10 Cyber Security Experts Every Business Event Should Know About

Cyber security experts are now essential voices at corporate events as organisations face increasing risks from AI scams, ransomware and digital fraud. Business leaders and event planners need speakers who can clearly explain complex cyber threats. This blog post highlights ten respected cybersecurity experts who help audiences understand risk, resilience and digital security, while helping event organisers identify credible keynote speakers capable of delivering practical insight, audience engagement and real business value at corporate events and conferences.

Why are Cyber Security Experts in Demand for Business Events?

Cybersecurity has become a boardroom issue rather than solely an IT concern. Businesses are increasingly booking cybersecurity keynote speakers to educate teams about phishing, ransomware, AI-generated fraud and operational resilience. According to the X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2026, there has been a 49% increase in active ransomware groups compared to 2025.

For event organisers, cybersecurity speakers provide commercially valuable insight that audiences can immediately apply. A practical keynote session can improve employee awareness, support risk management strategies and strengthen internal security culture.

Source: IMB

What Makes a Good Cyber Security Keynote Speaker?

The best cyber security experts combine technical knowledge with clear communication and practical business insight. Event audiences respond well to speakers who use real-world examples, explain emerging threats without jargon and tailor their talks to leadership teams, employees or sector-specific challenges.

Many organisations also look for speakers with frontline experience in intelligence, ethical hacking, cyber psychology or law enforcement because these perspectives bring credibility and authority to business events.

10 Cyber Security Experts Every Business Event Should Know About

Drawn from exclusive data gathered from 200 corporate event polls, these cybersecurity experts are recognised for helping organisations understand digital risk, cyber resilience and online security. Their expertise makes them valuable additions to leadership conferences, corporate events and technology summits.

• Sarah Armstrong-Smith
• Ciaran Martin
• Jessica Barker
• Charlie McMurdie
• Jamie Woodruff
• Robert Hannigan
• Lisa Forte
• Frank Abagnale
• Graham Cluley
• Sir Jeremy Fleming

1. Sarah Armstrong-Smith

Sarah Armstrong-Smith is one of the UK’s leading voices on cyber resilience, crisis management and business continuity. Having held senior cybersecurity leadership positions at Microsoft, she regularly advises organisations on how to prepare for digital disruption and evolving cyber threats. Sarah’s presentations focus on practical resilience strategies, operational risk and leadership during periods of uncertainty. Her ability to connect cybersecurity with wider business performance makes her particularly valuable for executive audiences, leadership conferences and organisations looking to strengthen awareness around digital resilience.

Official Testimonial for Sarah Armstrong-Smith:

“Sarah was an absolutely fabulous speaker – so interesting and a wealth of knowledge and stayed around afterwards for photos and a chat (I think she was actually last to leave!). I would really recommend her for future speaking engagements.” – Samantha, Leicester Tigers

2. Ciaran Martin

Ciaran Martin is the founding CEO of the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre and a respected authority on national cybersecurity policy. With extensive experience at GCHQ and within government, he offers informed insight into cyber warfare, digital infrastructure protection and geopolitical cyber risk. Ciaran is particularly suited to conferences focused on leadership, public policy, financial services and international business. His experience at the highest levels of national security gives audiences a clearer understanding of how cyber threats are evolving globally.

3. Jessica Barker

Jessica Barker is an award-winning cyber psychologist and Co-Founder of Cygenta. Her work focuses on the human side of cybersecurity, including online behaviour, social engineering and organisational security culture. Jessica is widely recognised for making cybersecurity accessible to non-technical audiences, helping businesses improve awareness and engagement across their workforce. Her talks are especially relevant for HR events, employee engagement conferences and organisations seeking to improve security culture through behavioural understanding rather than purely technical training.

4. Charlie McMurdie

Charlie McMurdie is the former Head of the Police National Cyber Crime Unit at the Metropolitan Police. With decades of experience tackling cybercrime and digital investigations, she provides audiences with insight into emerging online threats and criminal activity. Charlie regularly speaks about cyber risk, fraud prevention and law enforcement approaches to digital crime. Her frontline experience and practical perspective make her a strong speaker choice for corporate risk forums, legal conferences and security-focused events.

