JCU launches Australia-first student focused cyber awareness campaign

James Cook University (JCU) has launched Australia’s first dedicated cyber security awareness campaign designed specifically to address the online risks faced by university students.

The new campaign responds to growing evidence that students are being actively targeted by cybercriminals through phishing emails, fake job advertisements, and schemes that attempt to recruit them as money mules.

JCU Cyber Security Awareness Program Coordinator Bianca Velder said cyber education is critical to protecting students-both now and into their future careers.

“University students across Australia and globally are actively targeted by cybercriminals. They are vulnerable not only because they are perceived as easy targets, but because they are the researchers, professionals and leaders of the future,” she said.

“We know from Australian Federal Police threat intelligence that students are victims of a wide range of scams, including fake job offers, rental fraud, romance scams and immigration-related scams.

“At JCU, many students also work as casual staff. Through our cyber security testing last year, we identified gaps in awareness and opportunities to better support students.

“We have also heard first-hand accounts of students being targeted by organised criminal groups. This campaign was developed in response to those lived experiences.”

To ensure the message resonates with students, JCU partnered with cyber security specialist Chantelle Ralevska, founder of startup Psyber.

Psyber has developed four tailored training videos for JCU students, supported by sessions delivered during JCU Semester 1 Orientation Week this week.

JCU Vice Chancellor Professor Simon Biggs said the University was intentional about avoiding traditional, compliance-style training.

“Traditionally, cyber security in higher education has focused on protecting institutional systems and data. This campaign represents a shift towards student protection and empowerment-helping students recognise real-world threats and giving them the skills to protect themselves,” Prof Biggs said.

“The program focuses on building strong cyber hygiene habits, helping students spot scams, protect their personal information and avoid being drawn into criminal activity.”

Prof Biggs said JCU’s investment in the campaign reflects a broader commitment to student wellbeing and employability.

“We’re investing in students not just to protect university systems, but to help them become well-rounded, job-ready graduates,” he said.

“Employers increasingly expect a baseline level of cyber awareness from all recruits, regardless of their discipline.”