Cyber Security Awareness Support for Vulnerable Groups

ICMS has recently been successful in receiving a competitive government grant as part of the Cyber Security Awareness Support for Vulnerable Groups Grant Program.

The Cyber Security Awareness Support for Vulnerable Groups grant opportunity was announced in 2024 as part of the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy. The Strategy sets out the Australian Government’s vision to be a world leader in cyber security by 2030 and is game changing for Australia’s cyber security.

The successful ICMS project ‘Bridging the Digital Divide – Cyber Security for the Elderly’ aims to empower elderly individuals to protect themselves from cyber crime and scams by equipping them with essential skills.

Some of the key objectives of the project include increasing awareness of cyber security risks among the vulnerable elderly people in our communities and supporting them with tailored educational materials and resources (including the Commonwealth Government’s Act Now Stay Secure materials) to equip them with protective measures.

The project team consists of a multidisciplinary team with research background in information technology, risk management and policy.

Investing in cyber security education to help the elderly

Dr Patrick Shearman, Academic Program Manager of Information Technology at ICMS, said “the award of this grant is the first competitive government grant awarded to ICMS.”

“It is in recognition of the investment ICMS is making in cyber security education and the development of cyber security graduates who are industry ready. This grant will be an important opportunity for our students to apply their academic learnings to the serious issue of vulnerable communities in Australian society falling victim to cyber crime.

“The project will enable ICMS and our cyber security students to develop and apply cyber security strategies that will enable vulnerable communities to protect themselves from cyber criminals. “

ICMS’s commitment to civic leadership

Natalie Watt, Executive Officer (President’s Office), is responsible for the development and implementation of the Civic Leadership Strategy at ICMS.

She said the project aligns seamlessly with ICMS’ Civic Leadership framework by promoting social responsibility and community engagement.

“This project aims to uplift cyber security literacy among vulnerable groups (elderly), which resonates with our strategy’s commitment to addressing community challenges and fostering a diverse and just society.

“By equipping vulnerable groups with essential cyber security skills, the project contributes to the strategy’s goal of building stronger community relationships through outreach and collaboration.”

Associate Professor Betul Sekendiz, Associate Dean of Scholarship, said “the project’s focus on community engagement and development of relevant and tailored education to address community needs closely aligns with our Scholarship and Scholarly Practice Framework.

“The Framework has an emphasis on civic engagement and active participation of our academic staff and students in public life and community development, ensuring our scholarship has a positive impact on our community.”

Get involved with the program

Community groups or organisations who are interested in participating in the ‘Bridging the Digital Divide – Cyber Security for the Elderly’ program are encouraged to send an expression of interest by email to [email protected]