Economic uncertainty, geopolitical cyber tensions and the rise of generative AI have only added to the rising complexity that businesses are tackling every day. From large corporations to small startups, no business is immune from cyberattack, and the game is changing. New cyberattacks are hitting headlines daily following a 38% increase in global attacks over the past year— and business leaders are forced to look critically at where their own infrastructure needs the most protection.
As businesses grapple with uncertainty when it comes to IT budgets, security remains a top priority, with Gartner predicting global spending on security to rise by more than 11% this year. Business leaders are looking for solutions that are going to maximize their budgets and get to the heart of what really needs protecting to keep themselves out of the headlines and keep their customers secure.
Staying ahead of the changing cybersecurity landscape
From the white hat hackers doing the ‘dirty work’ of uncovering what’s happening on the dark web, to the reporters breaking the news on the latest attacks, aligning yourself with the most respected voices in the industry can ensure your executives are joining the evolving conversation at the right time.
With every company under the sun shouting from the rooftops that their product is the silver bullet that will solve the cybersecurity problem, it can be challenging to know who to trust. With many companies grappling with hundreds of cyber tools, partnering with influential experts who have true credibility in the industry can make or break your cyber comms strategy.
These five influencers have earned respect from the cybersecurity community, and are worth connecting with to ensure you’re on their radar.
Focus Areas: cybercrime investigations, data breaches, online security journalism
Brian Krebs is a renowned cybersecurity journalist and investigator, known for his deep dives into cybercrime activities and illuminating pieces on data breaches. With a background in investigative journalism Krebs brings a unique perspective to the field, unraveling the tactics of cybercriminals and dissecting the vulnerabilities that lead to data breaches.
The why
As the creator of the KrebsOnSecurity blog, Brian shares insightful articles and analysis that resonate with both cybersecurity professionals and the general public. His no-nonsense, fact-driven approach has gained his audience’s trust, making his content a reliable source for individuals seeking to understand the intricate world of cyber threats. Brands aiming to establish credibility and position themselves as cybersecurity authorities would benefit from collaborating with Brian Krebs, leveraging his reputation for thorough research and unbiased reporting.
Focus Areas: security education, technology trends, industry commentary
Graham Cluley is a cybersecurity influencer known for his educational efforts in the field. With a background in programming and computer science, he transforms complex security concepts into digestible content for a wide audience. Through his blog, podcasts and social presence, Cluley strives to bridge the knowledge gap by translating intricate cybersecurity topics into easily understandable insights.
The why
Graham's content style is approachable and engaging, often combining humor with informative explanations. His knack for breaking down complex subjects makes him an excellent partner for brands seeking to demystify cybersecurity for their customers. By collaborating with Graham Cluley, companies can tap into his ability to connect with both technical experts and everyday users, fostering a sense of security literacy among their target audience.
Focus Areas: cloud security, privacy regulations, emerging technologies
Mark Lynd is known for his insights into the evolving landscape of cloud security and privacy regulations. With a background in technology and law, he offers a unique perspective on the intersection of emerging technologies and the legal frameworks that govern them. His work centers on guiding organizations through the complexities of cloud adoption while ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
The why
Through his thought leadership articles, speaking engagements and advisory roles, Mark educates audiences on the challenges and opportunities presented by cloud technologies. Brands seeking to navigate the intricate world of cloud security and data privacy can collaborate with Lynd to leverage his expertise in crafting strategies that balance innovation with regulatory compliance.
Focus Areas: social engineering, phishing awareness, ethical hacking
Rachel Tobac specializes in the intriguing realm of social engineering. With a background in competitive hacking and experience in winning social engineering competitions, she sheds light on the vulnerabilities that arise from human interactions in the digital realm. Her work revolves around raising awareness about phishing attacks, training individuals and organizations to recognize and resist manipulation attempts.
The why
Rachel's content style is dynamic and engaging, often combining real-world anecdotes with practical security advice. Brands aiming to bolster their customers' defenses against social engineering attacks can collaborate with Tobac to deliver interactive workshops, educational materials and engaging content that empowers users to make more informed decisions in the face of cyber threats.
Focus Areas: women in cybersecurity, cybersecurity awareness, human-centric security
Shira Rubinoff is a cybersecurity influencer with a focus on building a more inclusive and secure digital world. With a background in psychology and technology, she emphasizes the importance of human-centric security solutions that account for the psychological and behavioral aspects of cyber threats. As a thought leader, Rubinoff advocates for increased diversity in the cybersecurity field and promotes cybersecurity awareness among all demographics.
The why
Through her speaking engagements, articles and social media presence, Shira fosters discussions on the intersection of technology, psychology and cybersecurity. Brands looking to align with a message of inclusivity and holistic security can collaborate with Rubinoff to amplify their efforts and promote cyber awareness across a broad spectrum of audiences.
