Ira Winkler

Ira Winkler, CISSP is President of Secure Mentem and a recognized leader in the field of cybersecurity. He formerly served as Chief Security Architect at Walmart and Chief Security Strategist at HP. Winkler has authored influential books in the cybersecurity realm including "Spies Among Us," "Zen and the Art of Information Security," "Corporate Espionage," "Through the Eyes of the Enemy," and the recently published "You Can Stop Stupid." He is well-regarded for his ability to convey complex security concepts to all levels of an organization through his keynote speeches, which emphasize actionable strategies for enhancing cybersecurity resilience.

Renowned for his espionage simulations, Winkler has "broken into" numerous large corporations to assess their security and suggest cost-effective improvements. His ongoing contributions to the industry have earned him recognition including the Hall of Fame award from the Information Systems Security Association and the CSO Compass Award from CSO Magazine as "The Awareness Crusader." He has also been acclaimed as a "Top Cybersecurity Leader" and a "Cybersecurity Champion."

Additionally, Winkler is a respected speaker who addresses a range of topics such as AI cybersecurity concerns, the human aspects of cybersecurity, risk management, and the latest cyber attacks. His presentations are noted for their blend of humor, intensity, and valuable insights, effectively leaving a lasting impact on attendees. As one of the most influential voices in security, Winkler continues to guide organizations worldwide in developing robust security strategies that preemptively combat modern cyber threats.