Meet The Team

Professor Elmarie Biermann (PhD)

Director and Knowledge Officer 

Elmarie Biermann is the Director and founder of the Cyber Security Institute in South Africa. Elmarie specialises in ISO27000 and guiding organisations in identifying and managing cyber risk and data privacy and integrity. Elmarie also has vast educational and research experience and has partnered with Universities and Institutes to build specialized, customized cyber security training for global audiences. She has built CSI into a premier regional training and consulting cyber security firm and is recognized as a leading thought leader in the field. Elmarie holds a PhD in mobile agent security and is an acknowledged speaker at conferences on cyber-crime, cyber risk management and cyber intelligence. 

Elmarie has held an Adjunct Professorship at the French South African Institute of Technology in Cape Town for the security aspects of Nanosatellites and an Extraordinary Professorship in the Department of Strategic Studies, Faculty of Military Sciences at Stellenbosch University. She enjoys collaborating in global and industry research projects. Read her latest research publication for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace here: 

https://carnegieendowment.org/research/2024/04/a-digital-odyssey-the-convergence-of-rapid-digitization-population-dynamics-and-financial-risk-in-namibia?lang=en 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebiermann/  

 

Noëlle Van der Waag-Cowling

Strategy and Innovation Officer 

Noëlle van der Waag-Cowling specialises in cyber strategies, cyber resilience, and cyber security capacity building at the organisation level across both the public and private sectors. She has a strong record in applied cyber security research at the national and sectoral levels in Southern Africa. She holds a Masters Degree (cum laude) in Science and Technology Studies from Stellenbosch University. She is a Microsoft Certified Professional and holds an Azure Cloud Fundamental Certification. 

Until recently Noëlle taught courses at Stellenbosch University on contemporary low intensity armed conflict as well as strategic cyber threats. She is a Research Fellow at the School for Data and Computational Sciences at Stellenbosch University where her recent work for the Mandela Mining Precinct is aimed at integrating security across operational technology and information technology domains in the mining sector. She also serves as a Senior Fellow at the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) in Geneva. 

Noëlle was previously the cyber lead at the Security Institute for Governance and Leadership in Africa (SIGLA). She was also the co-lead on the GLOBSEC Project led the Arctic University of Norway which focuses on North-South perspectives and cooperation on global security challenges and resilience building. Noëlle has served as an expert to the African Union’s Tana Forum on Security in Africa and as a member of the Group of Global Experts to the International Committee of the Red Cross on Cyberwarfare. She is the South African head of the SA-Netherlands Cyber Security School and was an affiliate member of the University of Canberra’s National Security Hub between 2020 and 2024. 

Charné Rubé

Governance, Risk and Compliance Officer 

Charné Rubé has a passion for science and studied a BSc degree at Stellenbosch University. Armed with this robust academic foundation, she expanded her horizons into the field of business management, achieving a postgraduate qualification in business management administration from North-West University. 

In 2021, she took up the position of Governance, Risk, and Compliance Officer at the Cyber Security Institute. Charne’s work is focused on protecting organizations from cyber threats through risk management. She holds certifications from PECB, including the ISO 31000 Risk Management and the ISO 27001 Lead Auditor credentials. Charné brings valuable experience and expertise to organisations working to strengthen their information security and risk management systems. 

In her role at CSI, she collaborates closely with clients in guiding and facilitating the successful implementation of Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). Through meticulous planning and strategic execution, she has earned a reputation for delivering expert guidance which exceeds client expectations. 

Bradley Lewis

Training Consultant 

Bradley Lewis joined the Cyber Security Institute as a student and intern. He then moved to his current role as CSI’s Training Consultant, where he helps the team provide the best customer and learning experience to the Cyber Security Institute’s students. Bradley is both a techie and a ‘people’s person’ who loves helping people solve problems. He has a wide range of interests in the IT field, but finds himself drawn to the good, bad, and ugly in cybersecurity.  

Bradley is a firm believer in personal and professional growth, his most notable achievements have been completing the Cyber Investigations Certification through CSI/CPUT, the ISC² (CC) Certified in Cybersecurity and the CompTIA A+, N+, Security+ certifications. Outside his professional life, he is fascinated by psychology, loves to read, watch streaming content, and spend time with his family. 

 

Luske Biermann

Marketing Consultant 

Luske Biermann is our marketing officer. She is a professional photographer and art history student, who brings a unique blend of creativity and enthusiasm to the Cyber Security Institute. With a background in Photography and Videography from the ORMS Cape Town School of Photography, Luske’s passion extends to marketing and visual art. Her impressive achievements include; Lead finalist in Standard Bank’s 1% of a Million Photography Campaign, Finalist in the Turban Art Fair 2021 and Featured artist at SMAC Gallery Johannesburg (2023) and SAD de Waterkant (2024). At CSI, we tap into Luske’s skills to craft visual content and leverage her expertise as our in-house graphic designer.  

Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen

Technology Consultant 

 Jan-Hendrik holds a degree in IT Science and began his career as a web developer. He has extensive experience in coding and building websites aligned with a deep understanding of cyber security, particularly within devops.  His journey from web development to cybersecurity has given Jan-Hendrik a unique perspective on security challenges. Like most techies he enjoys a good tech challenge and he is always on the lookout for new goodies! Jan-Hendrik holds the Certificate in Cyber Security (CSI/CPUT) and is Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) from ISC2. 

The Cyber Security Institute is a well-established information security company which is renowned for its high levels of expertise and client care. CSI specialises in both internationally benchmarked information security consulting and cyber security training. Our core values are professionalism, expertise, and integrity.

CSI leads organisations to increased cyber maturity and resilience through a comprehensive risk-based approach to cyber security. Our unique 360˚ security consultancy to the public and private sectors is underpinned by international standards such as ISO and NIST and adapted to regional unique regulatory and policy environments.

The CSI Academy houses our fully accredited, bespoke training programs, offered in partnership with universities to individuals and across both the public and private sectors. Our acclaimed training offers value and affordability, providing accessible pathways to cyber security growth. CSI is proud of our proven track record in the regional cyber security domain across a range of industries.

Our corporate responsibility focuses on driving the development of cyber security knowledge and skills and building capacity in the region to enhance online safety and protect economic growth.

Certificate in Cyber Security

Course Details

This practical, hands-on course focuses on establishing a foundation in Cyber Security by introducing candidates to cyber-crime, attack methods, and managing cyber risks.

Mode of Offering: The course is presented via facilitated    e-learning, utilising an e-learning platform and virtual classes.

Intended Audience:

This course is designed for individuals embarking on a career in Cyber Security or performing security functions.

Requirements

Applicants should have a Matric certificate or equivalent qualification with suitable IT knowledge, Internet access, and a PC or laptop on which applications can be installed and services accessed.

Costs:

R10,500 all inclusive

Duration:

6-months

Intake:

We have two main intakes, one at the end of February and another at the end of June. Additional intakes may be scheduled depending on application volumes and requirements.

Course Overview:
Cyber-crime‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎
  • Introduction to cyber-crime
  • Cyber-attack methods (e.g., ransomware, sextortion, email fraud)
  • Cyber criminology (actors behind the attacks, criminal networks, state-sponsored entities, etc.)
  • Tracing the online trail
  • Dark web (criminal forums)
  • Case studies of attacks in SA & Global.
  • Crime-as-a-Service
  • Internet of (Criminal) Things.
Practical Cryptography
  • Introduction to cryptography.
  • Encryption and Decryption.
  • Hash functions
  • Blockchain
  • Virtual Currencies
  • Digital signatures
  • Digital certificates
  • Cryptographic Protocols (SSL, SSH, etc.)
Course Overview:
Cyber Governance, Risk & Compliance
  • Overview of cyber governance, risk, and compliance
  • POPIA & GDPR
  • Data Privacy
  • Policies in action
  • NIST, ISO27001
  • Controls
  • Planning for contingencies
  • Developing the security program
  • Risk analysis and management
Cyber Intelligence‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎
  • Introduction to Cyber Intelligence
  • Attack Tools
  • Attack process
  • Reconnaissance and Footprinting
  • OSINT services and tools
  • Threat and vulnerability feeds and assessments

Cyber Investigations

Course Details

This course is suitable for investigators and investigation teams within the corporate environment and public sectors who are required to track online trails or utilise tools to solve online crimes. It is also intended for professionals and investigative journalists involved in investigations such as fraud, espionage, data theft, and cyber vetting.

Mode of Offering: The course is presented via facilitated    e-learning, utilising an e-learning platform and virtual classes.

Intended Audience:

This course is designed for investigation officers, cyber-crime investigators, investigative journalists, etc.

Requirements

Applicants should have a Matric certificate or equivalent qualification. Although a formal IT qualification or certification is not required, some knowledge of computer systems would be beneficial. Internet access and a PC or laptop on which applications can be installed and services accessed are required.

Costs:

R10,500 all inclusive

Duration:

6-months

Intake:

Applications are accepted throughout the year, with course starting dates in February, May, and August.

Course Overview:
  • Reconnaissance
  • Online services and tools
  • Metadata Encryption & Decryption
  • Digital signatures
  • Online investigations
  • Crime Scene Management
  • Documenting evidence
  • Investigation Process
  • Chain of Evidence
  • Protocols and emails
  • URLs & DNS information
  • Timelines
  • Decryption and deciphering
  • Virtual Currencies
  • Cyber criminology
  • Introduction to the attack process
  • Introduction to attack vectors
  • Social networks (i.e., attacks via Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
  • Dark and hidden web
  • Threat actors
  • Data Collection
  • Social Media
  • OSINT
  • HUMINT
  • SOCMINT

Cyber Intelligence

Course Details

The main objective is to equip delegates with the necessary competencies and practical skills to assist in compiling an intelligence-driven cyber security strategy to provide proactive solutions to a plethora of cyber threats.

