Tara Dharnikota

Tara Dharnikota has a diverse work experience in the field of information security management. Tara has held the position of Head of Information Security Management at PEXA since May 2023. Prior to this, they worked at Telstra from 2013 to 2023, where they held various roles including Information and Cyber Security Senior Lead, Open Source Security Analyst, and Network Security Operations Support. In 2019, Tara briefly served as a Cyber Security Risk & Strategy Industry Mentor at RMIT University. Earlier in their career, they worked as a Network Services Consultant at Telstra and as a Network Support Specialist at Newline Metals International Pty Ltd.

Tara Dharnikota has a diverse education history. Tara completed their Master of Engineering in Information Technology degree with a specialization in Computer Networking/IT from RMIT University between 2001 and 2003. Before that, from 1996 to 2000, they pursued their Bachelor of Engineering degree in Computer Science & Engineering from the University of Madras. In their earlier years, they attended St. Michaels Academy, where they obtained their High School and Secondary school diplomas and certificates between 1983 and 1996.

In addition to their formal education, Tara also holds several certifications. Tara completed the Executive Cyber Resilience Program from the Cyber Leadership Institute in January 2022. In the same month, they also obtained the GIAC Security Leadership Certification (GSLC) from GIAC Certifications. Prior to that, in November 2021, they achieved the GIAC Critical Controls Certification (GCCC) from GIAC Certifications.

Furthermore, Tara has completed the Cyber Leadership Program from the Cyber Leadership Institute in June 2021. In August 2020, they obtained the GIAC Open Source Intelligence (GOSI) certification from GIAC Certifications. In April 2019, they completed the Open Source Intelligence techniques course offered by Bellingcat. Additionally, they have obtained certifications including Cyber Analyst +2 and Cyber Analyst +1 from Cybermerc in April 2016 and March 2016, respectively.

Tara's other certifications include the GIAC Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking (GPEN) certification from GIAC Certifications in April 2015, the GIAC Advisory Board certification in February 2014, and the GIAC Security Essentials certification in February 2014. Tara also holds certifications in Juniper Networks Certified Associate - Junos (JNCIA-Junos) from Juniper Networks, CCNA from Cisco, and CCNP Routing & Switching from Cisco, although the specific dates of completion are not provided for these certifications.