NEW DELHI: The Quad partners—Australia, India, Japan, and the United States—have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cybersecurity education with the continuation of the Quad Cyber Challenge. This initiative, announced under the auspices of the Quad Senior Cyber Group, focuses on promoting cybersecurity education and developing a robust workforce in this critical field.
The campaign was officially launched during an event at the White House, where officials from the four nations gathered to discuss the importance of cultivating youth talent in cybersecurity. Key speakers included Anne Neuberger, Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology, and Cindy Marten, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Education. They emphasized the need for educational pipelines that prepare students for careers in both federal service and the private sector.
The event brought together students and educators from across the U.S., who listened to prominent cybersecurity professionals share their career journeys. Notably, recipients of the Presidential Cyber Educator Award, along with participants from the Presidential Cyber Educator Award Pathways and CyberPatriot programs, showcased the future potential of the U.S. cyber workforce.
Following the U.S. event, Japan’s National Center of Incident Readiness and Strategy for Cybersecurity (NISC) facilitated a special video message from three leading Japanese cybersecurity professionals. They underscored the importance of cybersecurity jobs and shared personal experiences to inspire students to pursue careers in this vital field.
Later this month, the Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, will host a Quad Cyber Challenge event at Government House in Canberra. Senior female high school students will participate, engaging with officials including Dr. Andrew Charlton MP, Special Envoy for Cyber Security and Digital Resilience, and Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness CSC, National Cyber Security Coordinator. This event aims to educate students about the benefits of a career in cybersecurity and demonstrate how strong cyber skills can protect individuals and communities from cyber threats.
In India, the National Cyber Security Coordinator will address students as part of “Cyber Swachhta Abhiyaan,” the country’s Cyber Hygiene Campaign. This initiative highlights the importance of cybersecurity awareness during Cyber Security Awareness Month. Workshops led by cybersecurity experts will motivate students and faculty to adopt good cyber hygiene practices and consider careers in the field.
The Quad partners aim to deliver positive and lasting impacts across the Indo-Pacific through initiatives like the Cyber Challenge. They express gratitude to the students and educators who contribute to fostering the next generation of cybersecurity specialists, reinforcing the importance of technical skills and education in today’s digital landscape.
