History

The Data Security Institute (DSI) was established in early 2022 after a number of conversations with data and cyber security professionals about a lack of capability and skills in our economy. In an area that is so rapidly changing and developing, knowledge and skills need to be continually updated but this often doesn't happen until it's too late. DSI seeks to address this market gap directly with contemporary expertise in cybersecurity, best practice pedagogies and a user experience that appeals to both technical up-skillers and the general population.

Our Founders (and Directors), Nigel Phair and David Bowser bring their expertise, their organisations and direct experience to DSI. DSI draws on their networks to ensure all training and learning is up to date, best practice and aligned to key accrediting bodies including SANS and CREST. Backed by Curio, Australia‘s leading online foremost service provider to higher education and professional bodies, DSI has access to leading learning experience designers, technologists, technology platforms and cybersecurity facilitators and trainers. Over the last six months, DSI has established a presence online (datasecurityinstitute.com), launched its first courses and worked with government agencies to build learning experiencesfor their users.

Why study with us?

The Data Security Institute is changing the dynamic when it comes to cyber security training. Our courses are lab-based meaning all learning is practical and can be immediately used in real-world settings to secure a network and the data on it.

For ease of understanding, our lab content is mapped to existing cyber security certifications, including CREST, SANS and Offensive Security. Elements of each training module are also mapped to the MITRE ATT&CK framework. All content is designed and developed by cyber security practitioners to provide the best user experience.

Our training solutions, both online and face-to-face will optimise the staff in your organisation to be cyber resilient.

Developed by a team of experts with over 20 years of experience

Nigel Phair _{Director of Education, Data Security Institute}

Nigel Phair is an influential analyst on the intersection of technology, crime and society. Nigel has published four acclaimed books on the international impact of cybercrime, is a regular media commentator and provides executive and board advice on strategy, risk & governance of technology. In a 21 year career with the Australian Federal Police he achieved the rank of Detective Superintendent and was a Team Leader of investigations at the Australian High Tech Crime Centre for over four years. He is a non-executive director on several Australian boards.

Remy Coll

Remy is a blue team cyber security expert with a decade of experience in Federal Government, Private Sector, Law Enforcement, and the Military. He holds a Diploma in Networking, and a Diploma in Systems Administration. He is a GIAC certified security leader, ISO 27001 lead auditor, and IRAP assessor #194.

Remy has been awarded a commendation for his cyber training programs, commanded the first Army Cyber Protection Team, and MC’s the ADF Cyber Skills Challenge conference every year. He studied Acting at Victorian College of the Arts and has performed in theatres nationally. Every training program, workshop, or presentation that involves him is always more engaging and entertaining than anything involving cyber security has the right to be.

Simon Smalley

Simon is a red team cyber security expert with experience in National Intelligence, the Military, and Law Enforcement. He holds a Master of Cyber Security (Advanced Tradecraft) with Excellence from UNSW ADFA. He is an OSCP, eCPPT, a GIAC certified security leader, GIAC certified systems auditor, and IRAP assessor #1308.

A former NSW Police officer, Simon has worked in counter-terrorism & special tactics, investigations, and digital forensics. More recently, Simon has been working directly for the Australian Government within the National Intelligence Community. He has spoken at a number of cyber security conferences, on both technical subjects and case studies on technical investigations, and is a mentor on the ADF Cyber Gap Program.