The rate of cybercrime is on an upward curve, and the global average cost of a data breach has reached $4.45 million, a 15% increase over the past three years, highlighting the growing financial threat posed by cyberattacks. Additionally, 32% of organisations experienced cyber attacks, with the healthcare sector seeing an alarming increase in breaches. These attacks continue to result in significant operational disruption and monetary loss, showing how important it is for businesses to stay ahead of emerging threats.
The Best Cyber Security Speakers to Hire!
Based on exclusive data gathered from 294 cyber security-related events held between 2021 and 2024, our expert technology contributors, Mark Matthews and Jack Hayes from Champions Speakers, have curated a trusted list of the top 15 cyber security keynote speakers for organisations to engage in 2026.
- Mary Aiken - Professor of Cyberpsychology & Chair of the Department of Cyberpsychology at Capitol Technology University
- Keren Elazari - Voted in TED's Most Powerful Ideas of 2014
- Sarah Armstrong-Smith - Chief Security Advisor for Microsoft
- Jamie Woodruff - Europe's #1 hacker
- Lisa Forte - Named in the “Top 100 Women In Tech” list
- Misha Glenny - Expert on organised crime & cybersecurity, produced TV's McMafia
- Dr Jessica Barker - One of the top 20 most influential women in cybersecurity in the UK
- Baroness Joanna Shields - Former UK Minister for Internet Safety and Security
- Lord Jonathan Evans - Former UK director of domestic security and counterintelligence service
- Robert Hannigan - Launched the UK's active cyber defence program in 2016
- Ben Owen - Former British Intelligence officer & Boss on Channel 4's Hunted
- Greg van der Gaast - Founder of Creative Minds Consulting Group
- Joe Tidy - BBC's first-ever cyber specialist journalist
- Professor Lisa Short - Co-Founder of P&L Digital Edge, ATaas LTD & Africa Agri Tech Ltd, named a Top 50 Thought Leader and Influencer in the World.
1. Mary Aiken
Mary Aiken is a world-renowned cyberpsychologist and the Chair of the Department of Cyberpsychology at Capitol Technology University. As a leading expert on the impact of technology on human behaviour, she advises organisations globally on cybersecurity, trust, and online safety technologies.
Mary's Official Speaking Topics:
- Cyberpsychology
- Human Factors in Cybersecurity
- Online Safety Technologies
- Trust & Safety
- Safety Tech
2. Keren Elazari
"Hackers scare us and fascinate us at once, and our reasons for these feelings are valid, but we shouldn’t let fear get the best of us. They scare us, but the choices they make have dramatic outcomes that influence us all.”
Describing hackers as the internet's immune system, Keren Elazari explains the benefits of ethical hackers in strengthening our online security in her fascinating speeches. Keren's 2014 TED talk was voted one of TED's most powerful ideas that year.
Keren's Official Speaking Topics:
- Global Hacktivism
- Hacker innovations
- Digital disruption
- Potential security flaws
3. Sarah Armstrong-Smith
Sarah Armstrong-Smith is the Chief Security Advisor for Microsoft. As part of a global technology company, she practices cloud adoption and security strategies, two topics she now discusses as a technology speaker. At events, Sarah supplies top tips for protecting your company against phishing and ransomware attacks, to name a few of her specialities.
Sarah's Official Speaking Topics:
- Business Continuity
- Cyber Security
- Data Protection
- Women in Technology
- Resilience Programmes
4. Jamie Woodruff
“I have chosen to support and work with the Cybersmile foundation because of their innovation and positive approach to the problem of online abuse and safety. I see this as a real opportunity to utilize my skills and to help make the internet a safer and more positive place. Cybersmile are at the forefront of the movement for change and are as dedicated to protecting freedom of speech as I am, it’s a perfect fit.”
Jamie Woodruff made his name as Europe's number one ethical hacker, having hacked global celebrity, Kim Kardashian and social media giant, Facebook. He is now the cyber safety advisor for Cyber Smile Foundation.
Jamie's Official Speaking Topics:
- Cyberethics
- Hacking
- Network Security
- Social Engineering
5. Lisa Forte
"I then led a big project that examined how the terrorist group, Islamic State, were radicalising British and European citizens online. I discovered that they were using “social engineering” also known as human hacking. It is a way of manipulating people into doing something they shouldn’t do to compromise security."
Lisa Forte is a preeminent expert on social engineering and cyber security, having forged her success as the Co-Founder of Red Goat Cyber Security. Dedicated to arming clients with the best ways to deal with cyber threats and attacks, it comes as no surprise that Lisa was named No. 1 on the Top 100 Women in Tech. Having also been the Co-Founder of Cyber Volunteers 19, a 'cyber for good' company providing help to hospitals during the Covid-19 Pandemic, and Co-Founder of Respect in Security, don't miss out on a speech from inspirational cyber security expert, Lisa Forte.
Lisa's Official Speaking Topics:
- Technology
- Cybercrime
- Social engineering
- Manipulation in security
6. Misha Glenny
"There are two types of companies in the world: those that know they've been hacked, and those that don't"
A specialist in cybersecurity and global organised crime, Misha Glenny states that he expects that 15% of global GDP comes from organised crime. A cybersecurity guest speaker whose speeches on the evolution of cybercrime and how global crime networks work - are some of the most fascinating on the scene.
Misha's Official Speaking Topics:
- Cybersecurity is Made Out of People
- Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain
- Rise of Organised Crime and Global Money Laundering
- Geopolitics - how the hell did we get here, and where are we going?
