Governance
Sound governance is the foundation of every credible professional body. The Australian Institute of Cyber Security is governed by structures and principles designed to ensure that the Institute operates with independence, transparency, and accountability to its members and the broader profession.
Advisory Board
AICS is overseen by a non-executive advisory board composed of individuals with expertise across cyber security, law, risk management, governance, and public policy. The advisory board provides strategic guidance to the executive team, ensures that the Institute’s activities align with its mission, and safeguards the independence and integrity of AICS’s accreditation and policy functions. Board members are appointed on the basis of their professional standing and their capacity to contribute to the strategic direction of the Institute.
Executive Leadership
The day-to-day operations of AICS are managed by an executive team responsible for membership, accreditation, professional development, policy engagement, and member services. The executive team reports to the advisory board and is accountable for delivering on the Institute’s strategic priorities.
Independence
AICS operates independently of government, vendors, and commercial interests. The Institute is funded by membership fees and course enrolments. We do not accept vendor sponsorship or advertising revenue that could compromise the independence of our accreditation standards, policy positions, or professional guidance. This independence is fundamental to the credibility of the credentials we award and the advice we provide.
Accreditation Governance
The integrity of AICS accreditation is maintained through a structured assessment process that verifies competence against defined criteria at each grade level. Accreditation decisions are made independently of commercial considerations. The standards against which practitioners are assessed are reviewed periodically to ensure they remain aligned with the evolving requirements of the profession and the expectations of employers, regulators, and the public.
Ethical Framework
All AICS members are bound by the AICS Code of Ethical Conduct, which sets out the professional and ethical obligations that accompany AICS membership and accreditation. The Code reflects the responsibilities that cyber security professionals bear to the organisations and individuals they serve, and provides a framework for addressing ethical questions that arise in professional practice. Breaches of the Code may result in disciplinary action including the suspension or revocation of AICS credentials.
Transparency and Accountability
AICS is committed to operating transparently. Our governance structure, membership criteria, accreditation standards, and policy positions are published and accessible to members and the public. We welcome feedback from members on the performance of the Institute and its leadership, and we maintain formal channels through which members can raise concerns, provide input on strategic direction, and participate in the governance of the profession.