James Ward Smith
About James Ward Smith
James Ward Smith is a Senior Security Operations Analyst at KPMG Australia, with extensive experience in cybersecurity roles including previous positions at Thales and KPMG. He has expertise in both blue team and red team operations and has served on the GIAC Advisory Board since 2019.
Work at KPMG Australia
James Ward Smith currently serves as a Senior Security Operations Analyst at KPMG Australia, a position he has held since 2022 in Melbourne, Victoria. Prior to this role, he worked as a Security Operations Analyst at KPMG Australia for eight months in 2021. His responsibilities include overseeing security operations and implementing cybersecurity strategies to protect organizational assets.
Experience at Thales
James Ward Smith has held multiple positions at Thales in Melbourne, Victoria. He worked as a Cyber Security Accreditation Engineer for the OneSKY project from 2020 to 2021. Before that, he served as a Graduate Information Security Advisor from 2018 to 2019 and as a Security Operations Centre (SOC) Analyst from 2019 to 2020. His roles involved various aspects of cybersecurity, contributing to both operational and strategic initiatives.
Education and Expertise
James Ward Smith studied at Deakin University, where he earned a Bachelor of Criminology and a Bachelor of Information Technology Security from 2014 to 2017. He possesses expertise in both blue team and red team operations, which encompasses skills in defensive and offensive cybersecurity strategies. His comprehensive skill set includes threat intelligence and detection engineering, essential for proactive cybersecurity measures.
Role at GIAC Certifications
Since 2019, James Ward Smith has been a member of the GIAC Advisory Board. In this role, he contributes to discussions and initiatives related to cybersecurity certifications and standards. His involvement reflects his commitment to advancing the field of cybersecurity and supporting professional development within the industry.
Documentation and Procedures Development
In his various roles, James Ward Smith has developed and maintained critical documentation for security operations. This includes creating playbooks, templates, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). His work in this area supports the establishment of effective security protocols and enhances operational efficiency.