7. Dr Jessica Barker
"Companies have become far more aware that most of the attacks we see can be traced back to human behaviour in one way or another, and that the human problem is fundamental”
A thought leader in the behavioural side of cybersecurity, Dr Barker's extensive insight into data privacy and security is sought-after around the world, earning her regular appearances on BBC, Channel 4 and Sky News and a reputation as one of the top women in cybersecurity.
Jessica's Official Speaking Topics:
- AI & Digital Disruption
- Data & Networks
- Human behaviour
- GDPR
- Hacktivism
8. Baroness Joanna Shields
Baroness Shields is a former UK Minister for Internet Safety and Security, who became a Life Peer in 2014. An expert in ensuring children's safety online, she has been at the forefront of the government's fight, uniting 20 top tech companies and NGOs as part of WeProtect, against global child exploitation and sexual abuse.
Joanna's Official Speaking Topics:
- The Tech Sector & Tech City
- Cyberethics
- Cybercrime
Artificial Intelligence
9. Lord Jonathan Evans
"As cyber-threats become more sophisticated and better-resourced, we urgently require a new approach founded on unique cyber expertise and pioneering technology"
Able to discuss the role of digital espionage, from his experiences as Director-General of the British Security Service, Lord Jonathan Evans is a widely respected advisor in fields relating to national security and cyber defence. Upon leaving his role he became an advisor for cyber defence intelligence company, Darktrace.
Jonathan's Official Speaking Topics:
- MI5 & National Security
- Technology & cybersecurity
- Cybercrime and threats
- Pioneering technology
10. Robert Hannigan
"The next challenge is to make sure the next generation is better protected"
The former director-general of the government's intelligence and cybersecurity agency, GCHQ, Robert Hannigan, was the creator of the UK's original cybersecurity strategy. He also launched the active cyber defence program in 2016.
Robert's Official Speaking Topics:
- Technology & Innovation
- Engineering
- Cybersecurity strategy
- Cybercrime & intelligence
11. Ben Owen
Ben Owen is one of the most recognisable figures in cyber security, following his success on the BAFTA-nominated 'Hunted'. As a speaker, he discusses the many facets of cyber security as well as how to stay safe in a post-digital revolution world.
Ben's Official Speaking Topics:
- Internet Investigations
- Penetration Testing
- Living in a Digital World
- British Intelligence
12. Greg Van der Gaast
"I dislike the term 'risk management', I feel in many cases it means 'risk juggling'. It is, in many places, almost the opposite of security. When I say 'securing', I mean securing the systems, fundamentally, proactively."
From one of the world's most infamous hackers to a globally renowned cybersecurity speaker, Greg van der Gaast is an exciting addition to corporate conferences and events. His holistic approach to digital security equips people with the skills needed to protect themselves online.
Greg's Official Speaking Topics:
- Cybersecurity
- Data Breaches
- Humanistic Approach to Security Solutions
- Executive & Strategic Communication
- Data Protection
- Information Security Leadership
13. Joe Tidy
"I think of cyber security like physical security. Imagine a castle with the Crown Jewels locked inside. You can do the basics – locks on doors and employ a guard. But if the attacker is resourceful enough, they will get around that. So you build a moat. They get a boat. So you put up barbed-wire. They attack from the sky. And so it goes."
Joe Tidy is the BBC's first ever cyber specialist, a title that reflects his nationally-recognised insight. At events, audiences are captivated by Joe's natural presenting style and leading knowledge of online safety and digitisation. Do not miss this opportunity to equip your business with the skills needed to identify attempted cyber attacks.
Joe's Official Speaking Topics:
- Cyber Security
- Online Safety
- Hacking
- Digitalisation
- Gaming
- Privacy
- Cyber Crime
- Data Security
- Internet
14. Professor Lisa Short
"Less than 3% of venture capital went to women-led businesses globally, in the UK it sits at half a percent... We're not asking for anything other than an equal opportunity in what we do... In the fintech and the cryptocurrency and the digital space, it's not much different from anywhere else. We are still fighting to have a place at the table and have credibility"
Professor Lisa Short is a preeminent authority on digital technology systems, blockchain and crypto who co-founded P&L Digital Edge Ltd, ATaas Ltd, and Africa Agri Tech Ltd. Having developed patents for cutting-edge digital technology, Lisa is continually driving technological change in various industries and sectors. Book Professor Lisa Short to discover how you can make transformational technological changes today!
Lisa's Official Speaking Topics:
- Frontier & Digital Technology
- Innovation & Futurism
- Digital Disruption & Transformation
- Data, GDPR & Cloud Economics
- Design Thinking & Ecosystems
- Cyber Security, Risk & Digital Resilience
- Blockchain, Smart Contracts, NFT & Crypto
- Education
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Female Inspirational & Empowerment
- Leadership
- Change Management
Hire a Leading Cyber Security Expert with Champions Speakers Agency Today!
Looking for a cybercrime expert or top cybersecurity speakers to help manage cybersecurity risks? Simply get in touch with our team today, and we will find the right expert for you.
To hire a cyber security speaker, contact us by filling in our online contact form or by calling a booking agent directly on 0207 1010 553.
This exclusive article on the top cyber security speakers to hire was written collaboratively by Mark Matthews and Jack Hayes, based on exclusive data gathered from 294 cyber security-related events held between 2021 and 2024.
An image of the top trending cyber security speakers to hire via Champions Speakers, as selected by the Managing Director of Champions Speakers, Jack Hayes, and Senior Keynote Speaker & Entertainment Manager, Mark Matthews.
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