Professionalisation FAQ

• What does “professionalisation” mean in the context of the cyber security industry?
  • A pilot program is underway to design what a scheme could look like in Australia, to test assumptions, and to identify potential challenges. 
  • Many AISA members already undertake many of the activities that fall under typical professionalisation schemes. Many of our members are highly skilled, qualified, contribute to our industry, abide by a code of ethics and undertake professional development activities regularly.
    
    
• Why is professionalisation important for the future of cyber security?
  •  Cyber security professionals are in a trusted position, performing critical work to keep Australian citizens, business, and other organisations safe and secure.  
  • Often, consumers of cyber security products and services do not have a deep understanding of the work required. This is similar to the work of doctors or lawyers.   
  • Currently, there are no minimum skill or qualification requirements for someone to provide cyber security products or services.  
  • Where work is performed inadequately it is very difficult for consumers to know, or to understand the risk they may be exposed to. 
    
    
• How will professionalisation impact career pathways in cyber security?
  •  While no scheme has yet been designed or any decisions made about implementation, a well-designed professionalisation scheme should make entering the cyber industry easier.  
  • Clearly defined expectations and pathways should create more opportunity for young Australians, skilled migrants, and career changers to join our industry.  
  • Upskilling and professional development is a key part of any professionalisation scheme.
    
    
• Will professionalisation create mandatory standards or certifications for practitioners?
  •  No scheme has yet been designed for the professionalisation of the cyber industry. AISA will participate in a consortium to design a pilot scheme. The pilot will focus on what a scheme could look like in Australia, testing assumptions, and identifying potential challenges.  
  • A professionalisation scheme could specify skills or qualifications required at different levels or for different roles.  
  • AISA encourages members to share their feedback on all aspects of the pilot, including skills and qualification needs for cyber security professionals.
    
    
• What is AISA’s position on professionalisation of the cyber industry?
  •  AISA recognises that members hold a wide array of views on professionalisation.  
  • To develop a formal position on professionalisation, AISA is convening a subcommittee of members.  
  • Regardless of the association’s formal position on professionalisation, we will continue to engage with the Australian Government’s pilot design program to ensure member voices are heard.  
  • Our members, and our industry more broadly, play a critical role in securing digital systems that are critical to Australian society – we recognise this responsibility and the trust that is placed in us as we perform these roles.
    
    
• How is AISA contributing to the development of professional standards?
  •  AISA is a consortium partner in the delivery of the Australian Government’s pilot program for professionalisation of the cyber industry.  
  • We have formed an industry consortium with the Australian Computer Society, the Australian Women in Security Network and the Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre.  
  • AISA’s role in the consortium is to support meaningful and accessible consultation across the cyber security community through every stage of the process, and to ensure all aspects of the design consider the needs of practitioners who may be impacted by the scheme should it be adopted.  
  • It is important to note that this program is a pilot and is designed to inform a potential future scheme. This program of work is not the implementation of professionalisation.
    
    
• How can members participate in shaping AISA’s approach to professionalisation?
  • Members are encouraged to participate in the consultation process as part of the Australian Government’s pilot design program. AISA will communicate all consultation opportunities to members throughout.
  • Interested members are invited to submit an EOI for the AISA Professionalisation Subcommittee. The subcommittee will support the association in coming to a formal position on professionalisation. 
  • Members are always welcome to provide direct feedback to [email protected]