In a world filled with digital threats, awareness of cybersecurity trends is no longer considered optional; it is now essential. The Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG) found that 72% of organizations will be looking to grow their cybersecurity team to manage the increased complexity of threats and greater regulatory obligations.
The increased demand for cybersecurity professionals is a lucrative situation, but only if you do not fall behind. Whether you are just beginning your cybersecurity career or looking to take on a leadership role, following the correct thought leaders will help to hone your skills and approach. These leaders will provide tangible insights, recommend certification and training programs, or help to differentiate an increasingly dynamic field. To advance your career and expertise, you should follow these 12 prominent cybersecurity experts.
1. Katie Moussouris – CEO, Luta Security
Katie is a familiar name in the world of vulnerability disclosure and bug bounty programs. She is a trailblazer in developing policies that serve the interests of companies and ethical hackers alike, so her thoughts are especially useful for those wondering about threat modeling, secure development, etc.
Why Follow: For cybersecurity leadership tips, informed cybersecurity policy from the government side, and practical information on ethical hacking.
2. Dr. Milton Mattox – CTO, Castle Shield
Dr. Milton Mattox serves as CTO at Castle Shield and was formerly the COO at Cipherloc Corporation. He has experience as a software engineer and in IT infrastructure and R&D leadership, bringing a wealth of technical and executive experience to the field of cybersecurity. He holds a doctorate in Organization & Leadership and has taught leadership and technology at Colorado Technical University.
Why follow: For insights into enterprise cybersecurity and tech-driven leadership.
3. Troy Hunt—Creator, Have I Been Pwned
A Microsoft Regional Director and Pluralsight author, Troy Hunt is best known for his breach alert service “Have I Been Pwned.” He shares practical advice and useful insights that are relevant at any level.
Why Follow: Data breach insights, web application security common practices, and developer-specific security practices.
4. Graham Cluley – Independent Security Analyst
Since 1990, Graham has been active in the field of cybersecurity. His blogs, podcasts, and videos help to demystify technical security issues and make them engaging.
Why Follow: To get daily reports on the latest cyber threats, phishing campaigns, and cybercrime.
5. Chris Roberts – Researcher & Hacker
Chris is a recognized ethical hacker with extensive knowledge about aviation, industrial systems, and infrastructure vulnerabilities. He delivers keynote presentations at major conferences, constantly providing an alternative take on emerging threats.
Why Follow: For outside-the-box cybersecurity thinking and infrastructure threat modeling.
6. Theresa Payton – Former White House CIO, CEO of Fortalice Solutions
Theresa has national security experience combined with private-sector approaches as the first female CIO at the White House. Her thought leadership extends to AI, cybercrime, and business continuity planning.
Why Follow: For a focus on leadership in cybersecurity, executive strategies, and a business-related perspective toward cyber risk management.
7. Jayson E. Street – VP of Infosec, SphereNY
Jayson has established a reputation from his live hacking demonstrations and engaging speaking events as a subject matter expert in social engineering and red teaming concepts. An educator with passion and real-life experience is something that relates especially well to students and new professionals.
Why Follow: For pen testing methods, practices, and real life career advice for pursuing a cybersecurity career.
8. Brian Krebs – Founder, KrebsOnSecurity
Brian is a dedicated reporter who has an eye for crimes involving technology and data breaches, covering cybercrime. His investigative pieces frequently reveal weaknesses and demonstrate large-scale fraud.
Why Follow: If you want heavyweight, investigative pieces on cybercrime, digital forensics, and large breaches.
9. Eva Galperin – Director of Cybersecurity, EFF
Eva is working on digital privacy and the protection of vulnerable communities. She pushes for stronger user rights and provides a unique take on surveillance, spyware, and digital ethics.
Why Follow: For the intersections of cybersecurity and human rights, digital privacy, and ethical security practices.
10. Lesley Carhart – Incident Response Lead, Dragos
Lesley, also known on Twitter as hacks4pancakes, is an incident responder with a vast amount of knowledge of threat intelligence and forensic analysis experience in the capacity of an incident responder. Lesley also advocates for others by mentoring in the field.
Why Follow: For blue team tactics, cybersecurity certifications, and tips on building a sustainable career in cybersecurity.
11. Kevin Beaumont – Security Researcher & Writer
Kevin offers real-world experiences of working in enterprise environments. He often writes deep-dive threads on Twitter and on his blog about Microsoft security products and emerging threats.
Why Follow: For endpoint protection strategies, Microsoft ecosystem security, and technical blog posts.
12. Daniel Miessler – Cybersecurity Author & Podcaster
Daniel brings together cybersecurity, philosophy, and technology with his weekly newsletters and podcasts. This work is perfect for those who want to examine cybersecurity from both a technical and strategic perspective.
Why Follow: For curated industry insights, a look at security automation, and considerate commentary on the future of cybersecurity.
Conclusion
Following cybersecurity specialists can provide a tactical advantage, such as understanding how the latest threats affect you, determining which cybersecurity certifications are worth spending your money on, or understanding how breaches work in the real world. These experts are continually providing access to useful information, insightful context, and learning, which can keep you agile in an industry where the only constant is change.
