From data breaches to rigged elections, cybersecurity rarely falls off the news agenda. But most media coverage only skims the surface of this diverse and complex topic. Booking a cybersecurity speaker for your conference, seminar or event is the perfect way to take your audience beyond the headlines.
The best cybersecurity speakers bring more than just expertise to the table. They have a knack for engaging listeners with tantalizing insights into a confusing, secretive, and controversial subject.
In this article, we’ve profiled and ranked 5 of the world’s top cybersecurity speakers. You’ll find a diverse choice of both male and female cyber security speakers. Among our top 5, there are experts in hacking, data protection, malware, the IoT, and beyond.
If you wish to learn more, you can follow the links to read each individual cybersecurity speaker bio, or to make a booking.
Let’s dive in…
The Shortlist: The World’s Best Cybersecurity Speakers
The world’s top cybersecurity speakers are united by one common trait: The ability to educate, amaze, and disturb an audience in equal measure. Ranking them wasn’t easy, but here’s our shortlist…
1. Kevin Mitnick
In certain circles, a place on the FBI’s Most Wanted List is a badge of honor. Kevin Mitnick earned his spot after penetrating no less than 40 of the world’s top companies’ cyber defenses. You might imagine that he made himself rich in the process, but in fact, Mitnick was motivated solely by the challenge!
After 3 years on the run (and 5 years in jail), Mitnick transitioned from the world’s most famous hacker to the world’s most respected cybersecurity expert. Today, he heads Mitnick Security, which offers services from penetration testing and vulnerability assessments to expert testimony.
Mitnick is also widely regarded as the world’s top cybersecurity speaker. A pioneer of the virtual event, Mitnick was accepting virtual speaking engagements long before the world even heard of Covid-19.
As you’d expect for a hacker of his stature, Kevin Mitnick’s speaking fees aren’t the lowest. But for sheer rock star appeal, he’s the standout choice. Discover more about the man we rate as the world’s best cybersecurity speaker, Kevin Mitnick.
2. Mikko Hypponen
Mikko Hypponen has been a prominent member of F-Secure, a top cybersecurity company, since 1991. Currently, he holds the post of Chief Research Officer. Hypponen coined the eponymous ‘Hypponen Law’ – according to which, any smart device is inherently vulnerable to a hacking attack.
His team at F-Secure led the world in combating some of the 21st Century’s greatest cyber threats. Notable successes include bringing down the global computer network used to power the Sobig.F worm – the second-fastest-spreading worm in history. More recently, F-Secure has shifted focus to better align with changing consumer behaviors. Today, the company’s product portfolio is as focused on data security as protecting physical devices.
Hypponen delivers cybersecurity talks on topics including secure remote working and corporate-focused cyber-blackmail attempts. Other specialist areas include social-engineering attacks targeting C-Suite executives, and hacks directed against infrastructure and institutions such as hospitals.
We’re proud to announce that Mikko Hypponen is our latest Aurum-exclusive cybersecurity speaker.
3. Keren Elazari
In a sector traditionally dominated by men, it’s refreshing to find that female cyber security speakers are making their mark. Israeli cybersecurity analyst Keren Elazari currently leads the field.
Elazari is a senior researcher at the Interdisciplinary Research Center at Tel Aviv University, a published author, and a passionate ethical hacking speaker. Elazari is best known for her advocacy of white hat hacking – and has famously described hackers as the internet’s immune system. She promotes the benefits of hacker bounty programs as a means of revealing and repairing vulnerabilities – before they are exploited.
Elazari is also passionate about enhancing women’s roles in the technology sector, and contributed to the 2016 publication Women in Tech. As a cybersecurity speaker, Elazari has addressed events hosted by tech giants Akamai, Intel, VMWare, and more.
Why not discover why we rate Keren Elazari highest among all female cyber security speakers?
4. Dr Charlie Miller
Many famous hackers made their names by targeting large corporate servers hosting sensitive data. But Dr Charlie Miller is best known for finding vulnerabilities in the devices we use every day.
In 2008, he became the first hacker to penetrate the MacBook Air – winning a $10k prize in the process. The following year saw Miller and Collin Mulliner demonstrate a method of hacking an iPhone – simply by sending it a text!
