While I was starting off in cybersecurity, I often found myself lost in a sea of technical jargon. As I tried to make sense of it all, I remembered something my mentor once said: “It’s always best to learn from those who have been there and done that.”
I remember the first time I reached out to one of these experts (you know who you are!) —feeling like I was walking into uncharted territory and expecting no response. What I didn’t foresee was the generosity they would show, sharing not just their insights but the behind-the-scenes effort it takes to share their expertise in the field.
Fast forward to today, I’ve had the opportunity to engage and learn daily from these innovative thought leaders. Their content is my go-to resource to learn, grow and make sense of this ever changing field. Through these interactions, I’ve come to appreciate the relentless dedication and passion required to be at the top.
We all know how browsing through social media is an effective way to keep yourself updated, but have you ever paused to think about the work behind creating real-time, actionable content? The research, the analysis, and the sheer effort it takes to provide content that educates and empowers? It’s no small feat. Each of them provide insights inside a broad range of topics from threats, governance, risk management, compliance, pen testing, and more.
That’s why my team and I wanted to create this list, recognising the most innovative cybersecurity thought leaders who don’t just inform—they educate, inspire, and are open to collaboration. Their work is not just informative; it is indispensable for anyone who wants to educate themselves and grow in cybersecurity.
Here’s our 20 standout cyber leaders to follow in 2025—presented in no particular order:
Henrik is a globally recognised security leader with over 20+ years of experience in the cyber space. His journey through both defensive and offensive security roles has shaped him into a multifaceted expert, adept at addressing complex challengers in security.
But Henrik’s influence doesn’t stop at his technical prowess. He is a master with words and shares his expertise on his content rich blog helping organizations to improve their security posture and cyber resilience. His commitment to education in the domain shows as his content is completely free. No paywalls. No subscriptions. No obligations. Just pure, unfiltered expertise available to anyone willing to learn.
Our favourite section in his blog is his philosophy—a mantra that reminds his readers of the bigger picture: “Relax. And don’t forget to enjoy your time.” It’s a refreshing perspective in a high-pressure industry, underscoring Henrik’s unique ability to blend technical mastery with human empathy.
Follow Henrik Parkinnen here: Linkedin; Blog
Dan Lohrmann is a globally acclaimed cybersecurity leader whose influence spans across multiple industries, government sectors, and continents. With an illustrious career rooted in public sector leadership and a profound passion for technology, Dan has cemented his reputation as a trusted advisor, dynamic speaker, award-winning blogger, and bestselling author.
He is a joy to speak with and always open to share insights daily on Linkedin. His Amazon best-seller, Cyber Mayday and the Day After: A Leader’s Guide to Preparing, Managing, and Recovering from Inevitable Business Disruptions is a must read if you’re aspiring to be a cybersecurity leader.
Dan’s legacy is not only in his accolades but also in his relentless dedication to education. He has advised academic institutions, served on cybersecurity advisory boards, and even taught as an adjunct faculty member.
Follow Dan Lohrmann: Linkedin;; Blog
Troy Hunt is the Founder and CEO of Have I been Pwned, which is also one of those websites I often visit. Have I been Pwned helps individuals assess their exposure in major data breaches. He is often seen at conferences around the world and also runs workshops on how to build more secure software within organisations.
His weekly updates on his blog is a must read to keep up to date. He also creates courses for Pluralsight.
Follow Troy Hunt: Linkedin; Blog
Aron’s journey started in professional basketball and now is one of the top voices in governance, risk and compliance (GRC). He is the founder of GRC Lab, which empowers professionals to launch, grow, and accelerate their careers in Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC). At The GRC Lab, he merged his twin passions for coaching and GRC.
I can attest to Aron’s deep understanding of the challenges faced in the compliance space. He’s made it his mission to simplify the journey, offering valuable insights and helping others avoid the common mistakes that often trip up beginners.
Follow Aron Lange: Linkedin
Shira Rubinoff is a respected cybersecurity executive advisor, and global thought leader whose influence spans across cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and organizational leadership. She has built two successful cybersecurity product companies and championed women in technology through numerous initiatives.
Shira has been celebrated with prestigious accolades, including being named one of New Jersey’s Best 50 Women in Business, receiving the Woman of Influence award from CSO Magazine, and being honored as the 2017 Outstanding Woman in Infosec by the CyberHub Summit.
Her book, Cyber Minds, explores the intersection of cybersecurity, technology, and human behavior and is a great read.
Her verified YouTube channel, ShiraRubinoffTV, boasts over 233,000 subscribers, making it a go-to resource for the latest trends and expert perspectives in cybersecurity and AI.
Follow Shira Rubinoff here: Youtube; Linkedin
Chuck Brooks is a well respected consultant, educator, and thought leader with over 25 years of expertise in cybersecurity, emerging technologies, marketing, business development, and government relations. Chuck is also an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University, where he teaches graduate courses on risk management, homeland security, and cybersecurity.
