Top 25 Influential CISOs and Cybersecurity Leaders to Follow

---

Cybersecurity is new and everyone is talking about it! All that content is great for an enthusiast! It gets the job done! But, are they all relevant for a security professional?

For true security folks the bar is set a lot higher and following the true security legends becomes important. To become a legend, one must achieve what has already been laid out and then venture the unknown to bring in disruption.

To achieve legendary status in this field, you must possess exceptional skills and knowledge, a keen understanding of what’s best for your customers, and a deep insight into industry trends. It’s a quest for wisdom that knows no bounds.

In this article, you will learn about the top 25 influential CISOs and cybersecurity leaders changing the trajectory of the cybersecurity space. So, open your LinkedIn and be ready to search the cybersecurity influencers and follow them!

Dmitri Alperovitch

Dmitri Alperovitch is more than just a cybersecurity expert – he’s a visionary, an investor, a philanthropist, a captivating podcast host, and a former executive in the computer security industry.

As the chairman of Silverado Policy Accelerator, a think-tank based in Washington, D.C, he is passionate about geopolitics. His deep understanding of cybersecurity strategy makes him the most sought after thought leader in the cyber field. 

He co-founded CrowdStrike and served as the chief technology officer, and became a primary contributor to the company’s growth and success. But his impact doesn’t end there – Dmitri’s reach extends as a special advisor to the Department of Defense as well where strategizes and shapes United Nation’s security. 

So follow him, and you’re gonna learn new things about industry trends!

Paul Asadoorian

Paul Asadoorian is a name that resonates with passion, expertise, and a touch of rebelliousness. This is because Paul’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. He is the founder of Security Weekly, a platform that identifies the complexities of cybersecurity.

His hard work in the field led to the acquisition of Security Weekly by CyberRisk Alliance. This cemented his influence in the industry.

For years, he honed his skills as a penetration tester, diving headfirst into hacking to understand vulnerabilities and then fortify defenses.

Interestingly, when he’s not busy hacking together embedded systems or coding intriguing Python projects, you’ll find him researching the latest and greatest headphones (his next obsession). And if you take a look at his LinkedIn posts, be prepared for a treat.

For example, his ability to juxtapose “Attack Of The Supply Chain” with little-known Star Wars facts will blow your mind.

Shira Rubinoff

Shira Rubinoff is a true powerhouse when it comes to Women in cybersecurity. She has carved her name as an executive, advisor, influencer, and global keynote speaker. 

She successfully built two cybersecurity product companies and has been at the forefront of initiatives promoting women in technology. Her dedication to empowering women and fostering inclusivity has impacted the field. So if you’re a woman who wants to set foot into the cyber security world, Shira should be at the top of your list to follow!

In her book Cyber Minds, Shira highlights the interplay between human factors and cybersecurity.

She emphasizes that “Human factors and cybersecurity go hand-in-hand. First, to be cyber-secure, the elements of security technology must be addressed. While executing this monumental task, remember that human factors should be a fundamental consideration when creating your security protocols. How humans are approached when implementing security compliance will ultimately determine the level of security within a given organization.”

Anton Chuvakin

Dr. Anton Chuvakin is more than just your average cybersecurity professional. He is a visionary, a thought leader, and an influencer in the industry. He has taken a new role at Google Cloud, shaping security solution strategy to protect businesses and individuals from ever-evolving cyber threats. 

But Dr. Anton Chuvakin’s influence goes beyond his work at Google Cloud. He is also the co-host of the renowned Cloud Security Podcast, where he shares his insights, interviews industry experts, and discusses the latest trends in cybersecurity.

Now is the time to follow in the footsteps of Dr. Anton Chuvakin, the cybersecurity influencer shaping digital security’s future. 

Graham Cluley

Graham Cluley is an award-winning public speaker, podcaster, blogger, and analyst who has been making waves in cybersecurity since the early 1990s. 

Graham’s journey began as a programmer, making history by developing the first version of Dr. Solomon’s Antivirus Toolkit for Windows. Talk about groundbreaking! Since then, he has held senior positions at computer security companies like Sophos and McAfee, solidifying his expertise and reputation.

