Sarah Armstrong-Smith is an IT professional with a decorated history, currently working as the Chief Security Advisor EMEA of Microsoft. Pushing the boundaries of technology, Sarah’s career has grown to include everything from disaster recovery and cyber security to data protection and privacy. Having worked on the frontline of many major incidents, such as the Millennium Bug, Sarah is now a Fellow of the British Computer Society and highly sought after as a cyber security speaker for corporate events. Nominated for and winner of multiple industry awards, Sarah is a preeminent authority whose expertise on cyber security should not be missed.
Back in 1995, Sarah began her now illustrious career working as a Fraud Controller for PHH Arval, before moving on to become a Business Continuity Analyst for Thames Water. During her time working for Thames Water, Sarah found herself working on the Millennium Bug, building the foundations for her career in technology and cyber security. In 2001, Sarah became a Disaster Recovery Manager for AXA and later became a Manager of Technology Risk Services for Ernst & Young. For the next 11 years of her career, Sarah worked for Fujitsu, originally joining the brand as their Principal Consultant on Enterprise and Cyber Security. Working her way through the ranks, Sarah was later appointed as a Management Consultant of Enterprise & Cyber Security, a Distinguished Engineer and ultimately the Head of Continuity & Resilience, Enterprise & Cyber Security for Fujitsu.
In 2019, Sarah was appointed as the Group Head of Business Resilience & Crisis Management for the London Stock Exchange and Non-Executive Director of Decipher Cyber, and in 2020 she accepted her role as the Chief Security Advisor EMEA for Microsoft. Amongst her commitments at Microsoft, Sarah also acts as a Board Advisor for Vaultree, e2e-assure Ltd and ServBlock. She has also been awarded countless awards for her commitments, such as recognition on the 2022 Top 20 Cyber Security Movers and Shakers by Cyber Security Hub and the 2022 Most Influential Women in UK Tech and 2022 Most Influential Leaders in Tech lists by Computer Weekly. She has also formerly been named one of the Top 30 Women of Influence by SC Media and one of the IFSEC Fire & Security Global Influencers and was named as a finalist for Cyber Citizen of the Year by The National Cyber Awards in 2023.
In April 2023 we sat down with Sarah Armstrong-Smith and discussed the biggest cyber threats companies face and how to prevent them. Watch our exclusive interview with Sarah Armstrong-Smith.
Sarah Armstrong-Smith is regularly booked to engage audiences at events, read their latest feedback below:
“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.”
“Following our event yesterday, I just wanted to ask you to pass on our thanks to Sarah Armstrong-Smith. Our event was a huge success and we are really grateful to Sarah for her valuable insights as part of our panel of experts. Both were great to work with and their support was really appreciated. Thank you for the introduction.”
“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).”
“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!”
“Properly excellent. I’m basking in the reflected glory of her presentation.”
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