Throughout his illustrious career, Chuck has briefed the G20 on energy cybersecurity and addressed global cybersecurity cooperation at the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See and the Vatican. Chuck's career is marked by distinguished service, including presidential appointments for executive roles under two U.S. Presidents.
His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including Cybersecurity Person of the Year by Cyber Express, Cybersecurity Marketer of the Year, and recognition as one of the Top 5 Tech People to Follow by LinkedIn.
Follow Chuck Brooks: Linkedin; Blog
Mike Miller is a cybersecurity content superstar on Linkedin. His content has a flair for mixing both relatable and insightful content. His passion is helping others through their journey of breaking into cyber security. His Break in Cyber Playbook is a testament to his dedication, offering invaluable lessons from his own career.
Mike is a Linkedin Top Voice with over 125,000+ followers sharing video content that the space loves. His Youtube channel has over 13,000+ followers too!
Whether you're just starting in cybersecurity, looking to advance your career, or aiming to refine your personal brand, Mike's channels are a must-follow.
Follow Mike Miller: Linkedin; Youtube
Fabian Weber has been immersed in the world of ISO 27001 for over a decade, starting with his final thesis. Now, he’s focused on helping founders solve the challenges he once faced—making compliance simple, practical, and a tool for driving business growth. With over 37,000+ followers on Linkedin, his content spans every relevant aspect of compliance and cybersecurity.
As a certified Lead Auditor for ISO 27001 and a founder himself, he brings a comprehensive understanding of the challenges companies face—balancing technical needs, business alignment, and architecture demands. You can check his ISO 27001 video here.
Follow Fabian Weber: Linkedin
Christophe Foulon is the go-to guy for all things cybersecurity and IT strategy. With 17+ years in the field and 48,000+ followers on Linkedin, he knows how to simplify complex tech challenges and turn them into business wins. Christophe is a bridge builder, helping businesses and IT teams speak the same language and achieve shared goals.
While everyone in cyber is worried about AI, for Christophe it’s a tool he uses to make software development and risk management smarter, faster, and safer.
Christophe is also very passionate about helping people in cybersecurity and tech unlock their potential and thrive in their careers. His blog covers how a factional CISO views cyber and risk environments.
Follow Christophe Foulon: Linkedin; Blog
May Brooks is your go-to guide to fortifying cybersecurity without the headaches. She’s on a mission to turn your digital assets into a fortress—helping individuals stay safe, startups scale securely, and organizations fend off ever-evolving threats.
Her TedX talk on How to stay safe in an online world is an informative and insightful watch.
She has an amazing personality and is always open to help, share insights and in being a useful resource for anyone.
Follow May Brooks: Linkedin; Blog
Alexandre Blanc is a cyber leader with a mission to make cybersecurity practical, actionable, and aligned with his core mission: security and privacy by design and default.
Alexandre, a Top Voice on Linkedin, has amassed a following of 78,000+ followers by sharing insights and sparking meaningful conversations in the space. He shares thoughtful insights, engages in meaningful conversations, and focuses on making cybersecurity understandable and actionable for everyone. Whether it’s OSINT analysis, threat trends, or risk awareness, Alexandre simplifies the complex to help others stay secure.
Cybersecurity isn’t just a job for Alexandre—it’s a field he tirelessly explores with curiosity and a commitment to making the digital world safer for everyone.
He’s approachable, knowledgeable, humourous and someone you’ll be glad to connect with.
Follow Alexandre Blanc: Linkedin; Newsletter
With over 25 years of IT and security experience, Matthew has dedicated his career to transforming organizations’ cybersecurity practices. Whether as a speaker, advisor, or former CISO, he’s passionate about helping companies strengthen their security programs with holistic and actionable strategies.
Matthew’s expertise spans across all major disciplines of infosec. From mapping frameworks like FISMA, HIPAA, PCI, and ISO 27001 to leading risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
He’s also an active member of the security community, contributing to ISC2, ISACA, Infragard, and HIMSS, and presenting at industry events like the CISO Executive Network and SC Congress and speaking at multiple industry conferences and webinars.
For Matthew, security isn’t just a profession—it’s a mission to guide organizations toward stronger, smarter practices.
Follow Matthew Webster: Linkedin; Blog
Jacob Hill has built a reputation for blending hands-on expertise with strategic vision. Jacob is the founder of GRCAcademy.io and the GRC Academy podcast (worth adding to your podcast list), providing CMMC-focused training tailored to the Defense Industrial Base. His CMMC Trainings for Defence Contractors are one of the best in the space.
This expertise comes from this experience in leading and developing robust security and compliance programs that meet federal standards. His commitment to educating the next generation of cybersecurity professionals is commendable.
