Share
Keynote Speaker
Richard Aldrich
Award-Winning Spy Writer, Presenter, and Tech Expert
Popular talks
- AI and Europe
- The End of Secrecy
- Who owns cyber-power?
Talks
Popular talks by Richard Aldrich
-
AI and Europe
Europe is far behind North America and Asia on AI. Its internal investment is a third of what is being spent in Asia and less than a quarter of that in North America. Yet the EU is a regulatory superpower and will have disproportionate effects on this market. Good global…
Europe is far behind North America and Asia on AI. Its internal investment is a third of what is being spent in Asia and less than a quarter of that in North America. Yet the EU is a regulatory superpower and will have disproportionate effects on this market. Good global frameworks lower transaction costs and increase the possibility of trustworthy AI. In the past technical experts hailing from geopolitical rivals, readily collaborated on standards. Now governments are much less willing to collaborate on conventions as they play games of global cyber-power. The European Union is likely to introduce the first, most stringent, and most comprehensive AI regulatory regimes of the world’s major jurisdictions. It will have first mover advantage and will diffuse this globally, producing a so-called “Brussels Effect”. What will this look like? What are the opportunities for business? What are the problems?
-
The End of Secrecy
One of the most dramatic changes of recent times has been a decline of confidentiality, especially around business and government. Information is everywhere but secrecy is in short supply. While the ethical aspects of ‘whistle-blowing’ have received attention, few have attempted to explain the technical dynamics underpinning the growing climate…
One of the most dramatic changes of recent times has been a decline of confidentiality, especially around business and government. Information is everywhere but secrecy is in short supply. While the ethical aspects of ‘whistle-blowing’ have received attention, few have attempted to explain the technical dynamics underpinning the growing climate of exposure. This has much to do with the changing structure of information and ‘big data’. Moreover, many tech providers are at best agnostic about ‘security’ and the Internet itself provides the perfect medium for the anonymous degradation of secrets. Because the main driver is technology, Richard Aldrich suggests this trend is likely to accelerate, presenting managers with one of their biggest future challenges. But what are the solutions? Paradoxically, in an era when the Internet seems ubiquitous, the top spies now look to a mixture of analogue and manual systems – this offers a solution – but at what cost?
-
Who owns cyber-power?
Governments frequently talk of ‘cyber-power’ and national strategy reviews use the word on almost every page. Yet most of our critical national infrastructure is in private hands and the last decade has seen marked differences between government and the private sector on many issues from privacy regulation to supply chains.…
Governments frequently talk of ‘cyber-power’ and national strategy reviews use the word on almost every page. Yet most of our critical national infrastructure is in private hands and the last decade has seen marked differences between government and the private sector on many issues from privacy regulation to supply chains. The new ‘whole of society’ approach to cyber-power requires complex partnerships between government, major corporations, SMEs, universities and even citizens, but also offers remarkable new opportunities for business. How will this landscape change and what can we learn from the innovative partnerships between corporations and the most advanced national security agencies across Europe and North America?
Biography
About Richard Aldrich
Richard Aldrich is a leading cyber-security and technology expert, award-winning spy writer and presenter. He is Professor of International Security at the University of Warwick and helps to lead the Warwick Cyber Security Global Research Priority. He has been involved in major European projects including H2020 DigiGen and the Jean Monnet Cyberdiplomacy programme.
Richard Aldrich’s field of expertise, the future of cyber-security, AI and Big Data, is one of the most pressing current issues. His most recent research has focused on ‘Project Spaceman’, an examination of pioneering British efforts in computer security. He is the author of many books, including GCHQ: The Uncensored Story of Britain’s Most Secret Intelligence Agency (2019) and The Black Door: Spies, Secret Intelligence and British Prime Ministers (2016). He is currently completing a study of Cybersecurity and Digital Politics for Oxford University Press.
Richard Aldrich is an experienced broadcaster and public speaker, appearing on The One Show, Newsnight, the Today Programme and Nightwaves. Most recently he has appeared in ITV’s Secrets of the Spies and Alice Roberts’ C4 Fortress Britain series (2023). He has also featured in several Timewatch, Discovery, ZDF and PBS documentaries. He enjoys literary festivals and has been a regular at Edinburgh and Cheltenham. Richard has assisted with national museum exhibitions related to intelligence, science and technology.
How to book Richard Aldrich
Answers on fees, availability and booking process.
How do I book Richard Aldrich for a keynote speech?
You can book Richard Aldrich through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Richard's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.
What are Richard Aldrich's speaking fees?
Richard Aldrich's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Richard tailored to your event.
What topics does Richard Aldrich speak about?
Richard Aldrich speaks on Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Cyber Security, Digital, Europe. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Richard to align the content with your delegates and goals.
Is Richard Aldrich available for international events?
London Speaker Bureau can book Richard Aldrich for events worldwide, subject to Richard's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.
Does Richard Aldrich deliver virtual or online keynotes?
Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Richard Aldrich is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).
How long is a typical keynote by Richard Aldrich?
Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Richard can accommodate.
Can Richard Aldrich tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?
London Speaker Bureau will brief Richard Aldrich on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Richard can offer.
What languages does Richard Aldrich present in?
Richard Aldrich delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.
What makes Richard Aldrich a strong fit as a keynote speaker?
Richard Aldrich's areas of expertise include Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Cyber Security, Digital, Europe. To get a clear sense of Richard's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.
What kind of events can Richard Aldrich speak at?
Richard Aldrich can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Cyber Security, Digital, Europe is relevant. Details of Richard's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.
Does Richard Aldrich offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?
Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Richard Aldrich is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.
How far in advance should we book Richard Aldrich?
We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Richard Aldrich, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Richard's current availability for your dates.