Official Testimonial for Charlie McMurdie:

“At the recent Una conference, one of our guest speakers was Charlie McMurdie, who delivered a fascinating talk about cybercrime. What became immediately apparent is the scale and invisibility of cybercrime and the criminals involved and the fact that the crime agencies do not have the resources to tackle the problem.” – Insurance Age

5. Jamie Woodruff

Jamie Woodruff is an ethical hacker known for demonstrating vulnerabilities within social media platforms, online systems and business networks. His presentations combine live demonstrations with practical cybersecurity advice, helping audiences understand how easily systems and individuals can be targeted. Jamie’s engaging speaking style makes him particularly effective for technology conferences, awareness campaigns and corporate events where organisers want cybersecurity content that is interactive, accessible and memorable for attendees.

Official Testimonial for Jamie Woodruff:

“Jamie scared the pants off the audience, and they all left the session turning off their mobile phones. But so far to date, he is rated the highest out of our industry speakers.” – Tina, Sapphire

6. Robert Hannigan

Robert Hannigan is the former Director of GCHQ and one of the UK’s most respected cybersecurity and intelligence experts. His keynotes focus on cyber warfare, state-sponsored attacks, digital espionage and the changing global security landscape. Robert’s expertise is highly relevant for international conferences, leadership summits and organisations operating within highly regulated sectors. His experience at the centre of UK intelligence provides audiences with strategic insight into the wider implications of cybersecurity on business and society.

7. Lisa Forte

Lisa Forte is the Co-Founder of Red Goat Cyber Security and a recognised expert in social engineering and cyber crisis management. She works closely with organisations to simulate cyberattacks and strengthen operational resilience. Lisa’s talks focus on practical risk awareness, incident response and the psychological tactics used by cybercriminals. Her engaging and informative presentations are particularly well suited to businesses looking to improve cyber awareness and crisis preparedness across leadership teams and employees.

Official Testimonial for Lisa Forte:

“I had the pleasure of working with Lisa when delivering cyber awareness training to a group of school parents. Lisa was professional, knowledgeable and exceptionally engaging. Her presentation was expertly pitched, as were her answers to the numerous questions. Thank you for all your support and advice, Lisa!” – Arman, Detective Chief Superintendent

8. Frank Abagnale

Frank Abagnale is internationally recognised for his expertise in fraud prevention, identity theft and social engineering. Known as the inspiration behind the film ‘Catch Me If You Can’, he now advises businesses and government organisations on cybersecurity and financial fraud risks. Frank’s presentations combine personal experience with practical advice on digital trust, scams and fraud prevention. He is particularly popular for finance conferences, leadership events and organisations concerned with identity security and online fraud.

Official Testimonial for Frank Abagnale:

“Captivated-almost hypnotized is the best way I can describe how 400 ADP associates reacted to your performance at the Short Hills Hilton. I have heard you speak several times over the years, but never have I seen an audience so totally consumed by your every work” – Automatic Data Processing

9. Graham Cluley

Graham Cluley is an award-winning cybersecurity expert and broadcaster with decades of experience educating businesses about online threats. He is widely respected for making complex cybersecurity topics understandable and engaging for broad audiences. Graham regularly speaks on ransomware, phishing attacks, data breaches and emerging cyber risks affecting businesses today. His approachable communication style makes him particularly effective for general business conferences, SME events and cybersecurity awareness programmes.

10. Sir Jeremy Fleming

Sir Jeremy Fleming served as Director of GCHQ and is recognised internationally for his expertise in cyber intelligence and national security. His presentations examine geopolitical cyber threats, digital resilience and the future of cybersecurity within an increasingly connected world. Sir Jeremy is especially well-suited to executive audiences, government forums and global leadership conferences where organisations are seeking informed discussion around cyber risk, international security and strategic resilience.

Hire a Cybersecurity Expert For Your Business Event Today!

Cybersecurity speakers help organisations understand digital risk, strengthen awareness and improve resilience against evolving online threats. Booking an experienced cybersecurity keynote speaker can add practical value to conferences, leadership summits and corporate events.

If you are interested in hiring 10 Cybersecurity Experts Every Business Event Should Know About speakers, contact us today by calling us on 0203 0070 318, or alternatively, fill out our online contact form.