Nicole Perlroth: Cybersecurity

Nicole Perlroth a cybersecurity investigator, bestselling author, and digital whistle-blower revealing the hidden cyber-weapons market and reshaping how we defend the digital frontier.

  • Highlights:
    • Lead cybersecurity reporter at The New York Times for over a decade
    • Author of the NYT bestseller This Is How They Tell Me the World Ends
    • Winner of the FT/McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award
    • Inducted into the Cybersecurity Canon Hall of Fame
    • Served on U.S. government cyber advisory panels, including for CISA / DHS
  • Formats:

    Keynote (45–60 min); fireside chats; panel moderator; deep dive workshop

  • Audiences:

    CIOs / CISOs, government security officials, technology executives, cybersecurity professionals, investors

  • Outcomes:
    1. Reveal how the hidden market in zero-days and surveillance tools governs global power dynamics.
    2. Translate complex cyber threats into strategic imperatives for leadership.
    3. Provide a roadmap for investment, policy, and defense in an AI-amplified cyber era.
Reading time: 2 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • **Fee range: $20,001 - $35,000

Keynote Topics

Talent Short Bio

Nicole Perlroth spent more than a decade as the lead cybersecurity reporter at The New York Times, uncovering state-sponsored espionage, zero-day exploits, and the shadowy global arms trade in code. Her investigations contributed to U.S. hacking indictments, the exposure and blacklisting of spyware firms, and deep public understanding of digital vulnerability. Her New York Times bestseller This Is How They Tell Me the World Ends: The Cyberweapons Arms Race won the FT/McKinsey Business Book of the Year and was inducted into the Cybersecurity Canon Hall of Fame.

In 2021, Nicole left journalism to help shape the policy and investment side of cybersecurity. She serves on advisory committees for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security / CISA, is a venture partner at Ballistic Ventures, and runs Silver Buckshot Ventures, a “cyber moonshot” fund targeting the next generation of cyber defense technologies. She also hosts the podcast To Catch a Thief, which examines China’s rise to cyber dominance and has achieved top rankings on major platforms.

Nicole holds a B.A. from Princeton University and an M.A. from Stanford University and frequently lectures at Stanford GSB and leading universities.

Nicole Perlroth spent a decade as the lead cybersecurity, digital espionage and sabotage reporter for The New York Times. Her investigations rooted out Russian hacks of nuclear plants, airports, elections, and petrochemical plants; North Korea’s cyberattack against movie studios, banks and hospitals; Iranian attacks on oil companies, banks, critical infrastructure, and presidential campaigns; and thousands of Chinese cyberattacks against America’s critical infrastructure and businesses, including a months-long hack of The Times.

Nicole Perlroth investigation and ensuing outing of hacking divisions within China’s People’s Liberation Army helped compel the first United States hacking charges against members of the Chinese military, and earned her the prestigious “Best in Business Award” from the Society of American Business Editors and Writers. Her investigation, with Azam Ahmed, of the use of commercial spyware in Mexico was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.

She is also the author of the New York Times bestselling book “This Is How They Tell Me The World Ends,” about the global cyber arms race, which won the 2021 McKinsey and Financial Times’ Business Book of the Year Award and has been translated into nine languages. The book and several of her Times articles have been optioned for television.

Nicole Perlroth has been widely cited and published, beyond The Times, in The New Yorker, The New York Review of Books, The Economist, Wired Magazine, Forbes Magazine, CNN, PBS, NPR, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Al Jazeera, The Christian Science Monitor, C-SPAN, NBC’s “Meet The Press,” MSNBC’s “The Rachel Maddow Show,” “Dan Rather’s America,” Axios, CBS, CNBC, USA Today, Recorded Futures, and Lawfare, The Times’ “The Daily” and “Sway” podcasts, as well as VOX’s “Pivot” podcast, among others.

Nicole Perlroth has delivered keynotes and speeches for TED, the United States State Department, the World Bank, the Munich Security Conference, RSA, Council on Foreign Relations, the World Affairs Council, Washington D.C. Metropolitan Club, the Stockholm Forum on Peace and Development, How To Academy, In-Q-Tel, Track ii Diplomacy, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation Defense Policy Advisors, Hack the Capitol, the Center for European Policy Analysis and the CIOSExchange, an invite-only gathering of Fortune 50 Chief Information Officers.

Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on  LinkedIn

Talent Videos

Panel with Top China & Cyber Experts at NYSE - To Catch a Thief: China's Rise to Cyber Supremacy

At the New York Stock Exchange, Nicole Perlroth joins leading China and cybersecurity experts to discuss the global implications of China’s rapid ascent to cyber dominance.

Summary

For this special live recording of To Catch a Thief at The New York Stock Exchange, host and former lead cybersecurity and digital espionage reporter for The New York Times, Nicole Perlroth sits down with those who have been directly targeted by, traced, or directly engaged China’s state-sponsored hackers, diplomatically, or in the cyber domain: Pulitzer Prize winning journalist David Barboza, the National Security Agency’s former Cybersecurity Director Rob Joyce, former Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Director Jen Easterly, Jim Lewis, of the Center for Strategic and International Studies and Rubrik CEO Bipul Sinha.

They discuss how the Chinese hacking threat has morphed from corporate espionage to insidious attacks on infrastructure, the strategic leverage China hopes to gain with these hacks, how Xi Jinping views Trump 2.0, and what levers the United States can still pull to salvage what’s left of its cyber defense.

