On Friday 18 November 2002, at the 2022 Quantum Victoria STEM Conference, the Genius Armoury High Schools’ Edition is being launched. The High Schools’ Edition is designed to increase the cybersecurity awareness of high school students both for their cyber safety and to spark interest in further study and exploring career options in this important vocational area.
The High Schools’ Edition comprises three video-based modules, multiple-choice knowledge checks and exercises and will take about three hours to complete. A completion certificate can be downloaded once all the modules have been satisfactorily completed. Information on further study and career options will be available on the Genius Armoury website, including inspirational stories from cybersecurity experts, academics and those who have commenced a career in cybersecurity.
The platform was developed by Untapped Holdings with Quantum Victoria, Trident and Cyberstronomy and partially funded by AustCyber’s Projects Fund, an initiative designed to help the Australian cybersecurity industry grow both locally and globally.
Group Executive of AustCyber, Jason Murrell said, “The original Genius Armoury project developed a world-leading and innovative solution for inclusion and diversity in the cybersecurity workforce to better support autistic individuals to find jobs that take advantage of their often-unique set of skills in cybersecurity.”
“The High Schools’ Edition of Genius Armoury is broader and will make available an important introduction for all students, foster a greater focus on cyber safety and encourage more students to choose this career pathway. This is another important initiative to reduce our cyber skills shortage over time and consistent with the AustCyber Sector Competitiveness Plan.”
In launching the new program, the Director of Quantum Victoria, Soula Bennett, said, “The High Schools’ Edition complements the broad range of STEM programs that Quantum Victoria offers on a virtual or physical basis to primary and secondary schools throughout Victoria.”
“The materials are provided in an engaging format intended to ignite interest and the pursuit of further learning. They will be delivered as one of Quantum Victoria’s key programs but will also be available for self-study via the virtual, asynchronous platform so they can be undertaken by participants at any time, even in remote locations.”
CEO of Untapped Holdings, Andrew Eddy, added, “As well as increasing cyber safety, the High Schools’ Edition is a great entry to the full Genius Armoury program. This could then lead participants to pursue further education options, an industry traineeship or other employment programs.”
Genius Armoury is seeking to partner with educational institutions – to create pathways to cyber security courses – and with employers – to assist in developing their cyber security talent acquisition strategies.
