Security teams are preparing for a year in which attackers move faster and defenders have less time to respond. CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz warned in a latest 2026 interview about newly disclosed PHP flaws, “You’re going to see a lot of breaches happening in the coming months from this.”

In that environment, top cybersecurity influencers guide the industry with original research, clear explanations, and practical advice that helps teams act with confidence. Based in different parts of the world, these 8 cybersecurity thought leaders bring varied perspectives on research, reporting, and leadership that professionals, executives, and newcomers can use.

1. Katie Moussouris, Founder and CEO of Luta Security (United States)

   Katie Moussouris is a leading authority on vulnerability disclosure and bug bounty program design. As founder and CEO of Luta Security, she helps organizations and governments build programs that welcome external security research.

   Her expertise earned her a keynote slot at SentinelOne’s LABScon 2026, held September 16 to 19 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Her work is especially valuable for leaders who want to turn researcher reports into stronger products.

2. Dr. Jessica Barker, Author and Specialist in Security Behavior (United Kingdom)

   Born in the United Kingdom and now based in Las Vegas, Jessica Barker studies the human side of security, including how psychology and workplace culture shape risk. She received an MBE in 2023 for services to cybersecurity, and she serves on the UK Government Cyber Security Advisory Board.

   Her approach replaces fear-based awareness training with practical, respectful guidance that people can apply. She was named among the keynote speakers at the ISC2 Security Congress, where sessions cover AI, quantum security, leadership, and cyber resilience.

3. Keren Elazari, Security Analyst and Researcher (Israel)

   Keren Elazari, known as the “Friendly Hacker,” is based in Israel and explains why understanding attacker thinking strengthens defense. She delivered a keynote at CyberCon 2026 on October 14, titled “Confessions of a Friendly Hacker: Why Attacker Thinking Is Our Best Defense in the AI Era.” Her session drew on real breaches, including cases from Ukraine and Taiwan, and offered defenders a constructive way to prepare for AI-enabled attacks.

4. Brian Krebs, Investigative Reporter at KrebsOnSecurity (United States)

   Brian Krebs publishes KrebsOnSecurity.com, an award-winning site that investigates cybercrime operations and the networks behind them. He reported for The Washington Post from 1996 to 2009 before launching his own site. His 2026 RSAC presentation, “From Infiltration to Disruption Taking on the Russian Cyber Mob,” reflects his focus on how criminal groups operate and how they can be disrupted.

5. Troy Hunt, Founder and CEO of Have I Been Pwned (Australia)

   Australian security expert Troy Hunt created Have I Been Pwned, the public service that lets anyone check whether their data appeared in a breach. He is also a Microsoft Regional Director and Most Valuable Professional for Developer Security, and he teaches information security as a Pluralsight author.

   His work makes breach exposure understandable to ordinary users and security teams alike, which makes him a strong follow for anyone who wants clear, usable guidance on credential security.

6. Matthew Rosenquist, Founder of Cybersecurity Insights and CISO at Mercury Risk (United States)

   United States-based Matthew Rosenquist is a cybersecurity strategist and board advisor who previously held senior security roles at Intel Corporation. He founded Cybersecurity Insights and serves as CISO at Mercury Risks.

   His expertise is in cyber risk, trust, and disruptive technology, and his writings guide leaders through the process of making a business decision out of a complex threat. He's one of the most unique voices in the cybersecurity industry to see security as the foundation for trust and sustained performance, and his Cybersecurity Insights Podcast is a regular go-to for professionals for guidance.

7. Chuck Brooks, Cybersecurity Advisor and President of Brooks Consulting International (United States)

   Chuck Brooks is a cybersecurity advisor and the president of Brooks Consulting International, based in the United States. He teaches as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University, writes as a Forbes contributor, and previously served at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

   His work connects public policy, national security, and enterprise technology, and he has published more than 400 articles. Following him gives business leaders and policymakers actionable insight on emerging technology and risks.

8. Graham Cluley, Cybersecurity Keynote Speaker and Podcaster (United Kingdom)

   Graham Cluley is a cybersecurity keynote speaker, writer, and podcaster based in the United Kingdom. He co-hosts the Smashing Security podcast, which turns breaches, scams, and cybercrime news into clear, engaging discussion. His writing ,and talks help non-specialists understand threats without jargon, which makes him a welcome voice for teams building everyday security awareness today.

Turning Insight into Career Growth

It is most helpful to follow the lead of top cybersecurity experts when it inspires action. These are the steps to take to turn what you learn into career development:

• Follow Selectively

  Select 3 to 4 voices that align with you (e.g., vulnerability research, security culture, and threat intelligence).

• Track Recurring Themes

  Record subjects that are discussed by multiple experts as multiple concerns may indicate where hiring and budget are going.

• Apply one idea each month

  Use a recommendation in your own work, like a new awareness approach or a checklist on how to respond to a breach

• Build a visible record

  Communicate briefly about your learning to demonstrate initiative to employers.

• Add Industry-Relevant Cybersecurity Program

  USCSI® cybersecurity certification proves your ability and provides a structured progression of knowledge and capabilities from the basics to leadership.

Staying Ahead in 2027

The eight leaders elaborated above showcase that the cybersecurity domain rewards curiosity, clear communication, and steady learning. Their work covers different corners of the field, from research and reporting to resilience and policy, so together they give a well-rounded view of where the industry is going. Professionals who learn from these voices and keep building practical skills will be well prepared for the year ahead.

FAQs

What skills do security teams need as AI changes threats?

Teams need threat analysis, secure AI usage, incident response, and the ability to explain risk to business leaders.

Why should professionals follow experts in more than one specialty?

Research, policy, behavior, and reporting each reveal different risks, so a mixed list gives a more complete view.

How do cybersecurity influencers affect security policy and regulation?

Through testimony, published research, and advisory role, they shape standards that organizations later adopt as compliance requirements.