Cybersecurity, risk & privacy

Data protection is paramount

The amount of data being produced and collected by businesses and organisations everywhere is growing every day – and the management and protection of that data is paramount. Studying cyber security, risk and privacy will set you up for a successful and dynamic career keeping the world’s data safe and secure.

What is cyber security, risk and privacy?

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting networks, systems, devices and data from unauthorised access or criminal use. A successful cybersecurity approach includes multiple layers of protection across people, processes and technology.

People who work in cyber security, risk and privacy are responsible for making sure that the way businesses and organisations collect and manage their data keeps it safe from security threats. These threats could include things like hacking, identity theft, cyberstalking and planting malware that could lead to data leaks, financial loss or even risks to national security.

Protecting data against these risks includes identifying and investigating any vulnerabilities in security systems, recommending and implementing security measures to protect businesses and organisations and their information systems from breaches and making sure that their data collection and management practices are compliant with local and international law like The Privacy Act in Australia or the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe.

Why study cyber security, risk and privacy?

With business operations across all industries and sectors adapting to these changes, cyber security professionals are in high demand, with their skills only set to become more important as the digital landscape evolves.

Studying cyber security, risk and privacy will equip you to develop new technological and managerial approaches to cyber security and data protection. You’ll gain a holistic understanding of the forces that influence cyber security and data protection for modern businesses, focusing on the intersection of people, processes and technology.  

You’ll explore the current threats to data and learn the latest technological and managerial approaches for cyber resilience while applying your learning to real-world business challenges. You’ll graduate with the conceptual understanding and practical experience needed to drive innovative solutions for the organisations you work for.   

Why choose UNSW?

Set yourself up for career success

UNSW is the top Australian Cyber Security Educator of the Year according to the Australian Information Security Association 2023.  Our courses keep pace with the latest industry developments, meaning you’ll learn using the tools, techniques, models and standards that cyber security, risk and privacy experts are using now. 

Connect with cyber security experts

Our Business School is home to the Security and Data Governance Research Network and the Institute for Cyber Security – giving you the opportunity to connect with thought leaders and renowned researchers in the area.  

Join Australia’s #1 business school

UNSW is the top business school in Australia according to the AFR BOSS Best Business Schools List 2023 and our students hold some of the highest graduate salaries in the country*.

^{*QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey – Longitudinal 2023}

Careers in cyber security, risk and privacy

Specialising in cyber security, risk and privacy opens up a wide range of high-paying career opportunities in every sector. Jobs range from Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) , C-level executives considered the ultimate data protection experts in their businesses or organisations, to Cyber Crime Investigators who work with the Australian Federal Police to help defend against threats to Australia's security and economy.

Your career options include:

• Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
• Cryptographer
• Cyber Crime Investigator with the AFP
• Cyber Safety Trainer
• Cyber Security Researcher
• Cybercrime Policy Advisor
• Cyber security policy and planning
• Data governance
• Data Protection Officer
• Incident Responder
• Information Security Analyst
• Information security risk management
• IT Auditor
• Malware Analyst
• Penetration Tester
• Professor or Curriculum Developer
• Security Architect

Study with us

You can study cybersecurity, risk and privacy through the following degrees: