Microsoft, NAB and CITT to boost cyber skills in Victoria

Microsoft, NAB and not-for-profit Communications and Information Technology Training (CITT) have all signed on to boost Victoria’s small businesses and boost cyber skills under a new partnership.  

It's expected the new $1 million program will help improve the strength of the state’s small business segment plus offer cybersecurity students practical industry experience.  

The Student and Small Business Cyber Risk Project, backed by the Victorian government, aligns Victorian TAFE students undertaking cybersecurity qualifications with an industry mentor and small business in the state to hold cybersecurity risk assessments.   

The government has invested about $400,000 in the program alongside other contributions from additional stakeholders bringing the value to nearly $1 million.  

The program is aligned with the Victorian state’s five-year, $50 million cyber strategy and its $64 million Digital Jobs program, both of which were launched in 2021. 

A pilot was undertaken last year which involved 64 students and 24 small businesses, the project is now hoping more companies will sign up for the 2024 cohort. 

Organisers of the project are expecting 200 students and hope to scale the program nationally over the next two years.

Mark Anderson, national security officer at Microsoft Australia and New Zealand said, “A lot of smaller companies struggle with a lack of skills or understanding of where to start when it comes to cybersecurity.” 

“In many cases, taking a few simple steps can be enough to protect against 99 per cent of cyber threats. 

“It’s been great to be involved in this unique and highly scalable program, which is contributing to strengthening our nation’s cybersecurity defences,” Anderson said.   

NAB’s involvement comes as its research shows only 15 percent of SMEs hold wide-ranging scams and cyber risk training. 

Sandro Bucchianeri, chief security officer at NAB said, “As Australia’s largest business bank, we feel a deep responsibility to support the small business sector.” 

“They are a huge driver of economic growth, employing two in every three Australian workers.

"Yet, they remain one of the most vulnerable communities to cyber-attack, as they continue to face increasing costs of goods, ongoing labour shortages and rising rates of cybercrime,” Bucchianeri said.