Subject Overview
Subject Overview Enquire Learning Outcomes Entry Requirements How to Apply
Study Level

Study Level

Postgraduate
2026 Intakes

2026 Intakes

August and November
Enrolment Option

Enrolment Option

Single Subject Available
Duration

Duration

1 Teaching Period
Credit Points

Credit Points

8 Credit Points
Entry Requirement

Entry Requirement

Open entry, no prerequisites

Additional Subject Details

Official CSU Subject Title

Cybersecurity and AI

Total Student Workload

160 Hours

Full-Time Standard

0.125 EFTSL

Grading Schema

HD/FL

Entry Requirements

Open Entry

Formal Prerequisites

Nil

Fee Band

Band 2

Subject Type

Coursework

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are creating new opportunities for businesses, but they are also introducing new cybersecurity risks.

AI and machine learning systems can be used to strengthen security operations, automate processes and support decision-making. At the same time, these technologies can be misused by threat actors or become targets of adversarial attacks, data compromise and manipulation.

ITE538 – AI and Cybersecurity examines both sides of this relationship. Students will learn to assess the threats created by AI and machine learning, understand how these systems can be attacked and develop practical approaches for managing AI-related cybersecurity risks.

ITE538 can be studied as a single subject, or as part of a Graduate Diploma or Master of Cyber Security.

ITE538 is available through the August 2026 Term 3 intake and the November 2026 Session 3 intake. Although there are no formal prerequisites, IT Masters recommends the subject for students who already have some
cybersecurity experience or have completed ITI581 Cyber Security Fundamentals.

CSU Handbook:
View ITE538 – Cybersecurity and AI, 2026 Handbook

Why Study AI and Cybersecurity With Us?

Understand Emerging AI Threats
Examine how AI and machine learning can be used to create, automate or strengthen cybersecurity attacks within modern business environments.
Protect AI and ML Systems
Learn about the threats directed at AI and machine learning systems, including adversarial attacks, data compromise and misuse.
Manage AI Usage Risks
Develop practical approaches for mitigating the risks created by both authorised and unauthorised use of AI and machine learning technologies.
Strengthen AI Governance
Understand how governance controls can help organisations protect AI-enabled systems, processes and business operations.

AI Security Skills in the Australian Job Market

Where AI risk, cyber capability and earnings intersect.

62%

Average wage premium for AI-skilled workers in Australia.

$147k–$196k

Sydney cyber security analyst salary range, from the 25th to 75th percentile.

+14.2%

Projected growth in ICT security roles to 2029, more than double the national average.

81%

Australian organisations that have experienced an AI-related security incident or identified AI-related vulnerabilities.

Sources: PwC 2026 AI Jobs Barometer; Robert Half 2026 Salary Guide; Jobs and Skills Australia; DigiCert and Propeller Insights. Figures current as at August 2026.

Subject Overview

ITE538 – AI and Cybersecurity

ITE538 examines the intersection of artificial intelligence, machine learning and cybersecurity within contemporary business environments.

Students will analyse security threats both posed by AI and machine learning systems and directed at those systems. This includes understanding how AI may be exploited by malicious actors and how vulnerabilities within AI-enabled systems can expose organisations to new forms of cyber risk.

The subject considers adversarial attacks, data compromise and misuse, together with the risks created by authorised and unauthorised AI and machine learning activity.

Students will also develop practical capability in mitigating these risks, introducing appropriate governance controls and protecting the business processes that increasingly rely on AI-enabled technologies.

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Subject Overview

What You Will Study

  • The relationship between artificial intelligence, machine learning and cybersecurity
  • The use of AI and machine learning within contemporary business environments
  • Cybersecurity threats posed by AI and machine learning systems
  • Cybersecurity threats directed at AI and machine learning systems
  • Adversarial attacks against AI-enabled technologies
  • AI and machine learning data compromise
  • The misuse of AI and machine learning systems
  • Risks arising from authorised AI and machine learning use
  • Risks arising from unauthorised AI and machine learning use
  • Methods for assessing and mitigating AI-related security risks
  • Governance controls for organisational AI use
  • Protecting AI-enabled business systems and processes

These areas reflect the subject’s focus on threats to and from AI and machine learning systems, data compromise, misuse, risk mitigation, governance and business-process protection.

What You Will Study

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of ITE538, students will be able to:

  • Analyse and evaluate security threats posed by AI and machine learning systems within business environments.
  • Analyse and evaluate security threats directed at AI and machine learning systems within business environments.
  • Assess threats arising from authorised AI and machine learning use.
  • Assess threats arising from unauthorised AI and machine learning use.
  • Develop appropriate approaches for mitigating AI and machine learning security risks.
  • Consider and implement governance controls for organisational AI use.
  • Identify measures for protecting AI-enabled business systems and processes.

The handbook specifically focuses on analysing threats posed by and directed at AI and machine learning systems, assessing risks from authorised and unauthorised use and developing practical security and governance responses.

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Learning Outcomes

Entry Requirements

There are no formal prerequisites for ITE538.

However, this is not intended as a general introduction to cybersecurity. The subject is best suited to students who already have some cybersecurity knowledge or practical experience.

Students without an existing cybersecurity background should consider completing ITI581 – Cyber Security Fundamentals before undertaking ITE538.

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Entry Requirements

Ready to study ITE538?

ITE538 can be taken as a single subject or as part of an eligible Cyber Security postgraduate qualification.

Studying ITE538 as a single subject?
Follow the single-subject application process to enrol directly in ITE538.

Adding ITE538 to your postgraduate study?
Speak with an IT Masters course advisor about including the subject in your Graduate Diploma or Master of Cyber Security if you are unsure which pathway applies to you.

How to Apply
Ready to study ITE538?

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