Confidence Staveley
Multi-Award Winning Cybersecurity Leader | Author | Int’l Speaker | On a mission to simplify cybersecurity, attract more women, drive AI Security awareness and raise high-agency humans who defy odds & change the world.
Atlanta Metropolitan Area
99K followers
500+ connections
About
My parents named me Confidence. Turns out, they knew something.
I’m a cybersecurity professional with over a decade of experience helping organizations build secure products and navigate an increasingly hostile threat landscape. I’m also the author of API Security for White Hat Hackers — an Amazon bestseller used by security professionals worldwide to master modern API defense strategies.
I translate complexity into clarity. Whether I’m advising Fortune 500 companies, keynoting major industry events, or breaking down emerging threats, I help organizations innovate without fear.
My work spans:
Editorial & Media — Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of AI Cyber Magazine, and host of The AI Cyber Podcast, covering the intersection of AI and cybersecurity for practitioners who want signal, not noise.
Social Impact — Founder of CyberSafe Foundation, home of CyberGirls Fellowship; Africa’s largest cybersecurity training and mentorship program for women.
I’ve been recognized among the Top 40 Global Thought Leaders in Security, SC Media’s Women in IT Security Power Players, Security Magazine’s Women in Cybersecurity, and named Cybersecurity Woman of the World 2023, among others.
Speaking inquiries: pierreb@projectspeaker.com
Brand partnerships: contact@teamosh.com
Articles by Confidence
Activity
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In March 2026, a dev ran pip install litellm and pulled a package that had been on PyPI for 6 hours. It had a 3-stage payload that stole every LLM…
In March 2026, a dev ran pip install litellm and pulled a package that had been on PyPI for 6 hours. It had a 3-stage payload that stole every LLM…
Liked by Confidence Staveley
Experience
Education
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University of Bradford
MSc Information Technology Management Distinction
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Dissertation titled, "MobEye: Real Time Remote Surveillance Monitoring" . In this project, OpenCV, Java and C# were explored to build an intelligent and novel remote surveillance system which performs auto human intrusion detection, incorporates mobile alerting, video on demand and video streaming to android mobile devices. Also published and presented a paper at the University of Bradford Research Seminar Series titled, "E-HRM: Technology’s Way of Changing Human Resource management for good.".
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University of Middlesex
Bsc Information Technology and Business Information Systems First Class
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2010
Advanced Diploma software engineering
Licenses & Certifications
Volunteer Experience
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Judge
Women in Cyber Security Middle East
- Present 3 years 7 months
Science and Technology
Women in Cyber Security Middle East (WiSCME) is a collaborative initiative by and for women in the field of cybersecurity across the Middle Eastern countries, to bring the women in this fascinating field together to promote and increase women participation in the field of cybersecurity.
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Bridging the Cyber Skills Gap Community Member
World Economic Forum
- Present 2 years 8 months
Science and Technology
The Bridging the Cyber Skills Gap initiative brings together a multistakeholder community of private actors, governments, academia, and civil society to create a strategic cybersecurity talent framework and devise actions to help individuals enter and thrive in the cybersecurity workforce. I contributed to this global initiative in the Education/Training working group and Recruitment working group.
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Judge
Forvis Mazars Group
- 2 months
Science and Technology
Innovate with Forvis Mazars is a six-week collaborative Hackathon designed to unite a diverse group of creative minds, developers, and problem solvers. This hackathon's main objective is to identify and apply cutting-edge technological advancements in audit and accounting by bringing together young, creative minds on a fulfilling platform outside the Forvis Mazars environment.
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Advisory Board Member
Wicked6
- Present 2 years 3 months
Science and Technology
At Wicked6, I played a key role in supporting the International Women's Day initiative, specifically focusing on the Global Women's CyberGames 2024. My responsibilities included: Active Collaboration, Event Awareness, Sponsorship & Partnership Development and Prize Brainstorming
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Judge
Ally of the Year
- 7 months
Science and Technology
Ally of the Year(AYA) celebrates those Allies who work to advance equality and make a substantive difference for women in technology all over the world.
