Award-Winning.

Business-Driven.

Purpose-Led.

Larry's Bio

Larry Whiteside Jr. is an internationally recognized cybersecurity executive, entrepreneur, board director, and former United States Air Force Officer with more than 30 years of experience helping organizations manage cyber risk, strengthen resilience, and build high-performing security programs. An eight-time Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Chief Security Officer (CSO), and Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Larry has successfully led security organizations across the Department of Defense, Federal Government, Financial Services, Healthcare, Critical Infrastructure, Retail, and high-growth technology companies.

Guided by his faith and a deep sense of purpose, Larry approaches leadership with humility, integrity, and a calling to serve others. He believes every opportunity is part of God’s greater plan and strives to lead in a way that builds trust, develops people, and creates lasting impact. Whether advising executives, mentoring future leaders, or helping organizations navigate complex cybersecurity challenges, his mission is to protect people, preserve purpose, and leave every organization stronger than he found it.

Larry is the Co-Founder and President of Confide Group (CONFIDE), a cybersecurity advisory and services firm built on a simple belief: organizations deserve trusted advisors whose recommendations are driven by the customer’s best interests—not vendor agendas. Through CONFIDE’s Value Added Buyer (VAB) model, Larry and his team help organizations simplify cybersecurity, optimize technology investments, align security strategies with business risk, and make informed decisions through independent, practitioner-led guidance. Serving organizations ranging from innovative startups to Fortune 2000 enterprises, CONFIDE delivers strategic advisory services, cybersecurity consulting, technology implementation, and managed security services designed to improve security outcomes and business resilience.

Throughout his career, Larry has advised more than 70 cybersecurity companies, serving publicly on boards and advisory boards while also providing private strategic counsel to executive leadership teams. His practitioner-first perspective helps organizations better understand the real-world challenges security leaders face, enabling them to build products, services, and go-to-market strategies that create meaningful value for customers. He currently serves as Chief Advisory Officer for The CISO Society, where he works to strengthen collaboration and leadership across the global cybersecurity community.

A trusted advisor to CISOs, CEOs, and corporate boards, Larry regularly counsels Fortune 2000 executives on cybersecurity strategy, governance, artificial intelligence, executive leadership, digital transformation, cyber resilience, and enterprise risk management. He has also helped private cybersecurity companies strengthen their product strategy, sales execution, marketing, customer success, and long-term growth by bringing the voice of the practitioner into executive decision-making.

Larry is an internationally recognized keynote speaker and thought leader who has presented at many of the industry’s most respected conferences, including RSA Conference, Gartner Security & Risk Management Summit, SC World Congress, SecureWorld, Black Hat MEA, InfoSec World, and numerous executive leadership forums. Known for translating complex cybersecurity topics into practical business conversations, he is frequently featured by media outlets, podcasts, and industry publications for his insights on cybersecurity leadership, AI, governance, and the evolving threat landscape.

Beyond his executive career, Larry is deeply committed to developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. He is the Co-Founder of Cyversity, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the representation of minorities and women in the cybersecurity field. His passion for mentorship has helped countless professionals launch and advance their careers, reflecting his belief that leadership is measured not only by organizational success but by the opportunities created for others.

A proud husband, father of seven, fourth-generation member of a military family, and man of faith, Larry believes his platform is a gift entrusted to him to serve others. Whether leading organizations, advising boards, mentoring emerging leaders, or speaking to audiences around the world, he remains committed to leading with love, strengthening the cybersecurity profession, and helping build a safer, more resilient, and more inclusive future.