Welcome to AWSN Explorers! AWSN Explorers is an outreach program proudly offered by the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN). Our mission is to connect, support, and inspire women and those who identify as women, including tertiary students, early career professionals, and career switchers, as they embark on their journeys in the security sector. Our aim is to provide a safe and collaborative environment where participants can build strong relationships that will serve as a solid foundation for their future endeavours.
AWSN Explorer program is designed to create tangible and positive changes within our society and the world. By attracting and retaining top talent in Australia's burgeoning, rewarding, and vitally important security industry, we strive to make a lasting impact.
An AWSN Explorer is a woman-identifying individual located in Australia, aged 18 or older, studying or with 0-3 years of work experience in the security industry.
As an AWSN Explorer, you'll enjoy a wealth of benefits, including:
Small-group Learning Opportunities: Explorers have access to a variety of learning opportunities, including monthly online workshops and in-person events, designed to enhance their knowledge and skills in cybersecurity and related fields.
Networking: Connect with early career professionals and students who are all at a similar stage of their careers both at Explorer-only events and standard AWSN events.
Explorer-Only Programs: Access programs and peer-study groups tailored exclusively to Explorers, catering to your knowledge levels.
Discounted or Free Events and Training: AWSN Explorer members may receive discounted or free access to security conferences, events, and professional development opportunities, significantly reducing the financial barriers to entry into the security field.
Supportive Community: Being part of the AWSN Explorer community provides emotional and professional support. It's a space where members can discuss challenges and successes, seek advice, and share their experiences with like-minded individuals.
Exposure to Security Specialisations: The program exposes members to various specialisations within the security field, helping them explore areas of interest and make more informed career choices.
AWSN Explorers provide a safe space for entry-level women to explore different aspects of security, connect with peers, and thrive. Statistics paint a clear picture of the underrepresentation of women in the cybersecurity industry.
A multitude of barriers, including traditional hiring practices, a lack of visible role models, stereotypes about the industry, workplace culture, inadequate flexible working arrangements, and persistent discrimination, have contributed to these disparities.
RMIT University in partnership with the Australian Women in Security Network have explored these diversity challenges by surveying those in the sector. Women and those who identify themselves as female make up half our population, however, the number of women working in security in Australia is low (with women in cybersecurity making up only 17%). The study also found that on-the-job learning, informal networks and mentoring are perceived by workers of all genders as the most useful activities that aid career advancement.
AWSN Explorers aims to break down these barriers and encourage more women and gender-diverse individuals to enter and thrive in the field.
AWSN Explorers has a rich history, formerly known as AWSN Cadets. The program was co-founded in 2017 by trailblazers Liz Bonny, Diane Loi, and Jacqui Loustau. They aimed to create a program that brought female tertiary students together to learn and practice their cybersecurity skills while breaking down misconceptions about the industry.
The original program commenced with small technical workshops where students learned from dedicated coaches who generously shared their expertise. Topics included malware reverse engineering, penetration testing, forensics, application security, and visits to various Security Operations Centers (SOCs) across Melbourne. The first cohort not only gained valuable skills but also formed lasting friendships.
Today, the program has expanded nationally and is open to those transitioning into security roles. In recognition of its positive impact, the program received the 'Best Program for Young Women in Security' award in 2021. AWSN Explorers continues the proud legacy of its founders and is committed to advancing women and those who identify as women in the security field.
The AWSN Explorers program has undergone significant growth. As of today, our program has established local chapters in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Canberra, and Brisbane, with exciting plans to expand to Tasmania and Adelaide in 2024. These local chapters, propelled by dedicated volunteers, work tirelessly to provide a wide array of engaging bi-monthly events and unwavering support to Explorers in their respective states.
2023 saw the third iteration of our Pen-Testing program tailored exclusively for our Explorers, generously sponsored by Google. This initiative saw 54 Explorers successfully complete a series of PentesterLab exercises and engage with accomplished Pen-Testers every month. The program was designed to facilitate knowledge-sharing and peer support, empowering participants to enhance their pen-testing skills and take significant strides towards career readiness.
