges in close collaboration with the Chief Information Security Officers of partnering organisations such as CBA, who will provide authentic examples of security incidents and scenarios ensuring that the teaching materials developed as part of the program provide best-practice advice and skills.

Commonwealth Bank Chief Information Security and Trust Officer, Yuval Illuz, welcomed the announcement and said CBA looks forward to working with ACA to provide case-studies and challenges for the curriculum.

“This partnership brings together leading Australian organisations that will inspire and equip younger generations of Australians with the experience and skills that will hopefully lead them into further study for a future career in cyber security,” Mr Illuz said.

AustCyber has awarded the ACA and industry partners nearly $612,000 to deliver a series of cyber security challenges to Australian high schools nationwide. This funding matches contributions already committed by corporate partners making the total funding more than $1.2m for this project.

CBA will work with the ACA and industry partners ANZ, NAB, Westpac and BT Global on the development of the curriculum.

CBA is continuing to work with schools and education providers to develop and strengthen cyber security skills. Working in partnership with the University of NSW, CBA has invested more than $1.6 million in sec.edu to develop a centre of excellence for cyber security education. In addition, the annual CommBank Cyber prize has been designed to award university students that are excelling in areas which contribute to cyber security.

CBA has also partnered with universities on the Access for Women and Girls Programming Network initiatives, which are designed to encourage more women and girls to pursue careers in tech and cyber security.

Cyber awareness education and training is available for employees and customers, with CBA working closely with community partners to improve skills in cyber and technology and raise awareness of online security.