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Skills
Publications
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Industry Implications of Security Vulnerabilities in Open Source AI and ML Tools
AI Cyber Insights
The white paper, “Industry Implications of Security Vulnerabilities in Open Source AI and ML Tools,” provides a comprehensive analysis of the security vulnerabilities identified in Open Source AI and ML tools from January to August 2024. This report provides crucial insights for AI professionals, developers, and industry leaders navigating the field of AI security.
Other authorsSee publication -
AI in CyberSecurity: Q2 2024 Insights
AI Cyber Insights
“AI in Cybersecurity: Q2 2024 Insights,” offers an in-depth exploration of the transformative impact AI is having on the cybersecurity industry. This comprehensive whitepaper covers the most critical developments from the second quarter of 2024, providing valuable insights for professionals and decision-makers alike.
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Australia's 'Six Cyber Shields
ISACA
See publicationAs we strive to keep the data of our citizens and organizations safe, a holistic approach is key, addressing staffing, recruitment, training and education.
“When it comes to education, fostering an interest in technology and digital safety from a young age is paramount. Diversity in cybersecurity is not just an option but a necessity. There are a number of initiatives government departments and education bodies could implement at a national level, including cybersecurity challenges or…As we strive to keep the data of our citizens and organizations safe, a holistic approach is key, addressing staffing, recruitment, training and education.
“When it comes to education, fostering an interest in technology and digital safety from a young age is paramount. Diversity in cybersecurity is not just an option but a necessity. There are a number of initiatives government departments and education bodies could implement at a national level, including cybersecurity challenges or competitions in schools and colleges, cultivating talent and curiosity early.
“I am also a strong believer in cybersecurity modules being introduced into school curriculums to educate students about digital safety, but also with a long-term vision to generate interest and boost an under-resourced sector.
“This could lead to the creation of talent incubators in schools to help interested students expand their knowledge, leading to an uptake of apprenticeships for entry-level graduates.
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16 Tech Industry Leaders Share How Organizations Can Improve Their IT Resilience
Forbes.com
See publicationWith the ever-increasing reliance on technology across industries, IT resilience is a priority no tech leader can afford to ignore. It’s a multitiered issue: Are your systems—both internal and customer-facing—as strong and streamlined as possible? Do you have robust cybersecurity systems in place? Are you aware of, and ready to meet, your organization’s current and future technology needs? Are you prepared to swiftly and decisively respond to downtime and cyberattacks? Is your team trained and…
With the ever-increasing reliance on technology across industries, IT resilience is a priority no tech leader can afford to ignore. It’s a multitiered issue: Are your systems—both internal and customer-facing—as strong and streamlined as possible? Do you have robust cybersecurity systems in place? Are you aware of, and ready to meet, your organization’s current and future technology needs? Are you prepared to swiftly and decisively respond to downtime and cyberattacks? Is your team trained and ready for the new opportunities and threats on the horizon?
With all that’s at stake, the ongoing work of monitoring and improving an organization’s IT resilience may seem overwhelming. However, with the right planning, tools and personnel, a tech leader can ensure their team is ready to not only overcome unexpected challenges but also to continuously improve the organization’s comprehensive tech systems. Below, 16 members of Forbes Technology Council share actionable tips to help. -
16 Issues C-Suite Tech Leaders Must Be Ready To Address With Their Company Boards
Forbes.com
There's no doubt the roles of C-suite tech leaders—including CTOs, CIOs and CISOs—have been expanding across industries, with increased expectations from fellow organizational leaders and company boards. Even those leadership team and board members who aren't tech-savvy know that technology plays a huge role in how most companies operate and that, therefore, the C-suite tech leader's knowledge and input are essential for success. Here, 16 members of Forbes Technology Council share issues…
There's no doubt the roles of C-suite tech leaders—including CTOs, CIOs and CISOs—have been expanding across industries, with increased expectations from fellow organizational leaders and company boards. Even those leadership team and board members who aren't tech-savvy know that technology plays a huge role in how most companies operate and that, therefore, the C-suite tech leader's knowledge and input are essential for success. Here, 16 members of Forbes Technology Council share issues C-suite tech leaders must be ready to address, and why.
