Sarah Armstrong Smith

Sarah Armstrong Smith is a leading figure in cybersecurity and digital resilience and is currently the Chief Security Advisor at Microsoft. With a career that began during the millennium bug crisis, Sarah has spent over two decades navigating complex technological and operational risk landscapes. Her approach centres on understanding not just systems, but people—emphasising trust, transparency, and adaptability in times of crisis. Sarah’s professional journey has taken her from utilities to finance, with senior roles at Fujitsu and the London Stock Exchange Group. Across these diverse environments, she has consistently championed the human dimensions of security and the need for resilience at every organisational level. Her experience in managing major incidents and a passion for innovation have made her a trusted advisor to global enterprises and small businesses. She is the author of two widely recognised books. Effective Crisis Management explores the mindset and leadership needed in high-pressure situations and was a 2022 best seller for its publisher. Her most recent publication, Understand the Cyber Attacker Mindset, became an Amazon best seller in its first week, offering insights into the psychology and motivations behind modern cyber threats. Sarah is a Fellow of the British Computer Society and has been nominated for multiple industry awards, including those recognising the most influential leaders in UK tech. Her deep technical knowledge and a grounded understanding of organisational challenges make her a highly respected voice in cybersecurity, resilience, and digital transformation.