Do you know what else is incredible? Graham Cluley is a regular face on TV and radio, where he fearlessly demystifies computer security threats and provides expert analysis.

His ability to explain complex concepts clearly and relatable is genuinely remarkable. If you want to stay updated on the latest cybersecurity news, advice, and opinion, Graham’s news website is an absolute goldmine.

Naomi Buckwalter 

Naomi Buckwalter is another true powerhouse with over 20 years of experience in IT and Security. As the Director of Product Security at Contrast Security, she keeps the software products secure and out of reach from breaches.

She is also the founder and Executive Director of the Cybersecurity Gatebreakers Foundation, a nonprofit organization with a noble mission—to bridge the demand gap in cybersecurity hiring.

Now, here’s why you should follow Naomi Buckwalter closely. By connecting with her, you’ll gain guidance on cybersecurity updates.

Chuck Brooks

Chuck Brooks was a super knowledgeable Principal Market Growth Strategist at General Dynamics Mission Systems, where he specialized in Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies. When Covid hit, he took the opportunity to start his own company called Brooks Consulting International. Moreover, LinkedIn recognized his expertise by naming him one of “The Top 5 Tech People to Follow on LinkedIn” among their 550 million members! Impressive, right?

Chuck’s not just a pro in the industry; he’s also an advisor to LinkedIn itself on all things related to cybersecurity and emerging technology. And guess what? He’s a double winner of the prestigious “Cybersecurity Marketer of the Year” award in both 2017 and 2016, presented by the Cybersecurity Excellence Awards. 

If you’re eager to up your cybersecurity awareness game, you’ve got to check out his must-read articles on GovCon Wire. They’re packed with valuable insights and could be just the boost you need to take that big step in the right direction. More importantly, Chuck regularly shares his expertise through articles, interviews, and discussions on a wide range of topics.

Troy Hunt

Troy Hunt, a Pluralsight Information Security Author & Instructor, Microsoft Regional Director, and Most Valued Professional (MVP) specializing in online security and cloud development.

Troy is the mastermind behind Have I Been Pwned – a famous data breach search website. Through this platform, you can check if your personal information has been compromised in any way. 

He has also authored several highly popular security-related courses on Pluralsight, a leading online learning platform. These courses provide invaluable knowledge and practical insights for anyone looking to strengthen their cybersecurity skills.

Did we convince you to follow him yet?

Brian Krebs

Brian Krebs is an American journalist and investigative reporter known for his close coverage of profit-seeking cybercriminals. He is also the author of KrebsOnSecurity.com, a highly regarded daily blog that mostly talks about computer security and cybercrime. 

His journalistic efforts primarily revolve around digging deep into the activities of various organized cybercrime groups from Eastern Europe. 

If you read his investigative stories reporting these crimes, you will start following him on LinkedIn for more updates. 

Rinki Sethi

Rinki Sethi presently serves as the Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at BILL, overseeing global information technology functions.

Her experience in security and technology leadership has paved the way for her to hold key positions including Vice President and CISO at prominent companies like Twitter and Rubrik, Inc. 

Throughout her career, she spearheaded the development of state-of-the-art online security infrastructure at Fortune 500 companies such as IBM, Palo Alto Networks, Intuit, and eBay. Now you know why you need to absolutely follow her! 

Daniel Miessler

Daniel Miessler is another famous influencer in the field of security and technology. As the Founder and CEO of Unsupervised Learning, a product, services, consulting, and media company, his mission is to enhance security and promote well-being worldwide. He also serves as a virtual CISO to multiple companies.

Daniel has authored over 5,000 pieces on various aspects of security and technology. His insightful perspectives and in-depth analysis have garnered widespread recognition, leading to regular features in top-tier publications such as BBC, Forbes, CNET, Dark Reading, and more.

