ORCHESTRATING SECURITY THROUGH PLAY

Michala Liavaag, who orchestrates security through play, is an innovative cybersecurity leader transforming how organisations approach digital protection. With over 25 years of IT experience and a classical music degree, she brings a uniquely creative perspective to cybersecurity leadership.

As founder of Cybility Consulting and trusted vCISO advisor, Michala has designed and led security programmes for organisations ranging from SMEs to 15,000 staff across healthcare, government, charity, and private sectors. Her distinctive approach combines her expertise as a Gamification Master Craftsman with her framework, The Cybersecurity Conductor's Companion™ and the H.A.C.C.E.R.™ principles.

Her journey from classical pianist to cybersecurity leader, which included running computer game shops and airport internet cafes, gives her a rare ability to make complex security concepts accessible through musical analogies and gamified learning. She shares this unique perspective in her book "A Tale of Two Keyboards: From Pianist to Cybersecurity Leader," inspiring others to embrace diverse paths into tech. She develops practical frameworks and delivers engaging tabletop exercises that help organisations validate their security capabilities while making learning enjoyable.

A passionate advocate for diversity in tech, Michala is an Ambassador for STEM, and Mental Health in Cyber Security (MHinCS). She serves on the advisory group of the South-East Cyber Resilience Centre, contributes to the UK National Cyber Security Centre, and mentors the next generation of security professionals.

Through her podcast and YouTube channel, Cybility Savvy, she offers cybersecurity advice for the C-suite alongside fascinating conversations with industry leaders.