Michael Sonnekus
Since joining the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) in 2018, Michael Sonnekus has played a leading role in strengthening the organisation’s cyber security capability, with a focus on cyber security monitoring, incident response, tactical threat intelligence, security orchestration, automation and response (SOAR), and offensive security. Currently serving as Acting Divisional Head: Cyber and Information Security, he has contributed to numerous high-profile initiatives that have enhanced SARB’s security posture through the implementation of security controls, risk assessments, and continuous monitoring and analysis capabilities.
Prior to joining SARB, Michael held cyber security and digital forensics roles at Standard Bank Group, Barclays Africa Group (ABSA), and First National Bank, where he specialised in cyber threat monitoring, incident response, malware investigations, cyber forensics, and fraud investigations. He holds a Graduate Diploma in General Management (GIBS), an MSc in Computer Science (Rhodes University), a Postgraduate Diploma in Information Security (Digital Forensics) from the University of Cape Town, and qualifications in Forensic Investigation and Informatics from UNISA. His professional credentials include the GIAC GCIH, GCFA, and GCFE certifications.
Since joining the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) in 2018, Michael Sonnekus has played a leading role in strengthening the organisation’s cyber security capability, with a focus on cyber security monitoring, incident response, tactical threat intelligence, security orchestration, automation and response (SOAR), and offensive security. Currently serving as Acting Divisional Head: Cyber and Information Security, he has contributed to numerous high-profile initiatives that have enhanced SARB’s security posture through the implementation of security controls, risk assessments, and continuous monitoring and analysis capabilities.
Prior to joining SARB, Michael held cyber security and digital forensics roles at Standard Bank Group, Barclays Africa Group (ABSA), and First National Bank, where he specialised in cyber threat monitoring, incident response, malware investigations, cyber forensics, and fraud investigations. He holds a Graduate Diploma in General Management (GIBS), an MSc in Computer Science (Rhodes University), a Postgraduate Diploma in Information Security (Digital Forensics) from the University of Cape Town, and qualifications in Forensic Investigation and Informatics from UNISA. His professional credentials include the GIAC GCIH, GCFA, and GCFE certifications.