Security Speakers

A security speaker is a subject matter expert who presents on topics related to cybersecurity, digital privacy, threat intelligence, and risk mitigation. These individuals are often seasoned professionals - think ethical hackers, CISOs, researchers, or policy advisors - who translate complex security concepts into digestible, engaging content for live or virtual audiences.

Unlike a traditional educator or consultant, a security speaker is focused on communication. Their job is to inform, inspire, and sometimes alarm, depending on the context. They might be delivering a keynote at a tech conference, leading a workshop for small business owners, or joining a podcast to discuss the latest ransomware trends.

Security speakers often cover a wide range of topics, including:
- Cyber hygiene for everyday users
- Enterprise-level threat detection and response
- Emerging risks like AI-driven attacks or deepfakes
- Regulatory compliance (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.)
- Ethical considerations in surveillance and data collection

What sets them apart is their ability to connect with diverse audiences. A great security speaker can explain blockchain vulnerabilities to a room of marketers or walk a group of developers through secure coding practices. They're translators between the technical and the practical.

In short, a security speaker is someone who doesn't just understand cybersecurity - they can communicate its urgency and relevance in a way that sticks.

When a data breach hits the headlines, it's often too late for education. That's where a security speaker steps in - before the crisis, when awareness can still make a difference.

Security speakers play a crucial role in bridging the gap between technical knowledge and public understanding. In a world where digital threats evolve faster than most people can keep up, these speakers help demystify the landscape. They make cybersecurity accessible, whether they're talking to a boardroom, a classroom, or a livestream audience.

For businesses, bringing in a security speaker can be a game-changer. They can help leadership teams understand risk exposure, train staff on phishing awareness, or introduce frameworks like Zero Trust in plain language. In sectors like finance, healthcare, and education - where data sensitivity is high - this kind of clarity is invaluable.

Security speakers also influence culture. By speaking at events, on podcasts, or in webinars, they shape how people think about privacy, trust, and digital responsibility. They can spark conversations that lead to better habits, smarter policies, and stronger defenses.

In essence, a security speaker isn't just a nice-to-have. They're a strategic asset in a world where one weak password can cost millions. Their voice helps shift cybersecurity from a back-office concern to a front-line priority.

Security speakers wear many titles in their day jobs - analysts, engineers, researchers - but when they step onto a stage or into a Zoom room, their mission is clear: educate, engage, and empower.

Here's what security speakers typically do:

- Deliver Keynotes and Panels. They speak at conferences, summits, and corporate events on topics like threat intelligence, data protection, or emerging cyber risks.

- Lead Workshops and Trainings. Many security speakers offer hands-on sessions for teams, walking them through real-world scenarios like phishing simulations or incident response drills.

- Consult on Strategy. Some speakers double as advisors, helping organizations assess vulnerabilities or build security roadmaps. Their talks often reflect this practical experience.

- Create Content. From blog posts to whitepapers to YouTube explainers, security speakers often extend their reach through digital content. This reinforces their credibility and helps them stay top-of-mind.

- Advocate for Policy and Ethics. Some security speakers engage in public discourse around surveillance, encryption laws, or digital rights, influencing both public opinion and policy.

- Tailor Talks to Diverse Audiences. Whether it's a group of startup founders in Nairobi or a school district in Texas, they adapt their message to fit the context, culture, and technical level of their listeners.

In short, security speakers do more than just talk. They translate, teach, challenge, and connect. Their work helps individuals and organizations stay one step ahead in an increasingly complex digital world.

Ready to step on stage and share your cybersecurity expertise? Here's a practical, step-by-step guide to becoming a security speaker, whether you're just starting out or looking to level up.

1. Define Your Niche.
- Cybersecurity is broad. Are you an expert in ethical hacking, cloud security, threat intelligence, or compliance? Pick a focus that aligns with your experience and passion.
- Tip: Look at top conferences like Black Hat or RSA to see what topics are trending.

2. Build Credibility.
- Start publishing content: write LinkedIn posts, contribute to security blogs, or launch a newsletter.
- Get certifications like CISSP, CEH, or CISM to boost your authority.
- Speak at local meetups or webinars to gain experience.

