Perry Carpenter
Perry Carpenter is an author, podcast host andcybersecurityexpert with over two decades of experience, focusing on how cybercriminals exploit human behaviour. He is currently the Chief Human Risk Management Strategist atKnowBe4, 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 twoaward-winning podcasts,8th Layer InsightsandDigital Folklore, which explore the intersection of technology and human behaviour.
Perry also founded8th 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 includeTransformational Security Awareness: What Neuroscientists, Storytellers, and Marketers Can Teach Us About Driving Secure Behaviours(2019), andThe 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 atGartner, 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 aNational Silver Azbee Awardfor a feature series on cybersecurity.
