Cybercrime & Corporate Resilience: Expert Voices on Protecting Your Digital Future
In April 2025, Marks & Spencer suffered a serious ransomware attack carried out by the Scattered Spider hacking collective. Attackers infiltrated M&S’s systems forcing suspension of online orders, contactless payments and loyalty services for weeks, while in-store operations reverted to manual methods. This breach exposed the reliance and vulnerability that companies have on their internal digital systems.
In today’s hyperconnected world, cybercrime has become one of the most significant threats facing businesses of all sizes. From countries to multinational corporations to small startups, no organisation is immune. In 2025 alone, global cybercrime damages are estimated to exceed $10.5 trillion annually.
To counter these threats, businesses must prioritise cybersecurity as a core part of their operations by investing in employee training, threat detection tools and response protocols.
In the modern digital age, cybersecurity is no longer optional; it’s essential to survival.
Some of our speakers on this puzzling but pertinent topic include:
Samm Sacks
Cybersecurity expert & Senior Fellow at Yale Law School’s China Center
Samm Sacks has led industrial cybersecurity initiatives for Siemens in Asia and is widely cited for her insights on US–China tech relations and data governance.
Alex Creswell
Director of the Joint Intelligence Organisation (2015-17)
Alex Cresswell is a national‑security specialist who now advises global leaders and serves as Chair of the Turing Innovation Catalyst to guide AI and cyber-risk strategy.
Ben Wallace
UK Secretary of State for Defence (2019-23)
Ben Wallace is a politician who played a central role in shaping British military policy including publishing the UK’s first Defence AI Strategy.
Sarah Armstrong-Smith
Chief Security Advisor for Microsoft EMEA
Sarah Armstrong‑Smith is a cybersecurity leader whose career has spanned senior roles at Fujitsu and the London Stock Exchange Group.
Marc Goodman
Former Futurist-in-Residence at FBI
Marc Goodman is a street police officer turned crime strategist who served as senior adviser to INTERPOL. He is also founder of the Future Crimes Institute.
Sir Jeremy Fleming
Director of GCHQ (2017-23)
Sir Jeremy Fleming is a British intelligence leader who served in MI5 from 1993 to 2023, during which he founded the National Cyber Security Centre.
Jamie Bartlett
Presenter of BBC podcast ‘The Missing Cryptoqueen’
Jamie Bartlett is a technology commentator known for his work exploring the intersection of politics, technology and radical movements.
Danny Lopez
CEO of award-winning cybersecurity firm Glasswell
Danny Lopez is a cybersecurity and diplomacy expert who previously served as the youngest-ever British Consul-General to New York (2011–16).
Theresa Payton
First female CIO at the White House (2006-08)
Theresa Payton is a trailblazing cybersecurity expert who leads digital security innovation as CEO of Fortalice Solutions and regularly advises Fortune 500 boards.
Toomas Ives
President of Estonia (2006-16)
Toomas Ilves is a diplomat and digital-security pioneer who spearheaded e‑government and cyber‑innovation that established Estonia as a global digital leader.
Shamane Tan
Global Cybersecurity influencer
Shamane Tan is a global cybersecurity expert who founded the international Cyber Risk Meetup and has co-authored bestselling books including Cyber Risk Leaders.
Sir Alex Younger
Chief of MI6 (2014-20)
Sir Alex Younger is a British intelligence leader who led counter‑terrorism operations in the UK, notably safeguarding the 2012 London Olympics.
Geoff White
Investigative journalist covering cybercrime
Geoff White is an investigative journalist who has exposed global cybercrime, money laundering and digital fraud through his reporting for outlets like BBC News.
Marietje Schaake
Member of European Parliament (2009-19)
Marietje Schaake is a Dutch tech‑policy expert who leads international policy at Stanford’s Cyber Policy Center and serves on the UN’s AI advisory group.
Richard Moore
Chief of MI6 (2020–25)
Richard Moore is a veteran diplomat and intelligence leader, offering expert insight on global security, cyber risk and high-stakes decision-making in today’s geopolitical landscape.