James Lyne is a leading cybersecurity expert who has spent more than 20 years identifying cyber threats and pursuing cybercriminals. An established and certified SANS Instructor, he regularly shares his first-hand experience and insights with students, offering tangible strategies to help them better protect against modern cyber threats. As a speaker, James delivers engaging keynotes on a variety of topics, including AI, cybersecurity best practices, social engineering, technology innovation, and new media. With experience advising governments, enterprises and global audiences, he is an ideal speaker for cybersecurity conferences, summits and workshops.
James' early career was spent in technical roles at Sophos, where he rose through the ranks, transitioning from a Technical Engineer to Global Products Specialist and later Director of Technology Strategy. He eventually became the Global Head of Security Research at Sophos in 2010, where he researched contemporary security trends and highlighted breakthroughs in malware, hacking, and other cyber threats. Inspired by the founder of the SANS Institute, Alan Paller, James joined the organisation as a Certified Instructor in 2013. From there, he became the Chief Technology Officer, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, and finally the Chief Executive Officer of the SANS Institute. In this role, James plays a key role in advancing cybersecurity education, helping individuals and organisations build the technical capabilities needed to stay ahead of emerging threats. Alongside this, he also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Helical Levity, a gamified cybersecurity platform that has educated over 200,000 young adults.
As a trusted cybersecurity expert, James has made several media appearances, delivering multiple TEDx Talks, including his 'Everyday cybercrime -- and what you can do about it' keynote. He has also been a guest on major networks such as CNN, NBC, BBC News, and talk shows like Bill Maher and John Oliver. By breaking down complex cybersecurity issues into practical advice, James equips audiences with the confidence to better protect themselves online. Similarly, in his keynote speeches, James discusses cryptography, social engineering, everyday cybercrime, IoT security, and new media, encouraging audiences to take proactive steps to protect themselves from cyber threats.
James Lyne is an exceptional addition to any cybersecurity-focused event, drawing on his first-hand experience in the industry to deliver thought-provoking presentations that leave audiences informed and better prepared for today's evolving digital landscape. Combining a detailed understanding of offensive security, digital forensics, defensive operations, and emerging technologies, his keynotes offer practical insights that apply to a wide range of industries. To enquire about booking James for your next event, contact Champions Speakers today.
James Lyne's official speaking topics are listed below:
- Cyber Security- Best practises for organisations
- Cryptography
- Malware
- Social Engineering
- Internet and New Media
- Internet of Things (IoT) Security
- Technology Innovation
- Everyday Cybercrime and What You Can Do About It
- Reverse Engineering Ransomware
- Hacking with Words and Smiles
"Working with James Lyne and his team has been terrific. He recently presented to a long-time customer of mine - a group that has had many different speakers, from many different backgrounds, over the years. It was an event for their senior level executives, and James was diligent in his preparation. He ensured that he understood their issues and concerns, and then tailored a presentation that hit it out of the park. The client was thrilled, and reported back that"- Keith Lambert, Lambert Speaker Alliance
"James was GREAT! Very high energy and entertaining - everyone enjoyed him and the topic!"- Keith Lambert, Lambert Speaker Alliance
- 2026 - Chief Executive Officer of SANS Institute
- 2024 - Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer of SANS Institute
- 2019 - Chief Technology Officer of SANS Institute
- 2014 - Delivered his TEDx Talk, titled 'Everyday cybercrime -- and what you can do about it'
- 2015 - Chief Executive Officer of Helical Levity
- 2013 - Certified Instructor at SANS Institute
- 2013 - Global Head of Security Research at Sophos
- 2012 - Delivered his TEDx Talk titled 'Cryptography and the Power of Randomness'
- 2011 - Appeared on 'Real Time with Bill Maher'
- 2010 - Technologist and competition writer at Cyber Security Challenge UK
- 2010 - Director of Technology Strategy at Sophos
- 2005 - Global Products Specialist, Global SE at Sophos
- 2004 - Technical Engineer at Sophos
- 2004 - Senior Partner at Hawk-ISM & Hawk Associates
How to hire James Lyne
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring James Lyne for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