Samy Kamkar

Samy Kamkar is a famous “grey hat” hacker, meaning he isn’t classified as good or bad. Despite dropping out of high school, he gained notoriety (alongside a felony charge) in 2005 for creating the “Samy worm” virus that infected MySpace. This worm added the phrase “Samy is my hero” to victims’ profiles. 

However, over time, he has acquired a heroic reputation by publicly showcasing security weaknesses and vulnerabilities, often to the dismay of corporations and the US government. 

For example, when Amazon declared its intention to employ drones, he hacked one and shared the video on his YouTube channel. Also, he acted as a whistleblower by letting people know how Google and Apple collected users’ data in 2011. Do you even need more convincing of why you need to follow him?

Jane Frankland

Jane Frankland is a highly accomplished woman in cybersecurity whose roles and achievements cannot be laid out in a few paragraphs. She is a leadership coach, board advisor, author, and speaker. Jane has been recognized by various prestigious platforms like Wiki, UNESCO, and LinkedIn’s Top Voices list.

She shares her insights and expertise with forward-thinking companies, governments, and international organizations such as the United Nations, the EU Commission, and the World Digital Assessment Council.

She has a dedicated website to help women in tech upskill your team or hire to speak at a conference.

Fabian Weber

Fabian Weber is a professional in the field of information security with a strong background in computer science.

What amazed everyone is that Fabian’s journey in IT began as a first-level administrator during an internship, and he quickly progressed to managing strategic IT projects. 

Fabian holds the certification of Auditor for ISO 27001, further highlighting his experience in the field. 

Charlie Miller

Dr. Charlie Miller is regarded as one of the most skilled hackers globally, recognized for his exceptional technical expertise. His capabilities have been acknowledged by Foreign Policy, which described him as “one of the most technically proficient hackers on Earth.” 

In one of his interviews, when asked how the next generation can learn IT security, he said, “The best way is to jump in and do something. Audit a piece of software, tear apart an exploit and see how it works, write an exploit for a simple program, write security tools, etc. Security is best learned by doing.”

Dean Sysman

Dean Sysman is an entrepreneur and cybersecurity expert known for his achievements in the cyber field. His achievements include being featured on the Forbes Under30 Israel list and winning the prestigious EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award as well.

He is also the CEO and Co-Founder of Axonius and has played a leading role in establishing the company as the global leader in enabling firms to secure their infrastructure. 

Dean is a sought-after speaker at major conferences such as Blackhat, Defcon, and CCC, where he shares his insights and expertise on cybersecurity.

Andy Greenberg

Andy Greenberg is a senior writer at WIRED who specializes in writing captivating stories about hacking, surveillance, and cybersecurity. As an accomplished author, Greenberg has notable works that deep dive into cybercrime. And if you want to gain insight about those topics, he is the one you need to follow.

His latest book, titled “Tracers in the Dark: The Global Hunt for the Crime Lords of Cryptocurrency,” talks about the pursuit of tracking down and catching the miscreants behind shady activities in cryptocurrency. So don’t miss out!

Dan Lohrmann

Dan Lohrmann is a recognized technologist, keynote speaker, award-winning blogger, and bestselling author. As the field CISO for the public sector at Presidio, he serves as a trusted advisor to government clients, providing them with industry-leading solutions.

Lohrmann has co-authored “Cyber Mayday and the Day After A Leader’s Guide to Preparing, Managing, and Recovering from Inevitable Business Disruptions.” This is an absolute must-read if you are also new to the cyber industry.

Moreover, he has been named the CSO of the Year by SC Magazin and honored as a Premier 100 Leader by Computerworld, among other awards.

Darren Argyle FCIIS

Darren Argyle FCIIS is a famous figure in the field of cybersecurity. Currently, he serves as the Group Chief Information Security Risk Officer at Standard Chartered bank, overseeing the company’s management of information security risks. 

He has received many awards and accolades that highlight his expertise and leadership. Moreover, he appeared on the front cover of SC Magazine in 2016 and was listed in the top 100 CISOs globally in 2017 and 2022. Additionally, he was recognized as one of the top 100 IT security influencers globally in 2018.

