Mastering Digital Forensics: Strengthening Public Sector Cybersecurity and Incident Response

Empower. Investigate. Protect. – Building Cyber Resilience Through Digital Forensics

Day One - 29 July 2025 | Time: 10 AM – 4 PM

Day Two - 31 July 2025 | Time: 10 AM – 4 PM

Virtual

Overview

Cybercrime is surging at an unprecedented rate, with Australian organisations under constant threat. In 2023, the Australian Cyber Security Centre reported a staggering 13% increase in cybercrime, amounting to over 76,000 incidents and costing the economy more than $3.1 billion annually. Public sector organisations, as custodians of critical infrastructure and sensitive citizen data, are increasingly targeted by sophisticated cyberattacks.

This comprehensive course addresses these challenges by equipping professionals with the skills to investigate, respond to, and prevent cyber incidents effectively. Participants will explore the critical role of digital forensics in mitigating risks, ensuring compliance, and safeguarding organisational resilience. From uncovering vulnerabilities to managing complex incidents, the training offers practical tools and insights tailored for public sector professionals.

With an emphasis on hands-on learning, participants will leave equipped to build in-house digital forensics capabilities, reducing reliance on external consultants while enhancing operational agility and security.

Key Learning Outcomes

This interactive course combines expert-led presentations, real-world case studies, and practical exercises, covering:

Foundational Principles: Understand the key concepts and processes of digital forensics.
Evidence Collection: Master best practices to ensure data integrity and in compliance with the Australian Privacy Act.
Data Analysis & Recovery: Use advanced tools to recover and analyse digital evidence.
Incident Management: Apply forensic techniques to manage real-world scenarios effectively.
Professional Communication: Present findings clearly for legal and internal purposes.

Build confidence in responding to incidents with speed and precision, safeguarding organisational assets and data integrity.

Who Should Attend

This course is tailored for professionals in the public sector responsible for cybersecurity, IT operations, compliance, and risk management. It is particularly beneficial for APS 5 to EL 2 professionals such as IT Security Analysts, Incident Response Officers, and Policy Managers, as well as SES executives like CIOs and Cybersecurity Managers.

State and local government employees will also find the training invaluable, from operational teams managing digital forensics to senior leaders overseeing IT governance and critical infrastructure.

Prerequisites

Participants should have a basic understanding of IT concepts, including familiarity with operating systems, file structures, and networks. While prior experience in cybersecurity or incident response is beneficial, it is not mandatory.

This course is ideal for professionals with foundational IT knowledge who are seeking to develop skills in digital forensics, incident response, or cybersecurity, particularly those in roles related to IT security, risk management, or compliance. No advanced technical expertise is required, as hands-on training and practical exercises are designed to progressively build participants' skills.

Agenda

DAY 1 \| Tuesday, 29 July 2025
Module 1: Foundations for Sound Digital Forensics Process 10:00 - 11:00	Explore the fundamentals of digital forensics, its aims, the forensic process, and differences between public and private sector investigations.
Module 2: The Digital Investigations Process 11:00 - 1:00	Learn the principles and rules of conducting digital forensic investigations, including evidence preservation, chain of custody, documentation, compliance, and systematic management of the process.
Lunch Break 1:00 - 2:00
Module 2 (Continued): Key Actions in Digital Investigations 2:00 - 3:00	Revisit key concepts and focus on identifying critical actions to improve investigation outcomes.
Module 3: File and Data Structure, Forensic Imaging, and Data Acquisition 3:00 - 5:00	Master file system analysis, data recovery techniques, forensic imaging, and the use of tools for data acquisition and validation, including RAID and contingency planning.

DAY 2 \| Thursday, 31 July 2025
Module 4: Digital Forensic Analysis Techniques – Mobile and Network Forensics 10:00 - 11:00	Understand the components of mobile devices, evidence acquisition processes, and tools for analyzing mobile and network traffic data.
Module 5: Advanced Mobile and Network Forensics 11:45 - 1:00	Delve deeper into mobile and network forensics, focusing on extracting, analysing, and securing evidence from complex sources.
Lunch Break 1:00 - 2:00
Module 6: Email and Social Media Investigations 2:00 - 3:45	Investigate email crimes, use email server logs, and apply forensic methods to analyze social media communications and messaging platforms.
Module 7: Reporting and Presentation of Findings 3:45 - 5:00	Develop skills to create professional forensic reports, ensure quality control, and prepare to testify as a fact or expert witness in legal proceedings.

Philip Wagner
Principal Cyber Security Specialist and Educator

G.P.Wagner Pty. Ltd

Meet Your Facilitator

Philip is a distinguished cybersecurity expert with extensive experience in civilian and military environments. He has advised industries ranging from finance and education to government and technology.

Notable roles include Director of Cyber Security and Deputy Chief Information Security Officer at the National Disability Insurance Agency, and Senior Project Manager for a major Australian health provider’s cybersecurity program.

Philip’s expertise in leadership, training, and incident response makes him an invaluable resource for public sector professionals seeking to enhance their digital forensics capabilities.

Register Early & Save!

In a rapidly evolving threat landscape, organisations cannot afford to lag behind. This course provides public sector professionals with the knowledge and skills to stay ahead of cyber threats, ensuring that their organisations remain secure, resilient, and trusted.

By investing in this training, you’ll not only enhance your team’s capabilities but also reinforce your organisation’s commitment to protecting citizen data and critical infrastructure.

Join us and take the first step toward mastering digital forensics

*Group Discounts Available - Contact Registrations at training@publicsector.academy or Call on (02) 9057 9070

Extra Early Bird

$1,195

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Expires x x 2025

*Prices exclude GST

Early Bird

$1,395

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Standard

$1,595

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About Us

Public Sector Network is a social learning platform that exists to help government around the globe break down silos, collaborate, and work together for better outcomes for citizens.

PSN’s growing community spans across federal, state, and local government departments, healthcare, and education, allowing members to share information, access the latest in government innovation, and engage with other like-minded individuals on a secure and closed-door network.

PSN Academy is a trusted partner in professional development, dedicated to empowering public sector professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to drive meaningful impact. We deliver innovative training programs and learning experiences that align with the unique needs of government and public service organisations.

Our mission is to build capacity within the public sector by providing high-quality, practical, and accessible learning opportunities. From leadership development and project management to cutting-edge topics like AI, data analytics, and psycho-social risk management, we offer tailored programs that reflect the challenges and priorities of today’s public service.

At PSN Academy, we pride ourselves on delivering content informed by global best practices, guided by the APS and state-based learning frameworks, and facilitated by industry-leading experts. Our flexible delivery options include in-person workshops, virtual training sessions, and hybrid models to suit diverse learning preferences and operational needs.