Mode of Offering: The course is presented via facilitated        e-learning, utilising an e-learning platform and virtual classes.

Intended Audience:

This course is designed for persons responsible for the security function, CISOs, as well as Data Protection Officers.

Requirements

Applicants should have a Matric certificate or equivalent qualification. Although a formal IT qualification or certification is not required, some knowledge of computer systems would be beneficial. Internet access and a PC or laptop on which applications can be installed and services accessed are required.

Costs:

R10,500 all inclusive

Duration:

6-months

Intake:

Applications are accepted throughout the year, with course starting dates in February, May, and August.

Course Overview:
  • Cyber Security Environment
  • Cyber Landscape
  • Cyber Threats and Exploits
  • Cyber Actors and Criminology Aspects
  • Obtaining Data
  • Sources of Data
  • Collection Operations
  • Applications, Tools, and Services
  • Analysis of Cybercriminals’ Modus Operandi
  • Analysis Techniques (Data to Information)
  • Indicators of Compromise
  • Cyber Intelligence
  • Intelligence Platforms, Applications, and Services
  • Data – Information – Intelligence
  • Intelligence Strategy
  • Incident Management
  • Cyber Warfare
  • Political and Commercial
  • Developing an Intelligence-Driven Strategy
  • Strategic and Tactical Intelligence Function
  • Risk Management

Cyber Governance

Course Details

Establishing a security strategy and defining a suitable implementation plan focused on managing cyber risks in a volatile and dynamic environment requires a solid understanding of the threat space and frameworks. This course unpacks cyber governance and approaches to manage risk and adhere to compliance regulations.

Mode of Offering: The course is presented via facilitated    e-learning, utilising an e-learning platform and virtual classes.

Intended Audience:

This course is designed for Managers and C-Suites responsible for security, Board members, as well as prospective leaders in the Cyber Security space.

Requirements

Applicants should have a Matric certificate or equivalent qualification. Although a formal IT qualification or certification is not required, some knowledge of computer systems would be beneficial. Internet access and a PC or laptop on which applications can be installed and services accessed are required.

Costs:

R10,500 all inclusive

Duration:

6-months

Intake:

Applications are accepted throughout the year, with course starting dates in February, May, and August.

Course Overview:
  • Security Management Program
  • Cyber-crime
  • Threat Environment
  • Cyber Criminology
  • Regulations – GDPR, POPI, Electronic Act, PCI-DSS
  • Skills Frameworks
  • Cyber Awareness Programs
  • Risk management
  • Controls – Choice, Implementation, and Management
  • Security Frameworks and Models
  • Policies and Procedures
  • Data Protection
  • The road to ISO 27001 Compliance and Certification

IT and Cyber Security Program

Course Details

Our courses combine essentials from both industry and academia to provide valid, unique, practical content that is innovatively presented via facilitated e-learning.

The IT and Cyber Security Program is a practical course consisting of coursework, virtual classes, and practical cyber range exercises.

Mode of Offering: Learning will be conducted through a facilitated online format, utilising an e-learning platform to provide an interactive and engaging educational experience. Additionally, hands-on practical sessions and virtual labs will be conducted every Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, offering participants the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world context. This blend of online facilitated learning and scheduled virtual sessions aims to create a comprehensive and dynamic learning environment, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience for participants.

Intended Audience:

This course is designed for school leavers, those on a gap year, graduates looking to add industry credentials, and individuals looking to make a career change.

Requirements

Applicants should have a Matric certificate or equivalent qualification. Internet access and a PC or laptop on which applications can be installed and services accessed are required.

Costs:

R 31,350 all inclusive

Duration:

10-months

Intake:

24 February 2024

Course Overview:
IT Foundation for Cyber Security
  • IT Hardware Fundamentals
  • Network Fundamentals
  • Introduction to Operating Systems (Windows and Linux) 
  • Introduction to Cloud Computing (Office 365 and MS Azure) 
  • Protocols 
  • Technical Research and Writing
  • Algorithms and Problem Solving
  • File and Database Systems
  • Scripting
  • New Technologies: AI and Quantum Computing
  • Soft Skills
Certificate in Cyber Security
  • Cyber Security Fundamentals 
  • The Cybercrime Eco-System
  • Actors in Cyber Space – State and Non-State Actors
  • Cyber Incidents: Attacks, Breaches, and Espionage
  • Understanding Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) using the Mitre Attack Framework
  • Cryptography (Symmetric/Asymmetric/Hashes)
  • Secure Protocols
  • Reconnaissance and OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence)
  • Cyber Security Frameworks and Standards: Introduction to the NIST CS Framework and ISO 27000 Series
  • Cyber Risk Management, Cyber Governance, and the Implementation of Security Controls
Facilitated online course with virtual classes, and practical training and skills development on the cyber range platform.