Eva Benn

Eva Benn is a globally recognised ethical hacker, cybersecurity strategist and technology leader with more than 12 years of experience protecting organisations from evolving cyber threats. As Chief of Staff for Strategy within Microsoft’s Red Team, she plays a key role in shaping offensive security strategy for one of the world’s leading technology companies. Eva is also an influential advocate for greater diversity in cybersecurity, serving as Co-Chair of Microsoft Women in Security and co-founding Women in Tech Global. Her expertise makes her an engaging speaker on artificial intelligence, ethical hacking, cybersecurity leadership and women in technology.

Eva began her career in Big 4 cybersecurity consulting, building a strong technical foundation before joining KPMG US as a Cybersecurity Consultant. During her time at KPMG, she became an award-winning top performer, advising organisations on strengthening their cyber resilience. She later joined Microsoft as an Engineering Program Manager, progressing through a series of increasingly senior security leadership positions. Her career has included roles as Senior Engineering Program Manager, Senior Security Program Manager and Senior Security PM Manager within Microsoft’s renowned Red Team before becoming Chief of Staff for Strategy, where she helps guide strategic initiatives across offensive security operations.

Alongside her corporate career, Eva has established herself as a respected voice across the global cybersecurity community. She serves on the leadership boards of the OWASP Seattle Chapter, WiCyS Western Washington and the EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Advisory Board. Her industry contributions have earned widespread recognition, including being named among the Top 20 Cybersecurity Women of the World in both 2024 and 2025, one of the Top 20 Most Inspiring Women in Cybersecurity in 2025 and a finalist for Cybersecurity Woman of the Year in 2024.

Passionate about making cybersecurity accessible, Eva combines technical expertise with practical advice that resonates with audiences ranging from executive leaders to technical professionals. Whether discussing the impact of artificial intelligence on cyber threats, offensive security strategies or creating more inclusive technology industries, she delivers insightful presentations grounded in real-world experience. Her ability to translate complex security concepts into engaging and actionable lessons has made her a sought-after keynote speaker for conferences and corporate events worldwide.

Eva Benn delivers compelling keynote presentations that combine frontline cybersecurity expertise with practical insights into artificial intelligence, ethical hacking and cyber resilience. Drawing on her leadership role within Microsoft’s Red Team and her extensive industry experience, she helps organisations understand emerging digital threats while providing actionable strategies to stay ahead. Her acclaimed TEDx talk, How AI is hacking your life (and how to hack it back), together with her leadership in global cybersecurity and diversity initiatives, makes her an inspiring speaker for technology conferences, leadership events and business audiences navigating an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Here are some of the key milestones that define Eva Benn’s remarkable career:

  • 2025 – Appointed Chief of Staff for Strategy within Microsoft’s Red Team, helping shape offensive cybersecurity strategy.
  • 2025 – Recognised among the Top 20 Cybersecurity Women of the World and the Top 20 Most Inspiring Women in Cybersecurity.
  • 2025 – Served as Senior Security Program Manager within Microsoft’s Red Team.
  • 2024 – Co-founded Women in Tech Global to support and empower women pursuing careers in technology.
  • 2024 – Named among the Top 20 Cybersecurity Women of the World and shortlisted for Cybersecurity Woman of the Year.
  • 2021 – Promoted to Senior Engineering Program Manager at Microsoft, overseeing major security programmes.
  • 2019 – Joined Microsoft as an Engineering Program Manager after a successful consulting career.
  • 2018 – Recognised as an award-winning top performer while serving as Senior Cybersecurity Consultant at KPMG US.
  • 2016 – Joined KPMG US as a Cybersecurity Consultant after beginning her career in Big 4 cybersecurity consulting and technology leadership roles.