Kurt Forster, Cbp
About Kurt Forster, Cbp
Kurt Forster is a Digital Thought Leader and Program Management Officer currently serving as Executive Director at Gwaii Solutions in Calgary, Alberta. With extensive experience in industrial cybersecurity and IT governance, he has held various roles in organizations across Europe and Canada, contributing to security audits and network design.
Work at Hatch
Kurt Forster has been serving as a Digital Thought Leader and Program Management Officer at Hatch since 2018. In this role, he focuses on integrating digital solutions within project management frameworks to enhance operational efficiency. His tenure at Hatch has allowed him to leverage his extensive background in industrial cyber security and network design to contribute to various projects in the Calgary area.
Education and Expertise
Kurt Forster holds a Master of Science (MSc) in Project Management from the University of Liverpool, which he completed from 2013 to 2016. He also studied at Henery Meols from 1983 to 1988. His educational background complements his professional expertise in security standards and IT governance, including ISO/IEC 27001 and NIST frameworks. He possesses specialized knowledge in Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and has a strong foundation in network and security auditing.
Background
Kurt Forster has a diverse professional background that spans over two decades. He began his career in the Royal Air Force as a Gunner from 1988 to 1999. Following this, he transitioned into the technology sector, working in various roles including ICT Consultant and Industrial Cyber Security Specialist. His experience includes significant positions at companies such as Suncor Energy and Honeywell Process Solutions, where he developed expertise in integrated control systems and cyber security.
Achievements
Throughout his career, Kurt Forster has conducted security, network, and domain design audits across multiple regions, including Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Canada. He has developed a comprehensive understanding of both Greenfield and Brownfield ICS design and implementations. His work has involved utilizing risk analysis methods from ICS-CERT and ISSA, and he is recognized for his knowledge of industrial automation and control system security standards.
Professional Experience
Kurt Forster has held various roles that highlight his expertise in ICT and industrial cyber security. He worked as an Industrial Cyber Security Information Security Officer at Suncor Energy from 2015 to 2017 and as an Integrated Control Systems Specialist at Autopro Automation Consultants Ltd. from 2012 to 2014. His earlier roles include positions at Honeywell Process Solutions and DRM ICT Solutions, where he focused on network design and security auditing.