At CYSEA, we are committed to advancing cyber security education across Australia through a series of coordinated programs and initiatives. These efforts are designed to support educators, inspire students, shape impactful curricula, and influence the national conversation on cyber security education.
Teacher Development & Support
CYSEA offers ongoing training and development opportunities for educators in both cyber security subject matter and contemporary teaching practices.
We support teaching sabbaticals to encourage research, renewal, and innovation in the classroom. Educators are encouraged to engage with discipline-specific special interest groups, enabling peer collaboration and continuous professional development.
Our network promotes the sharing of educational strategies and resources, fostering a culture of shared practice to increase the impact of cyber education across institutions. We also provide structured training programs for tutors and onboarding support for guest expert lecturers, ensuring a high standard of teaching across all affiliated programs.
Student Engagement
CYSEA plays a central role in supporting the next generation of cyber security professionals. We actively assist in the formation and growth of student-led cybersecurity societies and coordinate the national body representing these groups, the Australian Council of University Cyber Security Societies (ACUCyS).
We help facilitate student access to industry placements and real-world projects, giving them invaluable hands-on experience. Through CYSEA, students can connect with a national community of like-minded peers who share a passion for security and innovation.
We coordinate a national student Capture The Flag (CTF) competition, while also supporting shared participation in CTF events hosted by other institutions. In addition, we promote cross-institutional specialist courses, enabling students to access advanced learning opportunities beyond their home university.
Curriculum Innovation
Working closely with industry partners, CYSEA supports the design and continuous improvement of best-practice cyber curricula that reflect real-world needs and emerging threats.
We are committed to helping institutions manage the risks of cyber education responsibly. This includes guidance on how to safely teach offensive security techniques and ensuring that international students can access internships and other educational opportunities without barriers.
To enhance collaboration, we are developing nationally agreed frameworks for the creation and sharing of teaching materials, curriculum content, and other forms of educational intellectual property between universities and educators.
Shared Educational Resources
CYSEA acts as a central hub for sourcing and sharing educational resources that benefit students and educators across Australia. These include visiting guest lectures, public seminars, workshops, and other special events.
National Influence
As a peak body in Australian cyber security education, CYSEA plays a strategic role in shaping the national dialogue on the future of the field. By representing a coalition of academic and industry voices, we aim to foster cyber security education in Australia.