3. Craft Your Signature Talk.
- Develop a compelling presentation that solves a real problem or shares a unique insight.
- Use storytelling, real-world examples, and visuals to keep your audience engaged.
- Rehearse with peers or mentors and gather feedback.

4. Create Your Speaker Page.
- Use platforms like Talks.co to build a professional speaker profile.
- Include your bio, headshot, talk topics, testimonials, and a video clip if possible.
- This makes it easier for event organizers to find and book you.

5. Connect with Hosts and Event Planners.
- Reach out directly to podcast hosts, conference organizers, or corporate event planners.
- Use LinkedIn or Talks.co to pitch your talk.
- Pro tip: Offer to speak for free at first to build your portfolio, then transition to paid gigs.

6. Keep Improving.
- Ask for feedback after every talk.
- Stay updated on cybersecurity trends so your content stays relevant.
- Attend other speakers' sessions to learn new techniques.

Becoming a security speaker isn't just about knowledge. It's about communication, connection, and consistency. Start small, stay focused, and build your brand one talk at a time.

Being a security speaker isn't just about knowing your stuff. It's about translating complex cybersecurity topics into engaging, actionable insights for different audiences. Here's what you really need to step into this role.

First, you need subject matter expertise. Whether you're a penetration tester, a compliance officer, or a CISO, your real-world experience is your biggest asset. Audiences want to hear from people who've been in the trenches. That said, formal credentials like CISSP, OSCP, or SANS certifications can boost your credibility, especially at enterprise-level events.

Second, communication skills are crucial. You don't need to be a TED Talk pro, but you do need to explain technical concepts clearly and confidently. Practice helps. Join Toastmasters, record yourself presenting, or speak at small meetups to refine your delivery.

Third, you need a platform. A speaker page on Talks.co is a great start. It acts as your digital resume, showcasing your topics, testimonials, and past appearances. It also helps connect you with hosts and event organizers looking for experts like you.

Finally, you need a network. Engage with the cybersecurity community on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Reddit. Attend conferences, contribute to open-source projects, or guest on podcasts. The more visible and helpful you are, the more likely you'll be invited to speak.

In short, to be a security speaker, you need a mix of expertise, communication skills, visibility, and a little hustle. The good news? All of these can be developed with intention and effort.

Yes, many security speakers do get paid, but how much and how often depends on several factors. Let's break it down.

At large conferences like RSA, Black Hat, or DEF CON, many speakers are not paid directly. These events often offer exposure, travel reimbursement, or VIP access instead. However, keynote speakers or those with significant name recognition may receive honorariums ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 or more.

In the corporate world, it's a different story. Companies hosting internal security summits or client-facing webinars often pay speakers, especially if the content is tailored to their needs. Rates here can range from $1,000 to $10,000 per session, depending on the speaker's profile.

Let's look at some pros and cons:

Pros:
- Paid gigs are common in corporate and private events.
- Speaking can lead to consulting contracts or product partnerships.
- Virtual events reduce travel costs, increasing net income.

Cons:
- Many community events don't pay.
- Competition is high for paid slots.
- Building a paid speaking career takes time and visibility.

According to SpeakerHub and Talks.co data, about 30-40% of security speakers earn direct income from speaking engagements. The rest use speaking as a lead-generation tool for their main business or consulting practice.

So yes, security speakers do get paid, but it often starts as a side benefit and grows into a revenue stream with time and strategy.

Security speakers generate income in a variety of ways, and it's not just about the speaking fee. Let's explore the most common revenue streams:

1. Paid Speaking Engagements.
- Corporate events, webinars, and private summits often pay for expert speakers.
- Rates vary widely: from $500 for a virtual panel to $20,000+ for a keynote at a major tech event.

2. Workshops and Training.
- Many security speakers offer hands-on workshops or bootcamps.
- These can be sold directly to companies or through platforms like Udemy, Pluralsight, or their own websites.

3. Consulting and Advisory Roles.
- Speaking builds authority, which leads to consulting gigs.
- A speaker might be hired to assess security posture, train teams, or advise on compliance.

