The scholarship is part of ESET’s global Women in Cyber Security Scholarship program for women currently enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program majoring in a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) field.
This year’s winner is Shradha Angrish, who is studying for a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical) with Bachelor of Mathematical and Computer Sciences at the University of Adelaide.
Home Affairs and Cyber Security Minister, Clare O’Neil presented the award, and said, “To make Australia the most cyber-secure country in the world by 2030 we need to invest in the people who will defend Australians and our assets from this massive and growing threat. The percentage of women in cyber security is growing, and initiatives such as ESET’s scholarships compliment the work the Government is doing to support that influx of women. Women rising through ranks in cyber security will encourage the younger generation into STEM-related studies, and into technical roles. I’m proud to support any program like this one which will increase the number of women in cyber security, working to keep our country safe.”
ESET APJ President, Parvinder Walia, said, “We believe this initiative, and our alignment with Minister O’Neil, as a leader for Australia’s Cyber Security portfolio, will inspire more women into the IT Security sector. Shradha’s exceptional talent and passion for cyber security, particularly in the areas of digital privacy and hygiene, will make her a valuable asset to the industry.”
On being awarded the 2023 ESET Women in Cyber Security Scholarship, Shradha Angrish said, “Being awarded this scholarship is an honour and a privilege that inspires me to do more. To be recognised for my efforts is the best kind of encouragement. It’s an incredible reminder that there are people and support systems that want me to succeed.”
Shradha’s participation in STEM subjects in high school uncovered her passion for cyber security in high school, completing two research projects around digital privacy, and reconnaissance (spy) satellites. Shradha was awarded the STEM Award in recognition of exceptional contributions to STEM learning in 2020, and since commencing her double degree at University of Adelaide. She’s received the SACE Stage 2 merit for a research project on digital privacy, data rights, legal systems and public awareness, and won the Future Physicist Award from the Australian Institute of Physics.
About the ESET Women in Cyber Security Scholarship
The ESET Women in Cyber Security Scholarship was launched in 2016 to help support and encourage women who aspire to have a career in information security. A recent (ISC)² Cyber Security Workforce Study found that the actual percentage of women in the cyber security workplace has remained close to constant over the last three years, with women making up approximately 25% of the security workforce. To address this issue, a majority of survey respondents said that they believe the best way to increase women’s representation in the field was to encourage women to pursue STEM degrees in college.
Applicants must be enrolled in or accepted to an accredited college or university within Australia, be an Australian citizen or permanent resident and have a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA (or equivalent GPA in 9.0 scale).