Key Moments

  • 00:21–00:40 — Nicole Perlroth on China’s rise as a cyber superpower
  • 00:41–00:55 — Expert commentary on state-level hacking and economic espionage
  • 00:56–01:08 — Closing remarks on collaboration and defense innovation

Nicole Perlroth joins cybersecurity, intelligence, and policy leaders for an in-depth discussion on the next phase of the cyberweapons arms race and its global consequences.

Summary

In this extensive session, Nicole Perlroth leads a comprehensive exploration of the global cyberweapons arms race tracing its origins, escalation, and potential endpoints. She opens with a historical overview of how software vulnerabilities, once minor coding flaws, became weaponized by nation-states. Drawing from her New York Times investigations and her bestselling book, she illustrates how markets for zero-day exploits and commercial spyware have evolved into a multi-billion-dollar, unregulated ecosystem.

Perlroth discusses the strategic calculus of cyber offense versus defense, explaining how digital espionage now underpins geopolitical power. The panel delves into case studies from the Stuxnet attack to modern-day ransomware campaigns and Chinese and Russian state-sponsored intrusions. She also emphasizes the ethical dilemma: as governments and private actors stockpile vulnerabilities, the world becomes more exposed to collateral damage.

Later, the discussion turns to emerging technologies AI-driven cyber offense, quantum computing, and supply-chain infiltration and how they redefine both national and corporate security. Nicole advocates for transparency, global cyber norms, and increased collaboration between governments and private industry.

Closing the conversation, she warns that the next cyber war may not begin with soldiers or bombs but with lines of code that silently disable economies and infrastructures and argues that awareness, investment, and collective governance are the only paths to deterrence.

Key Moments

  • 05:21–18:45 — The rise of zero-day markets and early state hacking operations
  • 18:46–36:00 — Case studies: Stuxnet, WannaCry, SolarWinds, and Pegasus
  • 36:01–54:30 — Inside the cyberweapons economy: brokers, mercenaries, and regulation gaps
  • 54:31–1:17:00 — The policy dilemma: offense vs. defense in cyberspace
  • 1:17:01–1:35:45 — Emerging threats: AI-driven attacks, data poisoning, and supply chain hacks
  • 1:35:46–1:56:30 — Cybersecurity innovation and the role of private sector defense
  • 1:56:31–2:20:00 — International cooperation, governance, and the ethics of stockpiling exploits

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

No reviews available for this post.

Talent Resources

Was this profile helpful?

Talent FAQ's

Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

  • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
  • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
  • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
  • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
  • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
  • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
  • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

View further speakers

  • (36)
  • (13)
Allison Massari

Allison Massari, an extraordinary inspirational speaker hailing from the scenic town of Belvedere, California. Her journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as she not only overcame unimaginable adversity but has dedicated her life to inspiring others through her compelling story and motivational insights. Allison’s life took a drastic turn in […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • Inspirational Speakers
  • (27)
Julia Collins

Julia Collins is a trailblazing figure in the world of technology and entrepreneurship, making history as the first Black woman to achieve “unicorn” status with her tech company. As the Founder and CEO of Planet Forward, she has garnered international acclaim for her innovative approach to addressing climate change through technology. With a unique blend […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • STEM Speakers
  • (33)
Redmond Ramos

Redmond Ramos is an extraordinary keynote speaker, veteran, and advocate for resilience and perseverance. His story of overcoming adversity, from his time in the military to becoming a Paralympic athlete and successful entrepreneur, is an inspiration to audiences worldwide. Redmond delivers powerful and motivational talks that resonate with corporate teams, educators, and individuals, instilling a […]

  • Travels from: San Diego, CA
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (36)
Robert-Cialdini-2

Dr. Robert Cialdini seminal work has unraveled the underlying principles that drive human behavior, offering invaluable tools for those seeking to master the dynamics of influence. Through his compelling presentations, Dr. Cialdini illuminates the pathways to achieving desired outcomes by ethically applying the principles of persuasion.​ Dr. Robert Cialdini’s academic journey began with a Bachelor […]

  • Travels from: Phoenix, AZ
  • Negotiation Speakers
  • (25)
Jack Uldrich

Jack Uldrich is a well recognized global futurist, speaker, and author of eleven books, including a number of award winning best sellers. He is a frequent speaker on technology, change management and leadership and has addressed hundreds of corporations, associations and not-for-profit organizations on five continents. He regularly makes television appearances on the Science Channel’s […]

  • Travels from: Minneapolis, MN
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • (37)
  • (1)
Kathy Cleveland Bull

Kathy Cleveland Bull is a highly regarded professional speaker, trainer, and consultant. Her company, N~Compass Consulting, has helped clients on three continents “Navigate the Art and Science of Change.” Kathy has appeared with Dr. Phil McGraw and Deepak Chopra where she delivered her powerful change message to an audience of over 7,000 people. Kathy conducts […]

  • Travels from: Columbus, OH
  • Change Speakers
  • (64)

John Gucci Foley is not your typical keynote speaker. With a career marked by exceptional achievements and a commitment to excellence, he stands out as a beacon of inspiration for those seeking to unlock their highest potential. From his days as the lead solo pilot of the renowned Blue Angels to his role as a […]

  • Travels from: Boise, ID
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (48)
Jessica-Cox-3

Born in 1983 in Sierra Vista, Arizona, Jessica Cox has learned to live her life with her feet. There were many questions at the time about whether Jessica would be able to live a “normal” life. However, Jessica’s father has said he never shed a tear about her birth condition. He had full confidence in […]

  • Travels from: Tucson, AZ
  • Inspirational Speakers
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2026.  Designed using Voxel

Speakers Inc Logo 2024
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.