Small business operators and individuals across NSW have new opportunities to protect themselves from cyber-attack, with two new free courses at TAFE NSW to provide the skills needed to avoid becoming the victims of online criminals. 

According to the Australian Cyber Security Centre, a cyber-crime is reported every seven minutes in Australia, with the average cost to large businesses increasing by 14 per cent to $62,000 per crime report. 

Head Teacher of Information Technology at TAFE NSW Wollongong, Julie Simpson, said the nationally recognised training could help to turn the key in Australians’ cyber locks. 

“Individuals are just as much at risk as businesses, with theft of money and data through online banking and shopping attacks among the most common attacks across the country,” she said. 

“But people can protect their savings and identity through preventative measures which is where TAFE NSW’s new courses - Statements of Attainment in Protect Your Personal Identity Online and Digital Security and Privacy in the Workplace - can help to stop criminals in their tracks. 

“Our new eight-week part-time courses will give learners the skills and knowledge they need to protect their workplaces, and themselves, from criminals who are becoming increasingly sophisticated.” 

Those completing the courses will learn a range of safety measures, including how to identify and address threats to their personal and workplace information, manage sensitive data and protect their devices from spam and destructive software. 

Subsidised by the NSW Government, the courses are available for free to most people. The training is being provided by TAFE NSW Wollongong but as it is being delivered online, anyone in NSW can take part. 

“The skills offered by these courses have important obvious benefits in helping people to avoid becoming the victims of crime, but also offer pathways towards further learning in a sector where demand for skilled professionals is soaring,” Ms Simpson said. 

“TAFE NSW offers advanced levels of training in information technology and cyber security, so our new Statement of Attainment courses are a great introductory option for people from across the state, whether they’re simply looking to be safer in the digital world or wanting to build careers with exciting opportunities in large and small organisations around Australia.” 

Both courses begin on October 9, with students to learn online between 5.30 pm and 8.30pm on Mondays.    

For more information, visit www.tafensw.edu.au.