This page is a collection of my accomplishments, recognitions, and contributions to the security industry and community.
I hope it can also serve as inspiration for others, whether you’re looking to grow as a security professional or find ways to give back and help others do the same.
TOP 25 CISOs
Recognized as one of the 25 CISOs by the company named Audit Board for my contribution to the cybersecurity industry and community.
INFORMATION
In the wake of AI-driven threats, ransomware attacks, and supply chain vulnerabilities, innovative CISOs are crucial to defending organizations from evolving threats. To recognize and celebrate those at the forefront of addressing these challenges, we selected 25 CISOs based on their commitment to elevating the front lines of cyber risk and sharing their experience with the infosec community.
AuditBoard is honored to present our second annual list of 25 CISOs to Watch, a compilation of the industry’s most resilient and innovative minds. The list for 2025 celebrates some of the most forward-thinking cybersecurity leaders in a rapidly changing digital risk landscape.
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2025 Top Voices EMEA Award Winner
2025 Top Voices EMEA Award Winner by Thinkers360 for my thought leadership in GRC, Cybersecurity, and Risk Management.
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WINNER – Cybersecurity & Data Governance Champion
Winner of the Cybersecurity & Data Governance Champion excellence award in 2025 GRC & Fincrime Prevention Summit & Awards Europe edition.
40 under 40 cybersecurity 2023
Recognized as one of the global talents, 40 under 40 in Cyber security, by Top Cyber News MAGAZINE in the 2023 special edition for my contribution to the security industry and community.
TOP CYBER NEWS MAGAZINE
2023 SPECIAL EDITION
“With the global cyber-skills shortage, it is crucial to encourage talent who dedicate their energy and career to cybersecurity.
This special edition spotlights remarkable cybersecurity and digital industries professionals. Top Cyber News MAGAZINE is pleased to unveil this list of young and devoted professionals: ambassadors, advocates, and influencers.
All are part of the inspiring force behind the global Cybersecurity Awareness movement. These talented experts and brilliant minds come from 21 countries and five continents.”
“You have a miles wide broad, incredibly deep knowledge and skillset that you demonstrate both in your role as a security expert and leader.”
N N, Information Security Officer & Team member, [REDACTED]
TOP 25 Influential CISOs and CYBERSECURITY LEADERS
Recognized as one of the 25 most influential cybersecurity leaders globally by the company named SPRINTO for my contribution to the cybersecurity industry and community.
INFORMATION
“[…]
To achieve legendary status in this field, you must possess exceptional skills and knowledge, a keen understanding of what’s best for your customers, and a deep insight into industry trends. It’s a quest for wisdom that knows no bounds.
In this article, you will learn about the top 25 influential CISOs and cybersecurity leaders changing the trajectory of the cybersecurity space. So, open your LinkedIn and be ready to search the cybersecurity influencers and follow them!”
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“You are a true cybersecurity Swiss army knife comfortable in any situation.
You have both a deep and broad expertise, strong leadership skills and a fantastic team player.”N N, CISO, Global Software Company
50 CISOs and Cybersecurity leaders shaping the future of information security
Recognized as one of the 50 most distinguished cybersecurity leaders globally by the company named Secureframe.
“Henrik Parkkinen is Information Security Officer at WirelessCar and a subject matter expert at ISACA. Parkkinen is recognized as a top cybersecurity voice and a 40 Under 40 in Cybersecurity.”
INFORMATION
“[…]
To honor these leaders, we are spotlighting 50 distinguished CISOs who are advancing stronger information security practices. The selection criteria for these CISOs included their professional achievements and level of industry experience, along with:
Demonstrated leadership: These CISOs are dedicated to sharing their knowledge and expertise.
A forward-thinking mindset: Successful CISOs are proactive, continually anticipating future challenges and devising ways to fortify organizations against them.
Level of influence: Whether advising senior government officials, engaging thousands of followers, or shaping new legislation, these CISOs serve as global advocates for enhanced information security.