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16 Tips To Ensure Digital Payments Are Easy And Safe For Customers
Forbes.com
Businesses should consider whether or not to accept digital payment methods such as Apple Pay, PayPal, or Venmo. Customers may lose trust in your brand if your digital payment system isn't working properly. Forbes Technology Council members share their best advice for ensuring a secure and easy digital payment process.
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The Power Of Emotions: How Cybercriminals Are Taking Advantage Of Psychology
Forbes.com
See publicationResearch has shown that an individual’s response to phishing messages with embedded emotion triggers is usually quicker than those without. It’s important to train people to watch how they feel when they receive digital communications.
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Shopping For A VPN? 15 Expert Tips For Making The Best Choice
Forbes.com
In a tight market for tech talent, low-code and no-code software may be a viable solution for companies that want “customized” tech solutions but can’t afford an extended (or any) in-house dev team. Boasting user-friendly, visual interfaces—often with “drag and drop” components and both built-in and customizable scripts—LCNC development platforms not only allow dev teams to build custom software more quickly and easily but also empower “citizen developers” across teams to create and customize…
In a tight market for tech talent, low-code and no-code software may be a viable solution for companies that want “customized” tech solutions but can’t afford an extended (or any) in-house dev team. Boasting user-friendly, visual interfaces—often with “drag and drop” components and both built-in and customizable scripts—LCNC development platforms not only allow dev teams to build custom software more quickly and easily but also empower “citizen developers” across teams to create and customize systems to manage their unique workflows.
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16 Things Companies Should Know About Low-Code/No-Code Software
Forbes.com
In a tight market for tech talent, low-code and no-code software may be a viable solution for companies that want “customized” tech solutions but can’t afford an extended (or any) in-house dev team. Boasting user-friendly, visual interfaces—often with “drag and drop” components and both built-in and customizable scripts—LCNC development platforms not only allow dev teams to build custom software more quickly and easily but also empower “citizen developers” across teams to create and customize…
In a tight market for tech talent, low-code and no-code software may be a viable solution for companies that want “customized” tech solutions but can’t afford an extended (or any) in-house dev team. Boasting user-friendly, visual interfaces—often with “drag and drop” components and both built-in and customizable scripts—LCNC development platforms not only allow dev teams to build custom software more quickly and easily but also empower “citizen developers” across teams to create and customize systems to manage their unique workflows.
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NoGoFallMaga - The Handbook
A'Lime Media Limited
See publicationAfrica’s first storified Cybersecurity awareness publication, #NoGoFallMaga: The Handbook. The handbook, which is a first, uses a storytelling approach to demystify technical industry terms and create awareness in the simplest forms through text and visual aids that are easy for the public to understand and relate to.
The handbook is published by Cybersafe Foundation in partnership with A’Lime Media to provide a useful resource, through an easy-to-understand series of actions, and at the…Africa’s first storified Cybersecurity awareness publication, #NoGoFallMaga: The Handbook. The handbook, which is a first, uses a storytelling approach to demystify technical industry terms and create awareness in the simplest forms through text and visual aids that are easy for the public to understand and relate to.
The handbook is published by Cybersafe Foundation in partnership with A’Lime Media to provide a useful resource, through an easy-to-understand series of actions, and at the same time promote cybersecurity awareness as citizens often find it difficult to understand what is required of them to stay safe online. With the theme, “Together for a better internet”, the 2020 Safer Internet Day advocates a call to action for all stakeholders to play key roles in creating a better internet for everyone, especially younger users. The relationship between FinTech and internet safety cannot be and today provides a good opportunity to promote increased awareness about cybersecurity.
Honors & Awards
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SANS Difference Maker Award (People's Champion Of the Year)
SANS
Awarded to an individual who deeply supports the community through mentorship and/or social media presence provides valuable resources and connections for others in the field. Devotes significant time and energy to fostering talent and support those getting into cybersecurity.
