Keren Elazari - Biography
Keren Elazari – known as “The Friendly Hacker” and also by the name k3r3n3 – is an internationally recognised cybersecurity expert, author and researcher.
For 25 years, she has been exploring the developments, risks and opportunities in the field of cybersecurity. As an independent strategic advisor, Keren Elazari analyses emerging security technologies and current trends. She works with leading technology companies, government organisations, innovative start-ups and Fortune 500 companies, helping them rethink digital security.
In 2014, Keren Elazari was the first Israeli woman to speak at the prestigious TED conference. Keren’s talk has been seen by millions of people, translated into 30 languages, included in the TED list of “Most Powerful Ideas” and is one of the most watched TED talks on cybersecurity and hacker attacks.
Keren Elazari Lecture topics
- Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and the Technology of Tomorrow
In a world increasingly governed by technology, Keren Elazari invites you on a journey through the digital landscape, seen through the eyes of a hacker. Drawing from her personal experiences and evolution into a hacker, Keren delves into the fearless spirit of hackers as pioneering innovators and early adopters of technology.
But what role does Artificial Intelligence (AI) play in this realm? Keren demystifies AI’s role in cybersecurity, highlighting its potential and limitations. She presents chilling examples of “malicious innovation,” where automation, AI, and adversarial machine learning are wielded with nefarious intent. Yet, in this age of digital uncertainty, one element stands out as both a challenge and an opportunity: TRUST.
As we look to the future, the applications of AI in cybersecurity are vast, both as a shield and a weapon. But where do friendly hackers fit into this narrative? Keren posits that they could be the unsung heroes, identifying and rectifying the “bugs” in complex algorithms and machine learning models. Join Keren as she unravels the intricate dance between AI, cybersecurity, and the hacker ethos, offering insights into the risks and opportunities that lie ahead.
- The Age of Cyber Warfare & Society’s Digital Battlefields
In 2020, The Covid19 pandemic reshaped our work and personal lives, pushing us further into the digital realm. With this shift came new vulnerabilities and threats. 2022 and 2023 brought ongoing wars and geopolitical conflicts. Now, in 2024 billions of people will go to the polls in an unprecedented year for democratic elections globally.
Learn about how geopolitics influence the evolving cybersecurity threat landscape, from sophisticated cybercriminal campaigns to foundational attacks on digital trust – and why we must adapt our digital defenses for these challenging times.
The 21st century has ushered in an age where cyber warfare is the new norm, with nations wielding digital weapons to further their political agendas. From the groundbreaking Stuxnet virus to the cyber onslaughts in Ukraine, the digital realm has become the frontline. As we navigate this new warfare landscape, it’s crucial to understand the implications for global security and the pivotal role of trust in our digital society.
- Malicious Innovation – Lessons We Can Learn From Hackers
Cybersecurity is no longer just about safeguarding secrets; it’s about preserving our digital way of life. As cyber criminals innovate at breakneck speeds, how can we stay one step ahead? Explore the future of cybersecurity, the lessons we can learn from hackers, and the importance of fostering diversity in the tech world. In an age where data reigns supreme, hackers have emerged as both villains and heroes. But beyond the headlines, there’s a world of innovation driven by the hacker ethos. Discover how businesses are tapping into hacker creativity, the surprising ways in which hacking can drive product improvement, and the transformative power of hacker culture.
Keren Elazari holds a CISSP certification and a master’s degree in security studies. Keren is a visiting faculty member of Reichman University and a senior researcher at the Interdisciplinary Cyber Research Center at Tel Aviv University. Keren is the founder of Israel’s largest security research community, BSidesTLV and the founder of the Leading Cyber Ladies, a global professional network for Women in Cyber Security.