Follow Jacob Hill: Linkedin; GRC Academy Podcast
Jane Frankland’s journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and purpose. With over 20 years in cybersecurity, Jane has worked with leading organizations like OWASP, CREST, and Cyber Essentials, holding senior executive roles, including Managing Director at Accenture. She excels in bridging the gap between business strategy and technical needs, enabling organizations to achieve rapid revenue growth and seamless execution.
As the author of the Amazon bestseller IN Security, she’s championed greater representation for women in cybersecurity. Her IN Security Movement has provided scholarships for over 400 women, valued at nearly $1M, paving the way for progress.
Jane is a UNESCO trailblazer, UN Women UK Delegate, and a global speaker, sharing her expertise with governments, the United Nations, the EU Commission, and at world-renowned events like Black Hat, Web Summit, and Harvard Asia.
Follow Jane Frankland: Linkedin; Blog
Jeffrey is known for his engaging and authentic leadership style. He has earned a reputation for breaking down the complexities of cyber risk for the masses. With a focus on “telling it like it is” while respecting diverse perspectives, his approach resonates with audiences across industries.
He co-developed a widely adopted cybersecurity maturity model, delivered actionable security metrics, and presented at over 500 events, consistently ranking in the top 10% of Gartner speakers.
If you’re looking for insights on cybersecurity, risk management, or just a good story, connect with Jeffrey Wheatman.
Follow Jeffrey Wheatman: Linkedin
Ron Eddings is a Linkedin Top Voice with over 20,000+ followers known for his efforts in amplifying cybersecurity through content. Through sharing knowledge and human stories, Ron seeks to inspire and uplift the tech community. For Ron, the intersection of humanity and technology is where creativity thrives, and he is committed to lifelong learning and teaching.
His podcast at Hackervalley is top-notch with groundbreaking and insightful discussions from top CISOs and cybersecurity leaders.
Follow Ron Eddings: Linkedin; Podcast
Andy Greenberg is a senior writer at WIRED, specializing in hacking, cybersecurity, and surveillance. He has a keen eye for simplifying the intricate web of digital warfare. He’s the author of Tracers in the Dark: The Global Hunt for the Crime Lords of Cryptocurrency and Sandworm: A New Era of Cyberwar and the Hunt for the Kremlin's Most Dangerous Hackers.
Andy’s work, including excerpts of his books featured in WIRED, has earned prestigious accolades such as two Gerald Loeb Awards, a Sigma Delta Chi Award, and the Cornelius Ryan Citation for Excellence. His reporting illuminates the shadowy world of cybercrime and the relentless efforts to counteract it.
Follow Andy Greenberg: X; Linkedin; WIRED Articles
Confidence is a pioneer educator and innovator in the cyber space. Her career spans around helping organizations develop secure products. Whether integrating automated security testing into CI/CD pipelines or scaling secure-by-design initiatives, she thrives on solving complex challenges and delivering actionable solutions.
With over 81,000+ followers on Linkedin and a Top Voice achievement she is also the author of API Security for White Hat Hackers, an Amazon bestseller that’s equipped professionals with the tools to tackle modern API security threats. Confidence was awarded the Cybersecurity Woman of the World and ISC2 Global Achievement Awards in 2023.
Her Youtube Series, API Kitchen, where she explains API security best practices using culinary metaphors is an insightful and fun watch!
She’s also an advocate for Women in Cybersecurity and through her nonprofit, CyberSafe Foundation, she leads programs like the CyberGirls Fellowship, Africa’s largest cybersecurity training and mentorship initiative for women. Empowering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, especially women, is one of her core missions.
Follow Confidence Staveley: Linkedin; Youtube
Matthew Rosenquist is a seasoned CISO, industry advisor, speaker with a mission to drive impactful change in cybersecurity. He’s recognised with a Linkedin Top Voice Badge with a large network of 194,000+ followers.
With a career marked by contributions to publications, patents, training programs, and certifications, Matthew is a well known thought leader in the cyber community due to his keynote presentations, advisory board roles, and interviews, where he delivers actionable insights that resonate with security professionals worldwide.
Matthew is passionate about making cybersecurity a key enabler for organizational success and a positive force for societal progress.
Follow Matthew Rosenquist: Linkedin; Articles
Andrey is well known for his extensive library of toolkits, meticulously designed to support cybersecurity and privacy professionals. From templates and checklists to mind maps and presentations, Andrey's resources cater to a wide audience of CISOs, DPOs, risk managers, information security managers, and auditors.
Andrey’s mission is to simplify complex implementations and help professionals navigate regulatory and operational challenges with confidence. His library boasts over 400 posts and 1,500 documents and is continuously updated and expanded.
Follow Andrey Prozorov: Linkedin; Patreon
As I wrote this blog, one thing is clear: the cybersecurity space may be fraught with risks, but it’s also brimming with brilliant minds dedicated to staying one step ahead of them. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, guidance, or just a dose of cyber-savvy wisdom, these leaders remind us that when it comes to securing the future, it’s a team sport—and these are the MVPs.