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Top 30 Global Security Influencer
International Security Journal
This edition is action-packed, featuring perspectives from global leaders working across a range of sectors, providing knowledge and practical strategies to help enhance security practices.
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Women in IT Security 2024 Power Player
SC Media
The Power Player award celebrates women who have ascended to positions of influence, impacting the market through their leadership and dedication.
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The Top 25 Leaders in Cyber Security 2024
Cyber Security Hub
A recognition featuring people from all over the globe and from different specialisms, including fraud detection, corporate governance, cyber defense, ethical hacking and more.
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Women in Technology Excellence Award 2024
Cludive
Cludive LTD is proud to present the Women in Technology Excellence Award and Certificate of Recognition for your outstanding contributions and lasting impact on the technology industry.
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Top 100 Cybersecurity Women to Watch in Africa (T1CWWA) 2024
Acyberschool and the Africa Cybersecurity & AI Foundation
The Top 100 Cybersecurity Women to Watch in Africa 2024 (T1CWWA) celebrates the achievements of women in cybersecurity across Africa. Thereby, honouring women who are trailblazers in cybersecurity, whether through leadership, innovation, research, or community engagement.
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Women Know Cyber: 150 Fascinating Females Fighting Cybercrime
Cybercrime Magazine
I am honored to be one of the 150 cybersecurity experts featured in Cybercrime Magazine, sponsored by Secureworks. This global cohort of role models includes individuals from diverse backgrounds who are making a significant impact in protecting governments, businesses, and people from cybercrime. We are also recognized for our contributions to the cybersecurity community, serving as inspirations for students, parents, educators, and professionals alike.
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2024 Women In Cybersecurity
Security Magazine
This year, Security Magazine celebrated nine extraordinary women in security who have shaped their organizations, the security field and the lives of their communities in numerous ways, of which I am one of the honorees.
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Global Top 40 Thought Leader 2024
Life Safety and Alliance
The Life Safety Alliance is a not-for- profit organization open to all members of the security and life safety community.
In the announced results of its Top 40 Global Thought Leaders in Security and Life Safety, I was named alongside 39 others.
The recognized thought leaders covered the spectrum from life safety and physical security.
Our scores were calculated using a proprietary algorithm based on a variety of criteria, including conference presentations, webinar and…The Life Safety Alliance is a not-for- profit organization open to all members of the security and life safety community.
In the announced results of its Top 40 Global Thought Leaders in Security and Life Safety, I was named alongside 39 others.
The recognized thought leaders covered the spectrum from life safety and physical security.
Our scores were calculated using a proprietary algorithm based on a variety of criteria, including conference presentations, webinar and podcast appearances, LinkedIn reach, courses taught, volunteer leadership positions held, among others, covering the period of January 1, 2023, through April 30, 2024. A formula weighed these criteria and issued a final tabulation. -
Cyber Express 40 Under 40 Women Cyber Leaders 2024
The Cyber Express
The Cyber Express is honored to spotlight Me among 29 other young professionals for our outstanding achievements and leadership in the field.
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Top 25 most influential figures in the field of cybersecurity in Africa.
Ciberobs
A recognition featuring top 25 most influential figures in the field of cybersecurity in Africa.
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The Global Achievement Award
ISC2
Recognition of individuals whose excellence, leadership and volunteer efforts have significantly advanced the cybersecurity industry through contribution to a safe and secured cyber world.
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50 Most Influential Women in GRC and Financial Crime Prevention in Nigeria
THE MORGANS
50 Most Influential Women Leaders in Government Risk Comp (GRC) and Financial Crime Prevention in Nigeria
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Cybersecurity Woman of the World
Cybersecurity Woman of the World 2023 Edition
The Cybersecurity Woman of the World Edition (2023) represents the most prestigious award for women in Cybersecurity.
