How do we effectively scale the initiatives securing those on the frontlines—journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society organisations? This event will discuss the available threat intelligence initiatives and tools aiming at securing high-risk actors from cyber threats, and raise awareness of challenges faced by the community of cybersecurity nonprofits serving high-risk actors, with reflection on the current and future funding landscape.
Meet our Speakers
Andrew Whittaker
Andrew Whittaker is the Cyber Director at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. He is responsible for leading the UK’s international policy, programmes and people to deliver the UK National Cyber Strategy. Before taking up the role in September 2024, Andrew was Head of the FCDO’s global consular network, supporting British people around the world. Andrew was previously the British Consul General in San Francisco and has also done postings in Spain and the Middle East. In another British government role, he set up the UK’s first national CERT, which became part of the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre.
Before this Andrew was Deputy Head of the Crisis Management Department in the Foreign Office, handling the UK response to incidents ranging from conflict in the Middle East, the sinking of the Costa Concordia, and hostage taking in Algeria. Andrew’s Foreign Office career, which began in 1998, also includes postings in Madrid, Jerusalem and Basra.
Andrew holds a MA (Hons) degree in Social and Political Sciences from the University of Cambridge (Magdalene College).
Rob Black
Rob Black is Director of Black Consulting Services. Rob has taken up a role as a Professor in Systems and Software Security at the The University of Manchester in October 2024 , following a dynamic career spanning UK government service, academia, and leadership roles in cyber strategy and defence. At the 2024 National Cyber Awards, Rob was crowned the UK Cyber Citizen of the Year for being an incredibly passionate cyber citizen in the UK and well respected by so many within the community, especially when advocating for the next generation of cyber security professionals.
Rob is a great example of high-impact leadership and role modelling and will be our Master of Ceremony on 12 March, leading us through actionable efforts and challenges in delivering hashtag#cybersecurity to high-risk actors.
Kayle Giroud
Kayle is the Director of Common Good Initiatives at the Global Cyber Alliance. With a rich international background and several years of experience in international cooperation working for the United Nations, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, and various organizations, Kayle has developed an expertise on cybersecurity and a passion about the impact of emerging technologies on society and fundamental rights.
Kayle is pursuing a PhD in contemporary history at the University of Bordeaux. She holds an Advanced Master in Interdisciplinary Analysis of European Construction and a B.A. in Political Science from UCLouvain Saint-Louis-Brussels, an MSc in Defense, Development and Diplomacy from Durham University, a PMI PMP® Certification, and a ISC2 Cybersecurity Certification®.
Event Details
Date: 12 March 2025
Location: Locarno Suite, London
More information on the event page here.
About Common Good Cyber
Common Good Cyber is a global initiative with the goal of identifying sustainable models for supporting groups, organizations, and individuals involved in critical cybersecurity functions for the broader Internet community.
The Internet powers our global life, but its security is at stake. To ensure a safe and lasting digital future, we need to support those tirelessly safeguarding it. From fortifying infrastructure to empowering users, join us in understanding, appreciating, and sustaining the cybersecurity efforts that keep our online world secure for all.
For more information, visit www.commongoodcyber.org and our LinkedIn.
For media inquiries, please contact us.
