The Top 10 Female Cyber Security Speakers to Hire 2025 – Official Rankings List

In the UK, women represent only 11% of the cyber security workforce, with a mere 3% holding Chief Information Security Officer positions – highlighting a significant gender gap in the industry. Yet, many women are breaking barriers and leading with distinction. This blog post showcases ten outstanding women in cyber security who exemplify expertise, innovation, and leadership – making them top choices for any organisation to hire.

What is the Importance of Cyber Security?

Cyber security is more crucial than ever, especially following this year’s high-profile cyber attacks on COOP and M&S. These incidents highlight the increasing risks faced by businesses and charities alike. As of June, 43% of UK businesses and 30% of charities reported experiencing a cyber breach or attack in the past 12 months – amounting to around 612,000 businesses and 61,000 charities. It also ensures that emerging technologies like AI can be used securely and responsibly. Without strong cyber defences, the risks to individuals, organisations, and the wider economy grow significantly in an increasingly connected and technology-driven society.

Sources: gov.uk & National Cyber Security Centre

Why is it Important to Support Women in Cyber Security?

Women play a vital role in the evolving world of cyber security. As digital threats grow in scale and complexity, we must bridge the talent gap with diverse perspectives – especially those of women, who bring unique insights rooted in protection and safety. Their increased representation is essential, particularly as online threats such as harassment and fraud disproportionately affect them. Empowering women in this field ensures smarter, more inclusive defences.

Source: Forbes

Hire A Top Female Cyber Security Speaker To Inspire Change

Hiring a female cyber security speaker is a powerful way for organisations to inspire staff, promote gender equality, and strengthen cyber resilience across the board – turning awareness into action and enriching workplace culture in the process.

The Cyber Security Speakers Agency has created this official list of top cyber security awareness speakers based on verified customer feedback from 134 cyber security-themed events between 2023 and 2025.

1. Prof. Mary Aiken

Official Speaker Rating – 9.8/10

Prof. Mary Aiken is a world-leading expert in forensic cyberpsychology, celebrated for her pioneering work on the psychological impacts of technology and cybercrime. As a cyber security speaker, she offers a unique perspective by bridging psychology and digital security, captivating audiences with insights into online behaviour, cyber threats, and social engineering. Author of the acclaimed book “The Cyber Effect”, Mary has advised governments, law enforcement, and global institutions. Her engaging, research-based talks consistently earn top ratings, making her a highly sought-after keynote speaker. With academic and policy influence, she brings unmatched authority and clarity to the complex human dimensions of cyber security.

2. Dame Wendy Hall

Official Speaker Rating – 9.5/10

Professor Dame Wendy Hall is a distinguished cyber security and AI speaker, celebrated for her pioneering work in web science, artificial intelligence, and data science. As Regius Professor of Computer Science at the University of Southampton, she co-developed the Microcosm Hypermedia System, laying the groundwork for the World Wide Web. A leading voice in tech policy, she has advised the UK Government, chaired the Ada Lovelace Institute, and served on the World Economic Forum’s councils. An advocate for women in STEM, Wendy is an acclaimed keynote speaker whose deep expertise and impactful career make her a vital presence at any event.

3. Danni Brooke

Official Speaker Rating – 9.9/10

Danni Brooke is a renowned cyber security speaker and intelligence expert, best known for her role on Channel 4’s “Hunted”. A former Metropolitan Police Officer and the most deployed female undercover operator in British history, Danni brings over a decade of high-pressure investigative experience. She now co-directs Fortalice Solutions LLC, where she delivers training on cybercrime, cyber defence, and digital threats. Drawing on her background in covert operations and intelligence, she educates global audiences on cyber risks and resilience. Danni is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, inspiring organisations to take proactive steps against cyber threats while championing women in tech and security.

Official Testimonial for Danni Brooke:

“You will never hear a life story like this. I wish we had more time! Danni, thank you for sharing some of your experiences with us.” – Crystal Electronics

4. Sarah Armstrong-Smith

Official Speaker Rating – 8.9/10

Sarah Armstrong-Smith is a leading British cyber security expert whose career spans disaster recovery, technology risk, and data privacy. Starting in fraud control in 1995, she played a key role in tackling the Millennium Bug while at Thames Water, laying the foundation for her future in cyber security. She has held senior roles at AXA, Ernst & Young, Fujitsu, and the London Stock Exchange, and now serves as Chief Security Advisor for Microsoft EMEA. A Fellow of the British Computer Society, Sarah is a sought-after speaker and award-winning thought leader, recognised for her influential contributions to cyber resilience and digital trust.