It is not just an award; it's a celebration of courage, resilience, and brilliance in the face of daunting challenges. It is a testament to the fact that the cybersecurity field knows no gender boundaries, and excellence knows no limits. -
CIO MAGAZINE: 45 Most Influential Women in Digital Transformation 2021-2022
Dx5ve
Dx5ve formerly known as CIO AFRICA recognizes outstanding female individuals who have made valuable contributions to digital transformation in the world.
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Cybersecurity Merit Award : Cybersecurity Woman of the Year
Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN)
Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN) recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations who have made valuable contributions to the cybersecurity ecosystem in Nigeria.
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Judge for Women in Cyber Security Middle East Awards 2022
WiSCME
Women in Cyber Security Middle East (WiCSME) is a collaborative initiative by and for women in the field of cybersecurity across the Middle Eastern countries, to bring the women in this fascinating field together to promote and increase women participation in the field of cyber security.
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Meridian Global Leadership Award - Global Citizen Award
Meridian Global Leadership Award
Meridian bestows the Meridian Global Leadership Award each year at their Global Leadership Summit to someone who, by their actions and practices, exemplifies the positive impact an individual and corporate leaders can have in their communities and the world.
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Cybersecurity Women of the Year - Women Supporter of the Year Award, 2022
United Cybersecurity Alliance
Cyber Security Woman of th Year (CSWY) awards are tributes to female cybersecurity and privacy professionals leading our industry and making a difference through their work and dedication to a safer digital ecosystem.
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Judge for AYA 2022 Awards.
AYA 2022 Awards
Ally of the Year(AYA) celebrates those Allies who work to advance equality and make a substantive difference for women in technology all over the world.
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Obama Foundation Leaders Africa
2022 Obama Foundation Leaders Africa Program
The Obama Foundation’s Leaders programs aim to inspire, empower, and connect regional cohorts of changemakers to accelerate positive and lasting change in their communities and throughout their region.
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Top 100 Most Inspiring Women in Nigeria
Leading Ladies Africa
Driving Leadership for African Women and promoting women’s rights in Africa to remain at the forefront of ensuring African women empowerment and leadership to achieve their set goals and dreams in life.
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IVLP Virtual African Regional Project
International Visitor Leadership Program
The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program. Through short-term visits to the United States, current and emerging foreign leaders in a variety of fields experience this country firsthand and cultivate lasting relationships with their American counterparts. Professional meetings reflect the participants’ professional interests and support the foreign policy goals of the United States
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CyberSecurity Woman of the Year - People's Choice
United CyberSecurity Alliance
Cyber Security Woman of th Year (CSWY) awards are tributes to female cybersecurity and privacy professionals leading our industry and making a difference through their work and dedication to a safer digital ecosystem.
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IFSEC GLOBAL Top Influencers in Security & Fire 2021
IFSEC
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Tech Protector of the Year Award, The Enforcer
eBusiness Life Communication Limited
eBusiness Life Communication Limited celebrates efforts made to introduce young girls to career opportunities in technical fields in both the public and private sectors to help them have a wide range of options and contribute their quota in the industry.
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End User Cyber security Advocacy and International Awareness
The Young CISO Network
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Young CISO of the Year
The Young CISO Network
The Young CISO Network awards extraordinary professionals who go beyond the call of duty to make an impact in the work place and in the industry. The Young CISO Network recognise individual who have made significant impact in the regional cybersecurity space.
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Outstanding Performance in Digital Technology and Cybersecurity
The Senate committee on ICT and Cyber Crime in partnership with Impact Africa.
The Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity in collaboration with Impact Africa celebrates the need to educate more on the impact of the menace of cybercrime on individuals, businesses and the country as a whole.
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Top 50 Women in CyberSecurity Africa 2020
Cyber In Africa
An Award issued by Cyber In Africa in collaboration with
Women in Security & Resilience Alliance (WISECRA) recognizing and celebrating exceptional women making significant contributions to cybersecurity in Africa. -
SANS DMA People's Champion Of The Year
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Awarded to someone who deeply supports the community through mentorship and/or social media presence provides valuable resources and connections for others in the field. Devotes significant time and energy to fostering talent and support those getting into cybersecurity.
Languages
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English
Native or bilingual proficiency
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