Saluting cybersecurity skills

Media release – Otago Polytechnic

For immediate release, Thursday November 10, 2016

Saluting cybersecurity skills

Otago Polytechnic applauds the government’s announcement this week to establish a Cyber Security Skills Taskforce. Its aim is to address the shortage of cyber professionals in New Zealand.

Otago Polytechnic already provides security studies within its Bachelor of Information Technology, and has just employed a forensic specialist to further develop the course.

The government says cyber-attacks cost the New Zealand economy $257 million a year. It’s predicted there will be a global workforce shortfall of up to two million positions by 2019.

Lesley Smith, Head of Otago Polytechnic’s College of Enterprise and Development, says the government’s focus is necessary. “With a global shortage of cyber security professionals, it’s paramount that we train our own experts here in New Zealand. Otago Polytechnic has the knowledge and expertise and is willing to provide future professionals in the cybersecurity space.”

-ENDS-

© Scoop Media