Elcin Biren

Elçin Biren is a seasoned, award-winning cybersecurity leader with nearly 20 years of experience. With a background in industrial engineering, ethical hacking, and executive leadership, she brings a unique, multidimensional perspective to the evolving threat landscape.

As the CEO of SwissCyberSmart, Elçin is a globally recognized cybersecurity executive, diversity advocate, and influential thought leader. She has led major cyber risk initiatives and advised international organizations such as UBS AG on security strategy, and compliance. Her career has spanned diverse roles, including IT Lead Auditor, Infirmation Security Officer, Cyber Risk Manager, and Ethical Hacker. Today, she also serves as the Global Ambassador for Switzerland at the United Cybersecurity Alliance’s Global Council for Responsible AI, strategically advancing ethical AI adoption, cybersecurity standards, regulatory frameworks, and diversity goals.

Elçin holds advisory positions at the Swiss Cyber Institute, IDC EMEA CISO Xchange, and Women in Tech initiatives, where she champions diversity and inspires the next generation of women in technology. She is a sought-after keynote speaker and guest lecturer at institutions such as IMD Business School and St. Gallen University. She is also the author of the cybersecurity-themed sci-fi novel Guardians of the Digital Age, published by Taylor & Francis Group, which creatively merges technical awareness with storytelling to inspire wider audiences.

As a mother of two sons, Elçin has witnessed firsthand the digital risks children face in an AI-powered world. This personal perspective drives her mission to make cybersecurity education a universal life skill. Through SwissCyberSmart, she has pioneered accessible, impact-driven training programs—including the world’s first neuroscience-informed cybersecurity masterclass for parents, gamified e-learning for children, and practical resources for educators. Her vision is clear: to build a safer, more inclusive digital future by preparing not just systems, but people.