Official Testimonial for Sarah Armstrong-Smith:

“Having Sarah as part of the first UK Cyber Week was an absolute pleasure. Her session was insightful and left a lasting impact on the audience, it was great to have her there!” – Hannah, Roar B2B

5. Keren Elazari

Official Speaker Rating – 9.8/10

Keren Elazari is a prominent Israeli cyber security analyst and ethical hacker, widely recognised for her expertise in online data protection. Introduced to the internet at age 11, she became fascinated with hacking and later served as a Cyber Security Officer in the Israel Defense Forces. With a decade of military service and CISSP accreditation, she has held senior roles in organisations such as iTcon, Matrix and Verint. A Senior Researcher at Tel Aviv University, Keren also founded Leading Cyber Ladies and co-founded BSidesTLV. A TED speaker, she champions ethical hacking and is a leading voice in global cyber security discourse.

Official Testimonial for Keren Elazari:

“Keren was great. She was a highlight of our meeting and I received great feedback about her presentation. She was lovely to speak with as well!” – ARGO Group

6. Baroness Joanna Shields

Official Speaker Rating – 9.4/10

Baroness Joanna Shields is a leading British cyber security expert and former UK Minister for Internet Safety & Security. She has played a pivotal role in shaping national online safety policies, working closely with figures like David Cameron to combat cybercrime and protect vulnerable users. With over 30 years of experience in technology, Joanna has held senior roles at Google, Facebook, and AOL, advancing digital security and privacy. She founded the WeProtect Global Alliance to fight online child abuse and contributes to global AI ethics through various commissions. Highly decorated and respected, Joanna is a sought-after cyber security speaker and industry authority.

7. Inma Martinez

Official Speaker Rating – 8.6/10

Inma Martinez is a renowned AI scientist and technology pioneer whose work plays a vital role in cyber security. She has led innovations in real-time AI systems and mobile internet technologies that enhance threat detection and response. Inma’s expertise lies in using AI to build resilient digital infrastructures, addressing risks that traditional methods often overlook. As Chair of the GPAI Multi-stakeholder Expert Group and Co-Chair of its Steering Committee, she helps shape global AI policy with a focus on ethics and security. A sought-after speaker, she regularly advises governments and organisations on integrating AI into cyber security strategies.

Official Testimonial for Inma Martinez:

“Excellent presentation. Engaging, informative and thought-provoking” – First Rate Exchange Services

8. Cecilie Fjellhøy

Official Speaker Rating – 9.1/10

Cecilie Fjellhøy is a renowned cyber security advocate best known for her role in exposing the Tinder Swindler case, which reached audiences in over 200 countries via Netflix. Drawing from her own experience of online fraud, she co-founded LoveSaid CIC, a support organisation for victims of emotional scams. Cecilie works tirelessly to raise awareness about the dangers of digital deception, championing victim-led change in cybercrime legislation. Now a sought-after speaker, she uses her platform to educate global audiences, empower women, and foster open discussion around cyber fraud, justice, and online safety.

9. Dr Elaine Kasket

Official Speaker Rating – 8.4/10

Dr Elaine Kasket, Director of Nautilus Psychology, is a leading British cyberpsychologist and cyber security expert renowned for her work on the psychological impacts of digital technology. With a deep understanding of how our online lives affect wellbeing, identity, and relationships, she guides individuals and organisations toward healthier digital engagement. Through books like “Reboot” and “All the Ghosts in the Machine”, as well as her podcasts and keynote talks, Elaine explores issues such as digital afterlives, surveillance, and tech-life balance. Her work promotes a more mindful, humane approach to technology, earning her recognition across academia, media, and corporate spheres.

Official Testimonial for Dr Elaine Kasket:

“Elaine seamlessly uses a broad range of skills and techniques to help you find clarity, see different perspectives, and explore and expand your thinking.” – Deloitte

10. Julia Ebner

Official Speaker Rating – 8.6/10

Julia Ebner is a prominent cyber security expert and researcher specialising in extremism and radicalisation. She founded the Violent Extremism Lab at the University of Oxford and serves as the Calleva Postdoctoral Researcher at Magdalen College. With a DPhil in Anthropology from Oxford and an MSc from LSE, her academic foundation supports her deep investigation into far-right and Islamist extremism. A former Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, she has advised global bodies including NATO and tech firms like Google. An award-winning author and frequent media commentator, Ebner is a leading voice on online radicalisation and cyber threats.

Official Testimonial for Julia Ebner:

“Julia is leading voice in her field. She manages to captivate her audiences by breaking down complex issues and bringing her research to life with anecdotes.” – Europol

Hire a Top Cyber Security Speaker!

Female Cyber Security Speakers bring powerful insights to the forefront of digital defence. Hiring an expert female speaker can empower your organisation with the knowledge and inspiration needed to stay secure in an evolving cyber landscape. To hire an expert speaker for your next event get in touch with The Cyber Security Speakers Agency today! Simply fill out our online contact form or call a dedicated booking agent on 0203 0070 318.