The Official Top 10 Cyber Security Speakers to Hire in 2025 Ranked by Popularity

As technology continues to advance, so does the ability of malicious cyber criminals – who are capable of stealing the most sensitive of information in a matter of seconds. With a reported 236.1m ransomware attacks having occurred globally by the first half of 2022, we continue to be reminded of the crucial importance of cyber security each and every day.

What Is Cyber Security?

Cyber Security is a crucial factor of a successful business and is defined by the National Cyber Security Centre as:

“Cyber security is how individuals and organisations reduce the risk of cyber attack. Cyber security’s core function is to protect devices we all use (smartphones, laptops, tablets and computers), and the services we access – both online and at work – from theft or damage. It’s also about preventing unauthorised access to the vast amounts of personal information we store on these devices, and online”

Source: The National Cyber Security Centre

Why is Cyber Security Important?

As technology advances, it is becoming increasingly important to implement cyber security policies to keep sensitive information safe from the hands of cybercriminals. With cyber criminals having the ability to change or destroy confidential information, cyber security is essential for a successful business. Businesses that do have a comprehensive cyber security policy implemented are best positioned to fight cyber threats and reduce the impact of security breaches if they do occur.

It can be difficult to implement cyber security practices, as there are more devices than people and cybercriminals are becoming more innovative in the process of hacking software and stealing sensitive information. This is where a cyber security expert is crucial – they are able to forecast the latest developments in cybercrime and ensure that their clients are armed to tackle security breaches successfully.

Source: IBM & Cisco

How Can I Hire a Cyber Security Speaker?

A great way to help tackle cybercrime and educate people on the importance of cyber security is by hiring a cyber security speaker! Here at The Cyber Security Speakers Agency, we are fortunate to work with some of the world’s leading experts on cyber security, who are the perfect choice when looking for an expert to define the true importance of practising cyber security. Browse our roster of cyber security speakers, and hire a speaker by completing our online contact form.

The Top 10 Cyber Security Speakers to Hire in 2025:

Having conducted a vetted survey across over 500 events, we have compiled a selection of the official top 10 cyber security speakers to hire in 2025, ranked by popularity according to feedback from our happy clients!

Sarah Armstrong-Smith – 9.8/10

Chief Security Advisor EMEA for Microsoft

Sarah Armstrong-Smith is a pioneering woman in cyber security, who is marking her name in the history books as the Chief Security Advisor EMEA of Microsoft. Passionate about pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo, Sarah is determined to spread awareness of the importance of cyber security for a successful business – as she has done in her role at Microsoft. With former experience as the Group Head of Business Resilience & Crisis Management for the London Stock Exchange Group, Manager of Technology Risk Services for Ernst & Young and Head of Continuity, Resilience, Enterprise & Cyber Security for Fujitsu, Sarah has expert knowledge of how to manage cyber crises when they arise and how to recover from cyber-attacks.

Named as one of the Most Influential Women in UK Tech 2022 and one of the Top 30 Female Cyber Security Leaders 2022, don’t miss your opportunity to be educated on the importance of cyber security by Sarah Armstrong-Smith today!

Official Testimonial for Sarah Armstrong-Smith:

“Thank you for presenting at the National Information Security Conference last week. Your presentation was exceptionally well received, and the feedback has been fantastic – thank you for doing such a sterling job (as always)” – Tina, Marketing Manager, Sapphire

Ciaran Martin – 9.6/10

The First CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre & Head of Cyber Security at GCHQ

Ciaran Martin is a renowned expert on cyber security, who is famed for being the CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre – the first CEO in the history of the centre. Leading a fundamental shift in attitude and approach to cyber security across the country, Ciaran has spent the past two decades as a pivotal member of the UK civil service, implementing comprehensive cyber security strategies. As the former Principal Private Secretary to the Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service, Ciaran is an authoritative figure who has been trusted by the country’s high-profile officials to keep sensitive information confidential. Commended for his trustworthiness, Ciaran has also formerly worked as the Head of Cyber Security at the Government Communication Head Quarters.

Appointed Companion of the Order of Bath for Services to International and Global Cyber Security in 2020, hire Ciaran Martin to hear how he was a driving force behind UK cyber security strategies.