More recently, Miller has focused on hacking automobiles. Together with Chris Valasek, Miller hacked the Jeep Cherokee in 2014. Chillingly, the pair demonstrated the potential for a hacker to remotely control anything from the wipers right through to the steering. Even the brakes were vulnerable! Luckily, Miller is a white hat hacker, and his discoveries have led to affected manufactures releasing timely security updates.
Miller honed his hacking skills during his five-year tenure with the (in)famous National Security Agency. He brings together a unique understanding of hacking within criminal, corporate, and governmental contexts.
Learn more about world-famous hacker and IoT cybersecurity speaker, Charlie Miller.
5. Christopher Wylie
There’s just room for one last entry on our list of the top cybersecurity speakers. We’ve awarded the final position to Christopher Wylie, a data consultant turned whistleblower whose allegations have rocked the world.
As Director of Research at Cambridge Analytica, Wylie was an integral member of the team that allegedly harvested the data of millions of Facebook users. Wylie broke cover in 2018, sharing explosive claims with the Guardian and New York Times that prompted major investigations in both the US and the UK.
We’re all accustomed to targeted advertising tactics – from tailored offers to persistent ads that appear to follow us around online. But profiling and targeting takes on a new dimension when what’s on ‘sale’ isn’t a product, but a political ideology. As a result of Wylie’s allegations, the world has awakened to the risk of big data being used to sway the path of democracy.
Christopher Wylie’s talks offer a timely reminder that the information we share can be as valuable as that which we strive to protect. Learn more about Christopher Wylie.
What Is a Cybersecurity Keynote Speaker?
A cybersecurity keynote speaker is a thought leader in the field who is passionate about the importance of securing systems, programs, and networks against cyberattacks.
Speakers on cybersecurity educate their audiences about the repercussions of security flaws, such as exposing sensitive data or disrupting business operations.
Their keynotes may address the challenges of implementing effective cybersecurity measures in a world where more and more individuals own smartphones and computers. Nowadays, multiple layers of protection are vital, and cybersecurity experts understand what measures an organization should take to stay safe.
In addition, cybersecurity speakers will usually emphasize the need for users to understand basic data security principles such as using strong passwords. They will also highlight the importance of having systems and processes in place, as well as the top technologies such as firewalls, antimalware, and antivirus software required to avoid cyber attacks.
How Much Do Cybersecurity Awareness Speakers Cost?
Hiring a cybersecurity awareness speaker can cost from $5,000 to $50,000 USD or more. Fees depend on many variables, including the number of years your chosen speaker has spent in the cybersecurity field.
Furthermore, the cost of hiring a cybersecurity speaker can increase based on the type of event you’re organizing, the contractual agenda for the speaker, the speaker’s popularity, and any travel and accommodation costs.
Is Cyber Security Needed?
Every modern business needs cyber security because it prevents them from having their data compromised. Not having cyber security systems in place puts personal identifiable information, sensitive data, protected health information, intellectual property, and other data types at risk.
But that’s not all! Being hacked can result in customer loss as well as legal repercussions. Gartner Inc., a technology research firm, estimates that organizations will spend $172 billion on risk management technologies and information security in 2022.
Furthermore, they predict that by 2025, cyber attackers will have exploited operational technology environments in order to actually hurt or kill humans
Do Cybersecurity Speakers Help Businesses?
Cybersecurity keynote speakers are becoming increasingly popular amongst businesses and government organizations that need assistance in protecting their data.
These speakers offer years of hands-on experience in cybersecurity and can truly make a difference in eliminating a business’ security flaws.
Besides, who better than a ‘white hat’ hacker could teach you about cybersecurity?
How to Hire The Best Speakers on Cyber Security?
We at Aurum only want the best for your event! As a result, we only work with cybersecurity speakers that have a history of successfully transforming people and businesses. Take a look at our portfolio and get in touch to discuss the next steps.
If you prefer, simply contact us and tell us about the primary goal of your event. We will provide you with tailored advice for a genuinely unique experience.
Looking also for other speakers for your event? Make sure to view our top 10 motivational speakers list and our top business speakers list as well!
Find the Best Cybersecurity Speakers for Any Event
From keynote cybersecurity speakers for face-to-face events, to speakers for virtual conferences, Aurum Speakers Bureau can meet every need for an authoritative voice.
Take a moment to browse our full range of cybersecurity speakers or reach out to our team for tailored help and advice.
