
CISO, EdTech Founder, Austria
Carolin Desirée Toepfer is a tech entrepreneur specializing in B2B solutions and networks. She has delivered keynotes and workshops to hundreds of international decision-makers, explaining digital innovation alongside its technical and process foundations. Lacework included her in its 2024 "50 CISOs to Watch" list, and Sifted by Financial Times recognized her and her Cybersecurity EdTech startup, Cyttraction, among the "Pioneers of the New World" in 2020.
Cyttraction provides training on complex, high-stakes topics, aiming to empower users to handle ad hoc challenges. Cybersecurity is its primary focus, with first aid and other subjects to follow—especially for younger generations accustomed to social media and gamification, whose attention spans are shrinking.
Toepfer holds a Diploma in Political Science from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and later studied Computer Science and Engineering. She is a certified Data Protection Officer (EU GDPR), an IT Forensics CERT specialist, a White Hat hacker, and an active CISO for companies ranging from 10 to 1,000 users.
Passionate about technology since her teenage years, Toepfer began coding and building online communities for local rock bands. Before founding her first company at 27, she worked in legal, finance, and at Germany's largest venture builder during its IPO year. A ONE alumni, Toepfer is dedicated to combating extreme poverty and bridging the digital skills gap. Toepfer is a frequent keynote speaker and panelist at international events and offers online courses in cybersecurity, data protection, and AI.