Globally recognized cybersecurity expert Marcus Hutchins is known for stopping one of the largest cyberattacks in history, the 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack. As the viral software was infecting and destroying the data of hundreds of thousands of computers across the planet, Marcus found and triggered the secret ‘kill switch’ within its code, ending the global threat and ‘saving the internet’. From an early age, Marcus demonstrated a gift for the complex self-education needed in a developing field like cybersecurity. He wrote an anonymous blog, MalwareTech, which featured deep analysis of hacks and techniques for reverse-engineering and earned him the attention of international cybersecurity firms. Marcus now works as a lead security analyst specializing in tracking both criminal and state sponsored hacking groups, leveraging his unique experience in cyber communities to prevent international attacks.

Marcus and his story were featured on the cover of Wired Magazine’s June 2020 issue, titled “The Confessions of Marcus Hutchins, the Hacker Who Saved the Internet.” When he was arrested by the FBI for cybercrimes committed before his cybersecurity career and stunning WannaCry victory, the presiding judge weighed his prior conduct against “what some have described as the work of a hero, a true hero,” and he was released with a sentence of time served. Now, Marcus maintains several media channels where he teaches cybersecurity to a wide audience – encouraging audiences to stay curious, commit to hard work, while sharing his incredible story and invaluable insights about the future of cybersecurity for individuals and organizations alike.