Charl van der Walt is a South African cyber security expert with over 25 years of industry experience. He co-founded SensePost—a globally recognised penetration testing firm—and served in various leadership roles, including CEO, until its acquisition by SecureData. At SecureData, he expanded his expertise in strategic cyber security operations and penetration testing services. Currently, Charl is the Global Head of Security Research at Orange Cyberdefense. In this role, he leads a team that tracks, analyses and communicates emerging security threats by integrating diverse data sources and intelligence. His work informs both internal strategies and external advisories, helping organisations navigate the evolving cyber security landscape. Internationally recognised, Charl frequently presents his insights at major conferences such as RSAC, Black Hat and BSides. His career blends entrepreneurial initiative, technical acumen and strategic vision, establishing him as a leading voice in addressing modern cybersecurity challenges.