4. Books and Courses.
- Publishing a book or launching an online course can generate passive income.
- Example: Troy Hunt's "Have I Been Pwned" led to speaking gigs and training products.

5. Sponsorships and Brand Deals.
- Some speakers partner with cybersecurity vendors.
- They might promote tools, appear in webinars, or co-host events.

6. Virtual Summits and Platforms.
- Hosting your own summit on Zoom or similar platforms can be lucrative.
- You can charge attendees, sell replays, or monetize through sponsors.

In essence, speaking is often the tip of the iceberg. The real money comes from how you leverage that visibility into services, products, and partnerships.

Security speakers' earnings vary dramatically based on experience, visibility, and the type of events they speak at. Let's break it down with some real-world context.
At the entry level, speakers at community events or local meetups often speak for free or for a small honorarium (under $500). These gigs are more about exposure and networking than income.
Mid-tier speakers who present at corporate events, industry webinars, or regional conferences can earn between $1,000 and $5,000 per talk. These speakers usually have a solid LinkedIn presence, a Talks.co speaker page, and a few notable appearances under their belt.
Top-tier security speakers, especially those with a strong media presence or bestselling books, can command $10,000 to $50,000 per keynote. For example:
- Bruce Schneier, a renowned cryptographer, reportedly earns $20,000+ per appearance.
- Kevin Mitnick (before his passing in 2023) was known to charge upwards of $30,000 for corporate keynotes.
Here's a quick comparison table:

Speaker Level	Typical Fee Range	Example Events
Beginner	$0 - $500	Local meetups, webinars
Intermediate	$1,000 - $5,000	Corporate summits, tech expos
Advanced	$5,000 - $15,000	Regional conferences, panels
Elite Keynote	$15,000 - $50,000+	Global conferences, Fortune 500

So, how much do security speakers make? It depends on how you package your expertise, market yourself, and diversify your income streams. Speaking can be a full-time career or a powerful side hustle.

If you're looking to hire a security speaker, the cost can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands. The price depends on several factors: the speaker's experience, the event type, location, and whether it's virtual or in-person.

Here's a breakdown:

- Local or Niche Speakers: $0 - $1,000.
- Often speak for exposure or community contribution.
- Ideal for meetups, internal training, or academic events.

- Mid-Level Professionals: $1,000 - $5,000.
- These speakers have a Talks.co profile, some media presence, and a few notable gigs.
- Suitable for corporate webinars, regional events, or industry panels.

- High-Profile Experts: $5,000 - $20,000.
- Includes published authors, CISOs, or former hackers.
- Common at national conferences or vendor-sponsored events.

- Celebrity Speakers: $20,000 - $50,000+.
- Think Bruce Schneier, Mikko Hyppönen, or Katie Moussouris.
- Often keynote at global conferences or Fortune 500 events.

Additional costs may include:
- Travel and accommodation.
- Customization of content.
- Licensing fees for recorded sessions.

Virtual events tend to be cheaper, with many speakers offering discounted rates for online keynotes or panels. If you're on a budget, consider booking through platforms like Talks.co where you can filter by fee range and topic.

Bottom line: the cost of a security speaker varies, but there's talent available for nearly every budget.

Here's a list of some of the most iconic security speakers of all time. These individuals have shaped the cybersecurity conversation globally.

- Bruce Schneier.
- Known as the 'security guru', Schneier has authored numerous books and is a go-to voice on cryptography and privacy.
- Quote: 'Security is a process, not a product.'

- Kevin Mitnick.
- Once the world's most wanted hacker, Mitnick became a respected speaker and consultant.
- His talks blended storytelling with real-world lessons in social engineering.

- Mikko Hyppönen.
- Chief Research Officer at F-Secure, Mikko is known for his engaging TED Talks and deep insight into malware trends.

- Katie Moussouris.
- A pioneer in vulnerability disclosure and bug bounty programs.
- Her talks often focus on ethical hacking and policy.

- Dan Kaminsky.
- Famous for discovering a critical DNS flaw, Kaminsky was a beloved speaker known for making complex topics accessible.