[…]
Shaping tomorrow’s cybersecurity landscape
Looking ahead, CISOs remain vital to safeguarding our organizations, data, and systems. By adopting innovative technologies, methodologies, and concepts, these 50 CISOs and cybersecurity experts are at the forefront of propelling the industry forward and enhancing the security of our digital world.”
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KEYNOTE SPEAKER @ VECS 2024
Keynote speaker and panel discussion for the Cybersecurity track at VECS 2024.
INFORMATION
“VECS is one of the largest automotive events in Northern Europe with focus on Autonomous, Electrification, Connected Vehicles & Mobility.”
“You can create a vision, strategy and is great seeing the bigger picture. At the same time you understand the details within each part of the strategy and can translate it to a road-map to demonstrate business value and strategic alignment.
And what impresses me, is that you can execute on the things that you put into the plans and are not afraid to pull up the sleeves. You are one of those rare people that are extremely hard to find.”
N N, Informatiuon Security Manager, Manufacturing Company
BEST CYBER BLOG OF THE YEAR 2024 FINALIST
Made it as a Finalist in the category “Best Cyber Blog of the Year” in The Real Cyber Awards 2024.
INFORMATION
“What are the awards about?
They’re about the people making a real difference in the virtual world that has impact in the real world.
That’s why we want to celebrate the great and the good in Cyber Security, Data Protection and Information Security… in a meaningful way.
These awards are about recognising amazing individuals and organisations, who are working hard to keep us all safe and secure.
It will be an evening packed full of great food, fun and exciting opportunities to network and celebrate our amazing community!
We hope you will join us in helping to celebrate the great and the good in what is planned to be an evening not to be missed!”
Click here for an external link to review 2024 finalist for The Real Cyber Awards.
TOP 10
CYBERSECURITY LEADERS
IN EMEA
Recognized one of the Top 10 cybersecurity leaders in EMEA by Cyber Magazine.
INFORMATION
“We consider leading cyber leaders in the EMEA who are committed to developing security policies to protect critical data amid an onslaught of attacks
With a threat landscape more tumultuous now than at any time in the past five years, the issue of cybersecurity is at a pivotal point. It is in these times, that Cyber leaders, who oversee the development, implementation, and enforcement of critical security practices within a business, become essential.
These leaders manage the teams that implement necessary security technologies to minimise risk to organisations. With Europe and the Middle East both facing surges in DDoS, there job has only increased in difficulty and complexity.
With this in mind, Cyber Magazine considers some of the leading cyber leaders for well-established organizations within the EMEA region, who have a significant influence within the global cybersecurity landscape.”
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“You are a security end boss.”
N N, Head of Offensive Security, Cybersecurity Company
TOP 16
CYBERSECURITY INFLUENCERS
IN THE INDUSTRY
Recognized as one of the Top 16 cybersecurity influencers in the industry by Loop Studio
14. Henrik Parkkinen
Henrik Parkkinen is a well-respected top cybersecurity influencer and a skilled security advisor, recognized as one of the top 40 under 40 in the field.
With over 20 years of experience in Information Security, he is a true expert
He helps organizations strengthen their security and become more resilient against cyber threats
Henrik’s skills include security strategy, analysis, assessments, audits, cloud security, governance, advisory, risk management, and business consulting.
Follow him on LinkedIn.
INFORMATION
Staying updated on the latest cybersecurity trends is important.
Knowing this helps you deal with current threats, follow best practices at work, and keep up with industry news that affects your company.
But how can you find trustworthy information?
Social media is a fantastic way to casually explore valuable information from various sources.
On the flip side, it can be tricky since anyone can call themselves a “cybersecurity content creator.” This makes it harder to spot the reliable voices out there.
To help you out, we’ve created a list of some of the top cybersecurity leaders.
Each of these influencers offers a unique perspective on different topics and regularly shares useful content on platforms like Twitter/X and LinkedIn.
At LoopStudio, we collaborate with many cybersecurity companies, so we follow these top voices to remain informed.