Charlie McMurdie – 9.7/10

Former Head of The Police National Cyber Crime Unit of The Metropolitan Police

Charlie McMurdie has enjoyed a respectable career working as a Detective Superintendent in the Metropolitan Police, serving since 1981. Retiring from duties in 2013, Charlie is remembered for her impact as the Head of Law Enforcement National Cyber Capability and Head of the Police National Cyber Crime Unit for the Metropolitan Police. Having secured £32m in funding to form the Police Central e-Crime Unit, Charlie has also worked with The International Criminal Police Organization and the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation on UK cybercrime. In addition to her work for the Metropolitan Police, Charlie has also been a Senior Cyber Crime Advisor for PwC UK.

Having been inducted into the Infosec Hall of Fame, don’t miss your opportunity to learn how to protect sensitive information from cybercrime with Charlie McMurdie, a person who has played a crucial role in maintaining cyber security throughout the UK.

Official Testimonial for Charlie McMurdie:

“Charlie is a well-respected leader in the cyber security community not least for the significant contribution she has made over the past 31 years of service to Law Enforcement and in helping to secure our National and International Critical Infrastructure” – Mike, Executive Director, Global Security Solutions

Michael Daniel – 9.4/10

Former Cyber Security Coordinator in the Executive Office of the President at The White House

With over two decades of experience in federal government security, Michael Daniel is a decorated cyber security professional who formerly worked as the Cyber Security Coordinator for Barack Obama. Having spent 17 years working in the United States Office of Management and Budget within The White House, Michael was promoted to become a senior advisor on cyber security for the President, helping to implement the Comprehensive National Cyber Security Initiative. Today Michael is the President and CEO of Cyber Threat Alliance, a Member of the Aspen Cyber Security Group and a Member of the Forbes Technology Council.

Dedicated to improving national cyber security throughout the United States, hire Michael Daniel today to learn how he implemented comprehensive cyber security strategies in The White House.

Jessica Barker – 9.2/10

Co-Founder & CEO of Cygenta

An award-winning cyber security leader, Jessica Barker is passionate about positively influencing cyber security culture, behaviour and awareness across the globe. Currently the Co-Founder and CEO of Cygenta, Jessica has delivered engaging and thought-provoking cyber security awareness sessions to over 50,000 people. In addition to her role as CEO of Cygenta, Jessica has also shared her expertise in her debut book Confident Cyber Security and on national broadcasts for Sky News, BBC News and Channel 4 News. Revered for her innate ability to increase cyber security awareness, Jessica is also highly sought after as a board member, having been an Advisory Board Member and the Chair of ClubCISO and an Advisory Board Member of the UK Government Cyber Security Advisory Board.

Named as one of the Top 20 Most Influential Women in Cyber Security in the UK, hire Jessica Barker to positively impact cyber security education today!

Official Testimonial for Jessica Barker:

“Event went really well and Jessica is a star, a true pleasure working with her! The average rating of the speakers during the event was high, 3.82 overall and Jessica got 4.68 which is the highest score of the day” – IDG AB

Lisa Forte – 9/10

Co-Founder of Red Goat Cyber Security

Forging a successful career at the forefront of social engineering and cyber security, Lisa Forte is the Co-Founder of Red Goat Cyber Security and an expert orchestrator of cyber awareness crisis simulations. Formerly a Member of the Cyber Team of the Southwest Regional Cyber Crime Police Unit, Lisa has a demonstrated history of combatting cybercrimes both nationally and internationally. Also the Founder of Cyber Volunteers 19, a company dedicated to helping hospitals during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the Co-Founder of Respect in Security, Lisa is a dedicated cyber security professional commended for her proficiency in helping companies bounce back from cyber-attacks.

Rated at No.1 of the Top 100 Women in Tech, make sure Lisa Forte is one of your first choices when looking to hire an expert speaker on cyber security who will educate audiences on the true importance of cyber security awareness.

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 numerous questions. Thank you for all your support and advice, Lisa!” – Arman, Detective Chief Superintendent

Brian Wagner – 9.1/10

Former Head of Compliance EMEA for AWS Financial Services & Senior Security Consultant for AWS

The former Head of Compliance EMEA in Financial Service for Amazon Web Services, Brian Wagner has enjoyed a decorated career within the technology industry. Transforming the way in which the biggest organisations use technology, Brian is now the Chief Technology Officer of Bulletproof and Defense.com – demonstrating successful security transformation as an advocate of cyber security awareness. Having also been a Senior Security Consultant for Amazon Web Services, Brian has a history of ensuring that the sensitive data of one of the world’s largest brands was kept safe from the prying eyes of cybercriminals.

