Cybersecurity is quickly becoming one of the most important parts of modern businesses, especially as cyberattacks can cause high financial and reputational damage.
In fact, according to Statista, the average data breach cost in the UK was around $4.53 million. It’s no surprise then, that some of the world’s most impressive minds have set out to take on these cyberthreats.
Why Is Cybersecurity So Important?
Cybersecurity is important because an increasing amount of personal and sensitive information is kept online. This makes large companies prime targets for cybercriminals. Cybersecurity can protect companies from threats like hacking, ransomware attacks, and data breaches.
Without strong security, this data can be stolen, leading to financial losses, reputational damage and identity theft of customers. Cybersecurity helps reduce the risk of this, providing a valuable service.
Here, we take a look at 10 entrepreneurs are leading the cyber-charge, building companies and creating tech that is helping to protect both people and businesses from cyber threats.
Tom Jermoluk, Co-Founder and CEO of Beyond Identity
Tom Jermoluk has helped thousands of people stay safer online through his company Beyond Identity.
Dubbed one of the most secure authentication platforms globally, it helps people access secure sites without needing a password – which can be easily copied in a data breach.
His company has helped both people and businesses operate and access secure information more safely online.
2. Guy Rosen, Meta’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
As Meta’s Chief Information Security Officer, Guy Rosen is in charge of cybersecurity for one of the biggest social media companies in the world.
Rosen plays a huge role in protecting billions of people from data breaches and cyber-attacks. His work not only focuses on protecting data, but also responding to any threats, creating a safer online environment for social media users.
3. George Kurtz, CEO & Founder of CrowdStrike
George Kurtz is a big figure in the cybersecurity industry as the CEO and founder of CrowdStrike, a leading online security company.
CrowdStrike has gained huge recognition for its ability to detect and prevent cyberattacks. Kurtz’s leadership has led CrowdStrike to become a multi-billion-dollar company that has helped millions of businesses worldwide.
4. Charlie Thomas, Chairman of Deepwatch
Charlie Thomas was formally the CEO of Deepwatch, a cloud security platform that keeps organisations protected round the clock.
Under his leadership, Deepwatch has helped tons of companies monitor and respond to threats solidifying them as leaders in the detection and response space.
5. Jeff Ratner, Director, Global Cybersecurity and Privacy Law, Apple Inc.
Jeff Ratner is the Director of Global Cybersecurity and Privacy Law at Apple.
With a strong background in cybersecurity law, Ratner helps Apple ensure they are complying with regulations but also pioneering in the space of privacy protection.
6. David Haber, Founder and CEO of Lakera and Cognir
David Haber has been a big name in the cybersecurity and artificial intelligence space as the founder and CEO of Lakera and Cognir.
His companies focus on creating AI-powered solutions to identify and combat potential threats before they get worse.
By leading the charge in mixing AI with cybersecurity, Haber has created tools that can make the process of security more automated.
7. Sarah Armstrong-Smith, Microsoft’s Chief Security Advisor
Sarah Armstrong-Smith is a cybersecurity expert at Microsoft, working as the company’s Chief Security Advisor.
With years of experience in IT and cyber resilience, Armstrong-Smith is also an big voice for diversity in cybersecurity. Her work has helped develop Microsoft’s approach to cyber threats, making her a respected figure in the business and tech communities.
8. Nils Karn, CEO and Co-Founder of Mitigant
Nils Karn has made a name for himself as the CEO and co-founder of Mitigant, a company that helps companies protect their cloud 24/7.
Mitigant uses a proactive approach, making sure that businesses can track and be informed of potential breaches before they happen. This preventative model has helped grow the company into a cybersecurity leader.
9. Gil Geron, CEO and Co-founder of Orca Security
Gil Geron has become a leader in the cybersecurity world through his company Orca Security, which helps companies protect their cloud against all risks.
The company allows businesses to see and respond to risks faster, making it a go-to for companies that keep their sensitive information in the cloud.
10. Mary Chaney, Chief Executive Officer and President, Minorities in Cybersecurity
Mary Chaney is one of the voices championing greater diversity in the cybersecurity industry.
With over 20 years of experience in information security, Chaney is helping to drive more diversity and inclusion within the cybersecurity industry. Through her work, she has helped underrepresented groups become more involved in tech, offering them valuable training and networking opportunities.