- Eva Galperin.
- Director of Cybersecurity at EFF, Galperin speaks powerfully on digital rights and surveillance.

- Chris Hadnagy.
- Expert in social engineering and author of 'The Art of Human Hacking'.

- Rafal Los.
- Known for his practical, business-aligned approach to security.

- Brian Krebs.
- While more of a journalist, Krebs' keynotes on cybercrime are packed with insight and real-world impact.

These speakers have not only informed but also inspired generations of cybersecurity professionals.

Looking for top-tier security speakers making waves right now? Here are some of the best in the world today, known for their expertise, delivery, and influence.

- Troy Hunt (Australia).
- Creator of HaveIBeenPwned.com.
- Known for his clear, engaging talks on data breaches and web security.

- Keren Elazari (Israel).
- Cybersecurity analyst and TED speaker.
- Brings a global perspective on ethical hacking and digital empowerment.

- Harri Hursti (Finland/USA).
- Featured in HBO's 'Kill Chain', Hursti is a leading voice on election security.

- Lesley Carhart (USA).
- Known as 'hacks4pancakes' on Twitter.
- Speaks on incident response and security culture with humor and clarity.

- Magda Chelly (Singapore).
- Cyberfeminist and CISO advisor.
- Focuses on diversity in cybersecurity and risk management.

- Jaya Baloo (Netherlands).
- CISO at Avast, former CISO at KPN Telecom.
- Combines deep technical knowledge with strategic insight.

- Chris Roberts (USA).
- Aviation and transportation security expert.
- Known for controversial but eye-opening talks.

- Allison Miller (USA).
- VP of Trust at Reddit.
- Speaks on fraud prevention, risk, and user trust.

- Raj Samani (UK).
- Chief Scientist at Rapid7.
- Regular speaker at global events like RSA and Infosec Europe.

These speakers are not only experts in their fields but also skilled communicators who can translate complex security issues into compelling narratives for any audience.

Let's unpack some of the most persistent misconceptions floating around about security speakers. Whether you're thinking of stepping into this space or just curious about what these experts actually do, it's worth separating fact from fiction.

1. Myth: Security speakers only talk about hacking.
This one's widespread, especially among folks outside the tech industry. While cybersecurity is a major theme, security speakers cover a wide range of topics: physical security, data privacy, compliance, risk management, and even psychological manipulation tactics like social engineering. For example, Bruce Schneier speaks just as much about policy and ethics as he does about encryption. The field is broad, and so are the conversations.

2. Myth: You need to be a former hacker to be a credible security speaker.
Not true. While some speakers like Kevin Mitnick built their reputations from past hacking exploits, many others come from law enforcement, academia, or enterprise IT. Take Theresa Payton, former White House CIO: her credibility comes from leadership and strategy, not black-hat experience. What matters most is insight and the ability to communicate it clearly.

3. Myth: Security speakers are only relevant to tech conferences.
Actually, security is now a boardroom issue. Security speakers are showing up at finance summits, healthcare expos, education forums, and even HR conferences. Why? Because breaches affect every sector. A speaker who can translate complex threats into business language is in high demand across industries.

4. Myth: You need to be a technical genius to become a security speaker.
While technical know-how helps, it's not the only path. Some of the most impactful speakers focus on policy, human behavior, or leadership in crisis situations. If you can explain zero trust architecture to a non-technical audience or help a school district understand ransomware risks, you're already ahead of the game.

5. Myth: Security speakers just recycle the same fear-based messages.
The best ones don't. Yes, fear gets attention, but seasoned speakers focus on solutions, resilience, and empowerment. They offer frameworks, not just warnings. Think of someone like Mikko Hypponen, who blends storytelling with actionable advice, helping audiences feel informed rather than overwhelmed.

When Troy Hunt first launched Have I Been Pwned, he didn't set out to become a global security speaker. But as data breaches piled up and public awareness grew, his ability to explain complex breaches in plain English made him a go-to expert. From keynotes at Microsoft Ignite to interviews on mainstream media, Troy built a reputation by being transparent, helpful, and relentlessly clear.