Having formerly spoken at the AWS Re:Inforce and AWS Re:Invent events, don’t miss your opportunity to hire Brian Wagner for an engaging speech on the importance of cyber security from a former Amazon employee.

Official Testimonial for Brian Wagner:

“I engaged Brian as a public speaker across three continents and five countries. He’s an adaptable, engaging and compelling speaker who always challenges the audience to really follow up on the content afterwards – with tangible takeaways. I would consider Brian one of the best speakers and content creators for cyber security, as he captures content from emerging to expert” – Alex, Customer Success Lead, Microsoft Azure Asia Pacific

Brian Krebs – 9.5/10

Founder & Author of ‘KrebsOnSecurity’

Brian Krebs, a leading authority in cybercrime and security, is a highly sought-after keynote speaker in the cybersecurity field. With a rich background as the Founder and Author of ‘KrebsOnSecurity’ and a former Reporter at the Washington Post, Brian brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his speaking engagements. His book, ‘Spam Nation: The Inside Story of Organized Cybercrime, from Global Epidemic to Your Front Door,’ showcases his deep understanding of internet security issues.

Recognised as the Cybersecurity Person of the Year by CISO MAG and a recipient of the President Award for Public Service from ISSA, Brian’s talks are not only informative but also engaging, focusing on practical insights from real-world cybercrime incidents. His ability to make complex security issues understandable and relevant to a broad audience makes him an invaluable asset to any cybersecurity event.

Theresa Payton – 9.4/10

First-Ever Female Chief Information Officer of the Executive Office of the President at The White House

Widely regarded as a veteran cybercrime fighter, Theresa Payton has forged a successful career delivering digital transformations. Currently a Member of the Cyber Defenders Council and the Chief Executive Officer of Fortalice Solutions LLC, Theresa is best known for her former role as the Chief Information Officer of The White House, sitting in the Executive Office of the President. The first-ever female White House Information Officer, Theresa spearheaded the security of Federal records and built the 24×7 security operations centre, a testament to her prowess in cyber security. Continuing her success as a cyber security leader, Theresa has also authored the bestselling books Manipulated, Privacy in the Age of Big Data and Protecting Your Identity.

Commended for having written one of the Top 10 Cybercrime Books by The Guardian, Theresa Payton is a highly sought-after cyber security keynote speaker, who details her expertise in keeping sensitive information secure and her experience as the former White House Chief Information Officer – a keynote that should not be missed!

Official Testimonial for Theresa Payton:

“Theresa is an exceptional leader and widely recognised cyber security expert… She bring a wealth of government and corporate experience, business intelligence and a high degree of professionalism to the table that is hard to beat. She is very personable and can easily relate difficult technical concepts to senior managers… I would be honoured to work with Theresa again, and would actively seek out opportunities to collaborate with her in the future” – Kemal, CISO, LinQuest

Stu Hirst – 9.6/10

Chief Information Security Officer & VP of Sire Reliability Engineering for Trustpilot

A decorated chief information security officer, Stu Hirst is currently the Chief Information Security Officer and Vice President of Site Reliability Engineering for Trustpilot. Forging a leading security team at Trustpilot, Stu is dedicated to the study of cloud security, InfoSec risk and application security. Before working for Trustpilot, Stu enjoyed roles as the Interim Director of InfoSec for Just Eat, Head of Cloud Security for Photobox, Head of Security Systems & Infrastructure Operations for Capital One, Information Technology Security Manager for Skyscanner and Security/Technical Analyst & PCI Compliance Specialist for thetrainline.com. In addition to his work commitments, Stu is also the Co-Founder of Cyber Scotland Connect – an organisation dedicated to creating an ignited Scottish security community.

Nominated for the Next Next Generation Machine Learning CISO at the 2021 Artificially Unintelligent Awards, Stu is a highly passionate cyber security enthusiast often found at the heart of major cyber security incidents. Don’t miss your opportunity to learn the art of protecting digital assets with Trustpilot’s CISO, Stu Hirst.

Hire a Cyber Security Speaker Today!

If you are looking to learn more about the importance of cyber security, don’t hesitate to hire one of our talented cyber security speakers today! To hire a cyber security speaker get in touch with a booking agent by calling 0203 0070 318 or by completing our online contact form.

Our survey shows that the speakers featured in this blog post have ranked as the Top 10 Cyber Security Speakers to hire in 2025 based on customer feedback from over 500 events between 2022 and 2024.