TOP BEST 16 CYBERSECURITY INFLUENCERS TO FOLLOW
Learn everything about the changing world of cybersecurity by keeping up with the latest trends, news, and best practices.
Check out insights and advice from 16 influential cybersecurity leaders on social media.
By following these experts, you can learn more about the field and stay ahead of cyber threats.
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TOP 20 CYBERSECURITY INFLUENCERS
Recognized as one of the Top 20 cybersecurity influencers in the industry by Prescient Security.
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TOP 12 GRC LEADERS
Recognized as one of the Top 12 GRC leaders in the industry by Sprinto.
INFORMATION
“Compliance and risk management are no longer just about ticking boxes—they are a strategic necessity, a fuel for growth. To get the most out of them, you need experts to break down the complexities and nuances.
This is where GRC leaders and influencers come in—to help you make the most of your journey rather than just a cost center. Leaders share nuggets of knowledge and expertise that can help you sharpen execution and dig deeper into evolving technologies.
After thorough research and careful content analysis, we have identified the top nine GRC voices we recommend you follow today. They are sure to enrich your feed.”
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Top 50 THOUGHT LEADERS GRC
Recognized as one of the Top 50 thought leaders in GRC by Thinkers 360.
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Top 100 THOUGHT LEADERS CYBERSECURITY
Recognized as one of the Top 100 thought leaders in cybersecurity by Thinkers 360.
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Top 50 Cybersecurity Influencers & Experts
Recognized as one of the Top 50 cybersecurity influencers & experts and Top 9 security strategists & leaders in the industry by GrackerAI.
“Henrik Parkkinen – Global security leader from Sweden, 20+ years in digital security, leadership & strategy. Strong communicator, mentor & hands-on expert.”
INFORMATION
“In 2025, staying ahead in cybersecurity requires insights from the sharpest minds in the field. From ethical hackers to CISOs, journalists, and AI-driven marketers, cybersecurity influencers or IT security experts shape how we defend against threats. This guide highlights 100+ IT security experts across categories, platforms, and niches. For cybersecurity marketers looking to enhance their lead generation strategies, explore our “
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digital trust ECOSYSTEM framework
Recognized and awarded acknowledgment as one of the subject matter expert reviewers of the Digital Trust Ecosystem Framework (DTEF) from ISACA.
DTEF from ISACA
“Digital trust is the confidence in the integrity of the relationships, interactions and transactions among providers and consumers within an associated digital ecosystem. This includes the ability of people, organizations, processes, information and technology to create and maintain a trustworthy digital world.“
“From now on Henrik you are ‘El Profesor’ when it comes to security.”
N N, VP Cybersecurity & Technology Audit, Global Finance Services Company
CRISC REVIEW MANUAL 7th EDITION
Recognized and awarded acknowledgment as one of the subject matter expert reviewers of the CRISC Review Manual 7th Edition from ISACA.
INFORMATION
“CRISC is the only credential focused on enterprise IT risk management and designed for IT and business professionals who have hands-on experience with risk identification, risk assessment, risk response and risk and IS control monitoring and reporting.
The CRISC Review Manual 7th Edition Revised is a comprehensive reference guide designed to help individuals prepare for the CRISC exam and understand IT-related business risk management roles and responsibilities.”
ZEPHYR – HACK THE BOX PRO LABS
Completed Zephyr Pro Lab from Hack The Box. The Zephyr Pro Lab from Hack The Box is an offensive security range focused on Active Directory.
SLAYER LABS – KINETIC RANGE
Completed Kinetic Range from Slayer Labs. The Kinetic Range from Slayer Labs is an engineered cyber range for security practitioners to advance their offensive security skills.
TOP VOICE @ LINKEDIN
Received recognition for two Top Voice categories:
- Top Information Security Voice
- Top Cybersecurity Voice
INFORMATION
“Community Top Voices are noteworthy contributors who show expertise in a specific skill or skills as determined by their contributions to collaborative articles.”
Henrik Parkkinen 