How to build your professional cybersecurity network through AISA

Whether you’ve just taken your first steps toward becoming a cybersecurity practitioner or are already a seasoned professional, networking is a vital tool that will assist you in landing opportunities to catapult your career.

This is your definitive Torrens University Australia guide to the Australian Information Security Association (AISA), the benefits that come with memberships, how it can help you build your networks and how Torrens University Cybersecurity course students can get this for FREE!

The importance of a professional network

Cybersecurity is a smaller industry, making it a tightly knit, well-connected community. Joining and getting involved in the community will put you in the best position to hear about and apply for internships, jobs and volunteer opportunities. For that reason, networking is critical to advancing in the field of cybersecurity.

In addition to helping you advance within the field, networking can help cybersecurity professionals understand the current environment in which security systems operate and how to best protect them. Networking also helps practitioners communicate and share knowledge in real-time, allowing the community to evolve with potential threats and take a proactive approach to defend Australians from attacks.

How to build professional networks

The easiest way to get started is to join a professional network like AISA. Professional networks often run events such as member meet-ups, webinar training sessions and networking events. These organised networks empower members to meet like-minded professionals who share a similar drive to advance within the field of cybersecurity, share knowledge to educate their peers and strengthen cybersecurity within Australia. If you’re looking to further build your networks, attending meet-ups, expos and conferences is a good way to do so.

• Meet-ups: Meetup.com is a website used to promote events to bring communities together. Visit Meetup.com and search for ‘cybersecurity’ events in your area. Meet-ups are not restricted to physical locations – you can also join online events, growing your global understanding of cybersecurity challenges.
• Expos and conferences: Take note of the conferences happening in your city and plan to attend. On top of being able to hear from leaders in the industry, and getting new insights on challenges, you’ll be in the right place at the right time to build connections with providers, businesses, academics and individuals. Conference dinners and activities let you meet people and make connections in a more relaxed setting.

Making connections when networking

If you’re just starting to build your network, walking up to a peer can be intimidating. To make the experience less daunting, you could try creating an elevator pitch. An elevator pitch is a 30-second summary of who you are, what you do and what you’re passionate about. Developing and practising your elevator pitch will make you more confident in approaching your peers, as you’ll be walking up to someone with a purpose in mind. You’ll be able to demonstrate why you are a valuable connection to them, and use that as a starting point to learn more about them.

You can also try joining X, which was formerly known as Twitter. The cybersecurity community is active on X. Sharing industry updates and your opinions on current issues will allow you to connect with like-minded practitioners and build meaningful connections. Be mindful of ensuring your content is professional and respectful.

What is the Australian Information Security Association?

The Australian Information Security Association is the nationally recognised peak body for cybersecurity professionals. The body aims to continually develop and support professionals, while driving national conversations to effectively defend Australians from cyberattacks.

AISA offers many services to its members, including networking events and collaborations, knowledge exchanges, business opportunities, educational and training events, policy developments, and advocacy and lobbying. AISA’s professional network allows students and professionals alike to gain access to industry-relevant information, expert practitioners and job opportunities.

Networking opportunities with Torrens University Australia x AISA

At Torrens University Australia, we have partnered with AISA to ensure all our undergraduate and postgraduate Cybersecurity courses are contemporary and industry relevant. Through this partnership, students have their AISA student membership included with their course.

AISA offers an extensive range of benefits with immediate access to the industry, students can start building networks, gain industry training, and seek out opportunities that aren’t readily available.