His leadership qualities and contributions to the field make him an amazing role model for you to follow. 

Dr Magda Chelly

Dr. Magda Chelly is one of the first Tunisian women to serve on the advisory board of the BlackHat Asia Executive Committee (cybersecurity industry). In 2016, Dr. Chelly founded her cybersecurity start-up based in Singapore, contributing primarily to the tech ecosystem of Asia.

She is also the founding member of Women on Cyber, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting gender diversity in cybersecurity. Due to her unwavering drive and commitment, she launched the first Catch The Flag competition for girls in Singapore. This is an initiative supported by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore.

Kevin Mitnick 

(We’re saddened to announce that Kevin Mitnick has passed away. It’s only been a month since we celebrated him as one of the top 25 influential CISOs to watch. Let’s take a moment to appreciate his big contributions to the field)

Kevin Mitnick is an American computer security consultant, author, and former hacker. What makes him interesting is that he is widely known for his arrest in 1995 for his computer and communication-related crimes. Mitnick’s case has created major controversy and attracted extensive media coverage. This became an inspiration for books, movies, and deep discussions.

After his release, Mitnick transitioned into a successful career in the cybersecurity industry. What better way than to get expert advice on cyber security from a former hacker turned security consultant?

Aron Lange

Aron Lange, the brilliant mind behind LearnGRC! As a Security Officer at Deloitte, Aron dedicates his expertise to ensuring top-notch physical security and conducting thorough contract compliance reviews. Not to mention, he’s a pro at carrying out those essential internal audits, all aligned with ISO 27001 and TISAX requirements.

In the vast sea of resources available, Aron understands how overwhelming it can be to find the right path. That’s precisely why he’s taken the initiative to create LearnGRC, a one-stop hub designed to support GRC professionals on their journey of knowledge expansion.  

When Aron isn’t busy writing some impactful content on LearnGRC, he takes on the role of an information security manager. Working tirelessly, he helps organizations develop, implement, and run strong security programs, making the digital landscape a safer place for everyone.

Christophe Foulon

Christophe Foulon is a  Strategic Cybersecurity Leader/Coach with an unwavering passion for helping businesses and stakeholders tackle their security challenges head-on.  Christophe’s expertise lies in identifying risks and crafting robust security strategies to safeguard organizations from potential threats.

People and processes are at the heart of his approach, as he dedicates his time to teaching and training teams, enhancing best practices, and empowering employees with cybersecurity knowledge. But it doesn’t stop there! He is an excellent consultant, working closely with C-suite executives to upgrade policies and procedures for the utmost protection.

What sets Christophe apart is his understanding of technology. He ensures that any recommended solutions align perfectly with the business mission and requirements.

Helen Yu

Helen Yu is a remarkable individual with a wealth of expertise in various domains!  As an independent Board Director, she brings a unique and dynamic perspective to the boardroom. 

Her thought leadership in technology, cybersecurity risk management, go-to-market strategy, and customer experience makes her a valuable asset for driving informed decisions.

With an impressive career that spans early-stage startups, pre-IPOs, and Fortune 500 enterprises like Oracle, Adobe, and Marketo, Helen has shown a track record of leading ambitious companies to tremendous success. 

She has cultivated inspiring cultures, achieved multi-billion-dollar revenue growth through her leadership.

Henrik Parkkinen

Henrik Parkkinen is another top cybersecurity leader who is an experienced security advisor, recognized as one of the 40 under 40 in Cybersecurity!  Henrik is a true leader in the field with over 2 decades of expertise in Information Security. 

His passion lies in coaching and supporting organizations to strengthen their security posture and enhance their cyber resilience. 

Henrik’s assignments cover a wide range of areas, including security strategy, analysis, assessments, audits, cloud security, governance, advisory, risk management, business, and management consulting.

His knowledge and experience make him a go-to expert for organizations seeking top-notch security solutions and strategic guidance. So go ahead, he’s here to help your business thrive in the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity.

Who are your top cybersecurity experts to follow? Do let us know.