RMIT research has provided greater insights into gender-related workforce challenges faced by the Australian cyber security sector and identified ways to expand and diversify the talent pool. A multidisciplinary RMIT research team partnered with the Australian Women in Security Network to complete the research. RMIT’s Centre for Cyber Security Research & Innovation (CCSRI) in partnership with the University’s Centre for Organisations and Social Change (COSC) brought together a team of academics with backgrounds in cybersecurity, organisational psychology, economic, management and human resources to examine the gender issues facing the cybersecurity sector. The resulting report highlighted the stark underrepresentation of women in the cyber security workforce. Research impact Jacqui Loustau, Executive Director and Founder of AWSN, found the research valuable in validating the organisation’s work to date, and in sparking new initiatives to address both intake and retention of women into the cyber security sector. “This study was really important to create a benchmark, so that we can understand whether or not we’re progressing and whether more effort is needed in a particular area,” said Loustau. “That 17% has been important as a talking point, and as a metric to build on. That has already been a game-changer. “It is a whole-of-industry effort. Collectively we are making a difference and you can see that in the data, which is really powerful,” she said. To protect all Australians, the security workforce needs all types of people thinking innovatively, stopping threats, and advocating for security. “This report will lead the way in what we can do more effectively to attract and retain a more diverse workforce for generations to come.” The AWSN’s involvement in the study was facilitated through sponsorship support by the Australian Signals Directorate, Australia's foreign signals intelligence and security agency.

The alarming prevalence and harmful effects of image-based sexual abuse is a strong focus of RMIT researcher Professor Nicola Henry. Nicola Henry's work has increased understanding of the issue and led to significant legislative reform in Australia and internationally. The term ‘image-based abuse’, which was first introduced by Henry and her team, refers to taking, creating, distributing, or making threats to distribute, nude or sexual images of a person without their consent. A 2019 national survey run by Henry and her team showed that one in three respondents reported having experienced at least form of image-based abuse. • Working closely with the eSafety Commissioner and other partners, Henry and her teams have informed many activities to combat the issue, including: • Increased Federal Government funding to tackle tech-facilitated abuse. • Development of an image-based abuse portal and reporting platform to empower those affected or needing to learn more about image-based abuse and how to get help. • Training and education videos for an online course: Online Training on Technology-Facilitated Abuse for Frontline Domestic Violence Workers. • An eSafety national advertising campaign giving information and support to victim-survivors to help them get images removed from online sites; guide them on how to communicate with someone who has their intimate images; and give them advice about collecting evidence and the laws in their jurisdiction. • Co-development of toolkits to provide a framework and practical steps to help make public transport safer for women and girls, providing stakeholders with direction about how to reduce their fear and risk.