Kurt Hansen

Kurt Hansen - CEO, Tesserent | Cyber Solutions by Thales

Professional Background

Kurt Hansen is the CEO of Tesserent, a prominent cybersecurity company in Australia. He has over 30 years of experience in the IT industry, particularly in sales and delivery transformation, contributing to significant business growth across IT and cybersecurity organizations in Australia and New Zealand. Hansen’s executive career includes notable roles at prestigious companies like Pure Security, Check Point Software Technologies, F5 Networks, AirData, Symbol Technologies, Telstra Wholesale, Cisco Systems, and Ericsson.

Leadership and Achievements

• CEO at Tesserent: Kurt Hansen has spearheaded Tesserent’s growth and strategic initiatives. Recently, he emphasized the importance of combating cybersecurity skills shortages and meeting the high industry demand for penetration testers.

• Integration Expert: At Pure Security, Hansen successfully integrated four security businesses following acquisitions and their subsequent listing on the ASX.

• Military Background: Hansen served in the Royal Australian Signal Corps, achieving the rank of Captain. He also holds a Diploma of Engineering from Swinburne Institute of Technology.

Company Overview

Tesserent is positioned as a major player in the cybersecurity sector under the brand "Cyber Solutions by Thales." The company offers comprehensive cybersecurity solutions, including:

• Security Advisory Services: Governance and Risk, Compliance, ISO 27001 Services, and Cybersecurity Incident Response Planning.

• Technical Assurance & Testing: Penetration Testing, Adversary Simulation, Application Penetration Testing.

• 24x7 Cybersecurity Operations Centre (SOC): Managed Security Services, Incident Response Retainers, and Cyber Threat Intelligence.

• Cloud Services: AWS, Azure, and Private Cloud solutions.

• Managed Solutions: Support for Cloud, Infrastructure, and End User Technologies.

Tesserent Academy Initiatives

Kurt Hansen has been particularly active in promoting cybersecurity education and training. Notably, the Tesserent Academy, inclusive of ALC Training, has become the first approved face-to-face delivery partner for OffSec's PEN-200 course. This initiative aligns with addressing the cybersecurity skills gap in Australia.

Industry Engagement

• Cybersecurity Advocacy: Hansen has publicly commended governmental efforts to bolster Australia’s cybersecurity defenses.

• Mental Health Advocacy: In context with R U OK day, Hansen has highlighted the stress experienced by cybersecurity professionals and advocated for organizational support mechanisms to address burnout and mental health challenges.

Recent Highlights

• Events and Recognition: Hansen has been involved in significant industry events and accolades, such as Tesserent being recognized as a Microsoft Solution Partner in Security, Azure Infrastructure, and Modern Work.

• Public Presence: Hansen’s leadership and thoughts on cybersecurity have been shared through various platforms including LinkedIn and public speaking engagements.

Strategic Vision

Hansen envisions a future where Australia leads globally in cybersecurity defenses. His focus includes not only technological innovations but also fostering an environment where industry professionals can thrive without succumbing to burnout.

Relevant Links

• [LinkedIn Profile](https://au.linkedin.com/in/kuhansen)

• [Tesserent Board Profile](https://tesserent.com/board/kurt-hansen)

Kurt Hansen’s extensive background and active role in shaping both the operational and strategic horizons of Tesserent render him a pivotal player in the cybersecurity landscape of Australia. His leadership not only drives Tesserent’s growth but also positions it as a key influencer in addressing industry-wide challenges.