The Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN) is proud to see its Summer of Cyber Program gaining national attention, with recent features and acknowledgments across multiple platforms. This growing visibility reflects the program’s meaningful contribution to building cyber capability, fostering diversity, and supporting women and gender-diverse individuals as they enter the cyber security workforce. It also highlights the strength of collaboration between our partners, participants, and supporters, whose efforts continue to shape the program’s success and impact.
Finalist at the Australian Women in Security Awards
AWSN is proud to announce that the Summer of Cyber Program has been named a finalist for the Best Program for Young Individuals in Security at the prestigious Australian Women in Security Awards. Produced by Source2Create Pty Ltd, these awards celebrate excellence across the broader security industry, spotlighting individuals and initiatives that inspire and elevate the sector. Being named a finalist is a powerful endorsement of the program’s role in nurturing the next generation of cyber professionals. Congratulations to all nominees and finalists within each category.
Featured in Qantas Magazine
Adding to the momentum, AWSN was featured in the July edition of Qantas Magazine, within the influential ‘Think Big’ segment. The article examined how strategic support and innovation are crucial to the growth of Small-to-Medium Enterprises (SMEs), situating AWSN’s work within the national dialogue on business transformation.
The spotlight was on Protekt GPS, one of the participating SMEs in the Summer of Cyber Pilot Program. Through the program, Protekt GPS welcomed two postgraduate students who conducted a comprehensive cyber audit and helped the company achieve bronze-level cyber security certification. Co-founder and data scientist Robert Layton praised the initiative, noting its value in strengthening user-side security and shaping robust cyber policies.
“That’s the value of this cyber program – to develop policies, work out where the gaps are in our policies and procedures, then take the next steps with our software,” Layton shared.
With an estimated reach of 2.3 million readers and 285,000 unique online visitors each month, the Qantas Magazine feature amplifies the visibility of the Summer of Cyber Program and the Victorian Government’s commitment to cyber resilience in SMEs.
The recognition of AWSN’s Summer of Cyber Program across national platforms reinforces the importance of inclusive, hands-on initiatives in shaping Australia’s cyber security future. As the program continues to grow, AWSN remains committed to empowering women and gender-diverse individuals, strengthening SME cyber resilience, and fostering meaningful industry collaboration. These acknowledgments not only celebrate what has been achieved but also inspire continued innovation and impact in the years to come.
The Australian Women in Security Network are proud to be partnering with the Victorian Government on this initiative.
We are pleased to announce another year of the Summer of Cyber Program in Victoria. Applications are now open for all participating groups (Students, SMEs, Educational Institutions/ Educational Supervisors). To learn more or apply for this initiative Visit the Summer of Cyber Program on our website.