Then there's Keren Elazari, a cybersecurity analyst from Israel who became the first Israeli woman to speak at TED on hacking. Her talk, 'Hackers: the Internet's immune system,' went viral not just because of its content, but because of her ability to reframe hackers as agents of change. That narrative shift opened doors to conferences outside the tech bubble, from education to public policy.

In the corporate world, people like Brian Krebs have transitioned from investigative journalism into speaking roles. His deep dives into cybercrime rings and fraud networks have made him a trusted voice for financial institutions and law enforcement agencies alike. He doesn't just report the news-he explains what it means for your business.

And let's not forget regional voices making waves. In Kenya, Bright Gameli Mawudor has been instrumental in raising cybersecurity awareness across East Africa. Through conferences like AfricaHackOn, he's not only educating local businesses but also mentoring the next generation of African security professionals. His talks blend technical depth with cultural relevance, making them resonate across borders.

Each of these speakers took a different route: some through research, others through media, and some through activism. But what they all share is clarity, credibility, and the ability to connect with audiences beyond the security echo chamber.

Security speakers are stepping into a new era. The landscape is shifting, not just in terms of threats, but in how audiences consume content, what they expect from experts, and where those conversations are happening. Here's what's on the horizon:

- Hybrid speaking formats are becoming the norm. Whether it's a live keynote streamed to a global audience or a virtual panel hosted on platforms like Talks.co, the days of only in-person events are gone. Security speakers need to master both stage presence and webcam charisma.

- Demand for localized insights is growing. Global threats need local context. Companies in Southeast Asia, for example, face different regulatory and infrastructure challenges than those in Europe. Speakers who can tailor their message to regional nuances will stand out.

- Cross-industry storytelling is gaining traction. Audiences are tired of jargon. They want stories. Security speakers who can draw parallels between cybersecurity and fields like healthcare, education, or even sports are getting booked more often. Think: how phishing is like a con game, or how ransomware mirrors hostage negotiation.

- AI and deepfake risks are hot topics. With generative AI tools exploding, speakers who can demystify these technologies-and explain their security implications-are in high demand. Expect more talks on synthetic media, identity spoofing, and AI-driven threat detection.

- Ethics and digital rights are entering the spotlight. As governments and corporations wrestle with surveillance, data ownership, and algorithmic bias, security speakers who can speak to the moral dimensions of tech will be front and center.

In short, the future belongs to speakers who are not just technically sharp, but also culturally aware, media-savvy, and capable of connecting dots across disciplines. If you're building a career in this space, now's the time to expand your toolkit beyond firewalls and into frameworks for trust, privacy, and resilience.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your speaking game, the right tools can make a huge difference. Here's a curated list of platforms, communities, and resources to help aspiring security speakers get noticed, get booked, and get better:

1. Talks.co. A smart platform for matching podcast hosts with expert guests. If you're new to speaking, podcasts are a great way to build your voice and credibility. Use Talks.co to find shows in cybersecurity, tech, or even niche verticals like healthcare IT.

2. OWASP Chapters. The Open Web Application Security Project has local chapters worldwide. Volunteering or speaking at these meetups is a great way to test content, get feedback, and build community credibility.

3. Cybersecurity Conferences. This site lists global security events by region and topic. Use it to pitch yourself as a speaker or attend events to network and learn what resonates with audiences.

4. Slidebean. If design isn't your thing, this tool helps you create clean, professional slide decks. Great for turning technical content into visually engaging presentations.

5. Toastmasters International. While not security-specific, Toastmasters is a proven way to sharpen your public speaking skills. Many chapters now meet online, making it accessible from anywhere.

6. Twitter/X and LinkedIn. Follow hashtags like #infosec, #cybersecurity, and #cyberaware. Engage with other speakers, share your insights, and build a personal brand. Many speaking invites start with a DM.

7. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Their reports and alerts are gold for staying current. Use their data to back up your points and add credibility to your talks.

Pro tip: Don't wait for an invite. Start by creating short videos or LinkedIn posts on timely security topics. Build your voice, then use these tools to amplify it.