Adam Pilton

Adam Pilton is a respected cyber security keynote speaker, advisor and former Detective Sergeant, widely known as The Cyber Detective. Drawing on 15 years of frontline law enforcement experience, Adam brings rare investigative insight into the realities of cyber-crime, cyber resilience and organisational security. He has supported victims, investigated complex offences, identified offenders and helped bring cyber criminals to justice, giving him a first-hand understanding of how attacks unfold and how leadership decisions influence the outcome. Today, Adam helps boards, executives and employees understand cyber risk without technical jargon, translating complex threats into clear, practical actions that businesses can apply immediately.

Adam began his policing career with Hampshire Constabulary before joining Dorset Police, where he progressed to become a Detective Sergeant leading Cyber Crime and Covert Operations Teams. During his law enforcement career, Adam managed specialist teams responsible for digital capabilities, covert authorities and communications data investigations. He led complex cyber-crime cases, supervised investigations, examined evidence from multiple sources and presented criminal cases in court. Adam also worked with regional, national and international partners, developed new digital investigative tactics and created guidance in emerging technical areas. His responsibilities included managing threat, risk and harm, supporting senior investigating officers and ensuring compliance with data protection, safeguarding and investigatory legislation.

Since moving into the private cyber security sector in 2016, Adam has held several consultancy, advisory and education roles. He is currently a Cyber Security Advisor at Heimdal Security, Co-Founder of The Cyber Detective and Industry Education Instructor for the Global Technology Industry Association. Previously, Adam served as a Senior Cyber Security Consultant at CyberSmart, a Cyber Security Consultant at Cyber Chain Alliance and an Industry Educator for CompTIA. He has advised multinational organisations on security maturity, risk management, governance, vulnerability management and the development of stronger people and processes. Adam is also a qualified Cyber Essentials Plus Assessor and has completed specialist training in serious and complex investigations, cryptocurrency crime, communications data, digital media investigations and network security.

As a speaker, Adam is valued for his ability to transform cyber security from a technical subject into a compelling human story. His signature talks, including ‘Saved by Seconds’, ‘The IT Manager Who Hacked the Boss’ and ‘Inside Cyber Crime Gangs’, draw on genuine investigations, leadership failures and criminal behaviours. Adam has spoken at respected events including CYBERUK, the National Cyber Security Show, ISE Europe, CompTIA UK&I and the Managed Services Summit. His expertise has also been featured by Forbes, Computer Weekly, TechRadar, Business Reporter, ‘The Daily Mail’, ‘The Sun’ and ‘The Standard’. Combining engaging storytelling with practical guidance, Adam helps audiences recognise warning signs, improve decision-making and build stronger cyber security cultures.