Perry Carpenter

Perry Carpenter is an author, podcast host and cybersecurity expert with over two decades of experience, focusing on how cybercriminals exploit human behaviour. He is currently the Chief Human Risk Management Strategist at KnowBe4, a leading platform for security awareness and phishing simulation training. In this role, he combines cybersecurity expertise with behavioural science to help organisations reduce human risk and build defences against social engineering-based threats.

He hosts two award-winning podcasts, 8th Layer Insights and Digital Folklore, which explore the intersection of technology and human behaviour. 

Perry also founded 8th Layer Media, a platform dedicated to producing educational content about technology, human behaviour, and cybersecurity.

Perry published his latest book, FAIK: A Practical Guide to Living in a World of Deepfakes, Disinformation, and AI-Generated Deceptions. The book explains the risks posed by AI-driven technologies like deepfakes and how individuals can protect themselves from scams and misinformation. Perry's previous publications include Transformational Security Awareness: What Neuroscientists, Storytellers, and Marketers Can Teach Us About Driving Secure Behaviours (2019), and The Security Culture Playbook: An Executive Guide to Reducing Risk and Developing Your Human Defence Layer (2022). His first book was inducted into the Cybersecurity Canon Hall of Fame, recognising its importance in the field.

Before joining KnowBe4, Perry held senior roles at Gartner, where he led research on security awareness, security culture management, and identity and access management (IAM). His career also includes positions at FIS and Alltel Communications, where he managed various cybersecurity initiatives. He has been involved with the National Cyber Security Alliance as a board member and has contributed to Forbes as an opinion columnist.

Perry holds a Master of Science in Information Assurance from Norwich University and is a Certified Chief Information Security Officer (C|CISO). His educational background also includes studies in philosophy and biblical studies at Ouachita Baptist University and coursework in folklore and mythology at Harvard Extension School. His work in cybersecurity has earned him multiple awards, including a National Silver Azbee Award for a feature series on cybersecurity.

Perry Carpenter was born in the United States and has built a successful career as a cybersecurity expert with a focus on human behaviour and social engineering. His early education included a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, completed in 1995. His interest in human psychology and behaviour, combined with his technical skills, laid the foundation for his later career in cybersecurity. In 2008, he furthered his education by earning a Master of Science in Information Assurance (MSIA) from Norwich University. He also completed studies in folklore and mythology at Harvard Extension School in 2022.

Carpenter began his career in the technology industry in the late 1990s. From 1997 to 2000, he worked as a programmer and analyst at JB Hunt Transportation. Following this, he held positions at major companies such as Walmart (2000-2003) and Sam's Club (2003-2004), where he managed analytics and tracking systems. His focus shifted more towards security during his tenure at Alltel Communications (2004-2008), where he worked as an Information Security Manager, managing various enterprise security initiatives such as Identity and Access Management (IAM) and PCI DSS assessment readiness.

In 2008, Perry Carpenter joined Gartner, a global research and advisory firm, where he worked as a Research Director covering areas like information security, privacy, and secure business enablement. During his time at Gartner, he also served as a Leadership Partner in Information Security and Risk Management, providing strategic guidance to senior executives. His research at Gartner focused on emerging security markets, identity management, and behavioural aspects of risk management.

In 2017, Carpenter transitioned to KnowBe4, a company specialising in security awareness training and phishing simulations. Initially joining as Chief Evangelist and Strategy Officer, he focused on developing security awareness programs to help organisations manage human risks. In 2024, he became the Chief Human Risk Management Strategist, where he continues to integrate cybersecurity expertise with behavioural science to mitigate social engineering threats.

Carpenter is also a published author. His first book, Transformational Security Awareness: What Neuroscientists, Storytellers, and Marketers Can Teach Us About Driving Secure Behaviours (2019), was widely praised for offering insights into how organisations can influence secure behaviours among employees. This work was inducted into the Cybersecurity Canon Hall of Fame. In 2022, he co-authored The Security Culture Playbook: An Executive Guide to Reducing Risk and Developing Your Human Defence Layer, which provided a strategic framework for building a strong security culture within organisations.

In 2024, Carpenter published his latest book, FAIK: A Practical Guide to Living in a World of Deepfakes, Disinformation, and AI-Generated Deceptions. The book explores the risks associated with AI-driven technologies such as deepfakes and phishing scams, offering practical advice on how individuals and organisations can protect themselves from these threats.

Perry Carpenter is also a creator and host of two podcasts, 8th Layer Insights and Digital Folklore, which explore topics related to cybersecurity, technology, and human behaviour. These podcasts have been recognised for their engaging and informative content, helping listeners understand the complexities of the digital world.

Perry Carpenter has contributed to publications, including Forbes, where he writes opinion columns on topics such as AI and deception. He has received multiple awards, including the National Silver Azbee Award for a four-part feature series titled Acme Corporation Suffers a Breach.

Throughout his career, Carpenter has been a board member of the National Cyber Security Alliance, contributing to national cybersecurity education efforts. He continues to lead efforts to improve security culture and awareness in his current role at KnowBe4. His work focuses on reducing human risk, staying ahead of emerging cybersecurity threats, and building partnerships with academic institutions and research organisations to develop new approaches to security.

As of 2024, Perry Carpenter remains a highly influential figure in the cybersecurity industry, balancing his role at KnowBe4 with his writing, podcasting, and speaking engagements. His expertise in combining behavioural science with cybersecurity has made him a trusted advisor and leader in the field.

Perry Carpenter’s vision is to create a world where individuals and organisations are better equipped to recognise and defend against digital threats, particularly those exploiting human behaviour. He aims to bridge the gap between technology and human understanding by integrating behavioural science with cybersecurity. Through education, research, and practical tools, Perry seeks to reduce human risk and promote a culture of awareness and responsibility in the digital age. His work focuses on empowering people to think critically about the threats they face and make informed decisions that protect both themselves and their organisations.

His first book, Transformational Security Awareness, was inducted into the Cybersecurity Canon Hall of Fame, recognising its importance in the field. He also received the National Silver Azbee Award from the American Society of Business Publication Editors for his feature series Acme Corporation Suffers a Breach. In addition to these honours, Perry’s work in the cybersecurity industry has been widely acknowledged, and his podcasts 8th Layer Insights and Digital Folklore have gained recognition for their engaging and educational content.