Ben Franks
About Ben Franks
Ben Franks is a Trainee Instructor at the SANS Institute and serves as Assistant Director of Cyber Threat Emulation for the Australian Government. With over 15 years of experience in cybersecurity management, he holds multiple certifications and contributes to the GIAC advisory board.
Work at SANS Institute
Ben Franks has been employed as a Trainee Instructor at SANS Institute since 2021. In this role, he participates in the SANS Instructor Development Program, which aims to enhance his teaching skills in cybersecurity. His involvement at SANS Institute aligns with his extensive background in cybersecurity and his commitment to education in the field.
Current Role in Australian Government
Since 2020, Ben Franks has served as the Assistant Director - Cyber Threat Emulation at the Australian Government. In this position, he focuses on identifying and mitigating cyber threats, utilizing his extensive experience in cybersecurity management. His role contributes to the overall security posture of government operations.
Previous Experience in Cybersecurity Management
Prior to his current role, Ben Franks worked at the Australian Government Department of Human Services as a Cyber Security Manager from 2006 to 2020. Over the course of 14 years, he developed and implemented cybersecurity strategies, enhancing the agency's resilience against cyber threats.
Education and Certifications
Ben Franks studied at the University of Wollongong. He holds several professional certifications, including GCIH, GREM, and GSEC. These certifications reflect his advanced knowledge in incident handling, reverse engineering malware, and general security essentials, underscoring his expertise in the cybersecurity domain.
Professional Affiliations and Contributions
Ben Franks is a member of the GIAC advisory board, where he contributes to the development and improvement of cybersecurity certifications. His involvement in this advisory capacity demonstrates his commitment to advancing the field of cybersecurity and ensuring high standards in certification processes.