Kathy Macdonald is a retired police officer turned global cybercrime prevention advocate. Her keynote presentations share firsthand experiences that unveil the complexities of cybercrime, and her passion and expertise in cyber security make her a powerhouse in the field. Kathy enlightens audiences with important information about the risk of social engineering, online fraud, sexual exploitation and coercion, and emerging security threats involving the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Born and raised in Alberta, Kathy is a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3. She has been honoured with the Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces, a national acclaim recognizing her commitment to community service and global advocacy for cyber security. Kathy has also been named a Top 20 Women in Cyber Security by IT World Canada.

As a police officer, online investigator and media spokesperson, Kathy has seen firsthand the devastating and long-term damage cybercrime produces. As a professional speaker, Kathy takes her audience on an impactful journey into the heart of cybercrime reflecting deep industry knowledge and the experience of a seasoned police officer. Her compelling stories offer audiences a glimpse of how cybercrime can affect people personally and professionally. She helps them better understand how to safeguard their personally identifiable information, maintain their privacy, and secure their online activities. Kathy’s customizable presentations energize audiences, of all ages, take actionable steps towards being vigilant guardians of their digital well-being.

Kathy holds a Masters of Security Risk Management with Merit (MSc.), and is a Certified Protection Professional (CPP). Her top selling book titled, Cybercrime: Awareness, Prevention, and Response, is a comprehensive resource talking about how cybercrime affects individuals, businesses, governments, institutions, and organizations.