SANS Institute Appoints Law Enforcement Veteran in a Pioneering Move for DACH Cybersecurity

Kristin Erhardt was appointed as the new Business Development Executive.

February 5th, 2024

Swansea, Wales – In a strategic move to strengthen its position in the DACH region, SANS Institute, a global leader in cybersecurity training and certification, has announced the expansion of its sales team with a unique addition: Kristin Erhardt, appointed as the new Business Development Executive. With a mission to transform cybersecurity training, especially within the public sector, Erhardt’s unique blend of law enforcement background and social education expertise is set to bring a fresh perspective to the company.

Erhardt, sharing her vision, stated, “Having begun my career in the prison system, I am deeply committed to aiding law enforcement agencies in combating cybercrime by providing advisement on the further training of their cyber security experts with the help of SANS diverse catalog of courses. This mission is particularly personal to me, drawing inspiration from successful collaborations, such as the one between the Dutch police authority and SANS. I am eager to foster similar partnerships in Germany.”

The social education graduate began her professional journey in 2006 at Leipzig Prison, where she worked as a social worker. Over the years, she has gained experience as a trained social therapist in various institutions, including Chemnitz Prison, the Regis-Breitingen juvenile detention center in Saxony, and as a consultant at the Saxon State Ministry of Justice and for Democracy, Europe and Equality. Before joining SANS Institute, she worked with Baumlink GmbH, gaining invaluable experience with cybersecurity experts in Germany.

“Kristin brings a wealth of government experience and fresh ideas to our team. Her unique insights are invaluable as we continue to train numerous cybersecurity professionals from German authorities. The increasing threats from cybercriminals and state actors make her role more crucial than ever in our mission to fortify digital infrastructures against data theft, extortion, and political manipulation”, explains William Bartram, General Manager at SANS Institute in DACH.

Erhardt’s appointment comes at a time when cybersecurity is a paramount concern, particularly for public administrations grappling with sophisticated cyber threats. Her role at SANS Institute signifies not just an expansion but a strategic evolution in addressing the dynamic challenges of cybersecurity in the public sector.