Scholarship winner takes women in cybersecurity conversation to Parliament House

EducationDaily
EducationDaily

ESET Australia is proud to announce that Lucy Fidock, the 2024 ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship winner, received an exclusive invitation from the Minister for Home Affairs and Cybersecurity, Clare O’Neil to visit the Parliament House last week.

Lucy Fidock meets with Minister for Cyber Security Clare O’Neil

As part of the Scholarship prize, the Bachelor of Computer Science (Advanced) student from the University of Adelaide had the opportunity to gain first-hand insights from the Minister and other professionals on the frontline of Australian cybersecurity.

As an advocate for ESET’s scholarship and diversity in the sector, Minister O’Neil said, “It was a pleasure to meet Lucy, an exceptional student who is passionate about cybersecurity. We need a diverse cybersecurity workforce; individuals from different life perspectives thinking innovatively, stopping threats, and advocating for security. Lucy represents the growing number of women rising through the ranks of cybersecurity, and I am excited to see what she will achieve next.”

ESET recognises that women remain underrepresented in the cybersecurity industry, and the company
has been making significant efforts to help close the gender gap in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Programs like the Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship are vital for encouraging more women to enter and excel in cybersecurity and other sectors in STEM. ESET has been offering the Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship in Australia since 2022.

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Fiddock’s enthusiasm for cybersecurity is obvious and she says that her true appreciation for the ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship is “that it goes beyond financial support”.

“While the financial aid is invaluable, the opportunity to meet Minister Clare O’Neil was incredible,” says Fiddock.

“Speaking with someone of her stature in the cybersecurity field provided me with invaluable insights and connections that I am extremely grateful for. She provided me with practical advice, encouraging me to explore the opportunities within the Australian Signals Directorate. It has reinforced my passion for cybersecurity and my belief in the importance of women joining the cybersecurity and STEM industries.”

Parvinder Walia, ESET’s President of Asia Pacific and Japan, stressed the importance of the initiative and partnership with the government.

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“Our Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship initiative is a testament to our commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowering the next generation of female cybersecurity experts globally. We are incredibly honoured to collaborate with Minister Clare O’Neil to launch this scholarship for the second consecutive year in Australia and look forward to continuing this impactful partnership for many years to come,” Walia says.

“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Lucy once again and wish her the very best in her future endeavours.”

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