Optus and La Trobe Uni partner for cyber security degree

Move follows launch of cyber security centre collaboration with Macquarie University earlier this year

Optus Business and La Trobe University have unveiled a strategic alliance that includes partnering on a “market leading” cyber security degree.

In addition to the degree, the two organisations will invest up to $8 million to support a high-tech campus dubbed “Digital University of the Future” and work on a $150 million sports precinct.

As part of today’s announcement, a Chair of Cyber Security will be based at La Trobe Uni.

“Today’s announcement responds to two critical challenges facing organisations; one is the importance of data analytics and cyber security in Australia’s future in the digital world; the other is the need for industry, government and academia to collaborate in order to ideate, co-create and innovate,” Optus Business MD John Paitaridis said in a statement.

“Optus will bring the technology and commercial expertise that complements La Trobe’s exceptional research and education credentials, creating an exemplar for a partnership between industry and academia in Victoria.”

Earlier this year, Optus Business announced a separate, security partnership with Macquarie University.

That agreement included the launch of a $10 million Optus Macquarie University Cyber Security Hub to offer consultancy services, degree programs and short professional courses, as well as conduct research.

Optus is not alone in partnering with universities on cyber security. Earlier this week the Commonwealth Bank-backed sec.edu Security Engineering Lab launched at UNSW.

The lab is based at the university’s Kensington campus.

“We recognise the critical role cyber security plays in fostering trust and confidence in digital services,” the bank’s CIO, David Whiteing, said. “Australia’s cyber security skills shortage requires industry and academia to come together with common purpose.”

“Commonwealth Bank is proud to provide UNSW students these dedicated facilities for security education and research,” Whiteing said.

“The lab was designed for experimentation and collaboration. We’ve learned in our own workplace that the best solutions come from passionate security people working in teams.”

UNSW and the bank late last year revealed they had struck a five-year agreement that included developing an applied cyber security undergraduate curriculum, support for PhD researchers and the launch of the new lab.

Join the newsletter!

Or

Sign up to gain exclusive access to email subscriptions, event invitations, competitions, giveaways, and much more.

Membership is free, and your security and privacy remain protected. View our privacy policy before signing up.

Error: Please check your email address.

Tags commonwealth bankoptusCommonwealth Bank of AustraliaLa Trobe University

More about Commonwealth BankKensingtonLa Trobe UniversityMacquarie UniversityOptusUNSW

Show Comments
[]