By Ms Georgia Reed, Physics teacher

Five Radford College students – Mia Archibald, Tiffany Chue, Shennelle de Silva, Chloe Miller and Hayley Shea – from our Design and Technology and Robotics & Mechatronics courses were invited to Government House last Thursday to participate in the Quad Cyber Challenge. Quad partners – Australia, the United States, Japan and India – host an event each year that focuses on how individuals can exercise good cyber hygiene practices and be more cyber secure.

This year, Quad partners are promoting the opportunities and benefits of careers in cybersecurity and increasing women’s participation in the cyber workforce. With only 17% of the Australian cyber security workforce identifying as female, this year’s Challenge encouraged more inclusivity and diversity and aligned with the objectives of Shield 5 of the 2023–2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy – to boost our sovereign cyber capability through a diverse and professional cyber workforce.

Upon arrival at Government House, students were treated with an address from the hosts Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn, AC, and Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness, CSC, Australia’s National Cyber Security Coordinator. In their address, Ms Mostyn and LTGEN McGuiness highlighted the importance of continued learning in the National Security space, in which the leaders of today and tomorrow must develop their technical knowledge in order to meet civil needs.

Our students were then given afternoon tea in the sunny courtyard while socialising and discussing Cyber security with other female STEM students from about the ACT, Australian Public Servants from the Department of Home Affairs, Department of Defence and Australian Signals Directorate, representatives from the Japanese, Indian, and United States Embassies, and public engagement officers from a range of STEM and National Security support groups. Our students immediately engaged in this opportunity, taking time to discuss their experiences in STEM education, perspectives on National Security, and identify possible prospects to broaden their understanding of Cybersecurity.

Inside Government House, students were presented a hypothetical Cyber breach scenario – a common practice in our National Security services to better protect, prepare, and respond to potential Cyber threats. Students engaged with Ms Mostyn and LTGEN McGuiness on their perceptions, concerns, and questions to analyse the scenario and present possible solutions. Chloe Miller used the Q&A time to gain the insights of the Governor-General and LTGEN McGuiness on the use of Cyber practices internally in Australia through the Australian Federal Police to combat organised or social crimes such as drugs, trafficking, and grooming. In conclusion, LTGEN McGuiness suggest three ways all citizens can protect their data and identity online:

• Having distinct, complex passwords for all accounts held online.
• Utilising multi-factor authentication whenever possible.
• Ensuring software is updated regularly for patches and security updates.

Before leaving, our students made sure they snapped a picture with the Governor-General before heading back to the College. Mr Alagaysan Chandra-Segaran, STEM and Design and Technology teacher, Ms Georgia Reed, excursion chaperone, and Mr Brett Lamson, Head of Year 12, are proud of our student’s engagement and representation of Radford College at this event. We look forward to further opportunities with the Quad partners and leading STEM industries.