Michael Coates

Michael Coates is a three time Chief Information Security Officer leading security at some of the world's biggest technology firms (Twitter, Mozilla, Coinlist). He is also formerly a venture backed startup founder leading the company through acquisition and previously the chairman of the OWASP Foundation.

He is a leader in AI, application, and network security with a focus on threading the needle from scalable secure technical controls and architecture through managing risk and processes across fast moving high risk technical organizations.

Michael holds a Masters Degree in Computer Information and Network Security from DePaul and Bachelors of Science in Computer Science from the University of Illinois in Urbana Champaign.

Michael was invited to speak before the Department of Homeland security on the risks of AI, quantum computing and cybersecurity in December, 2025 alongside Google, Anthropic and Quantum Exchange.

In 2012 Michael was selected as an SC Magazine Influential Security Mind

Outside of security Michael is an avid endurance athlete and has completed the NYC Marathon, Chicago Triathlon, multiple half marathons and a 2-day 200 mile bike trip.

Available for corporate speaking engagements through LAI