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Meet our team

The people leading YA Foundation and the Cyber Defenders Network community.

The people behind the foundation.

YA Foundation is led by its founder, Dr. Yemi Ademiluyi, together with the Cyber Defenders Network community of members and champions.

Portrait of Dr. Yemi Ademiluyi
Founder and Convener, Cyber Defenders Network

Dr. Yemi Ademiluyi

Pioneer Chairman, Lagos Chapter, Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN)

  • 20+years in cybersecurity
  • 13+countries in the CDN community
  • 4×SANS Institute training

About me

Dr. Yemi Ademiluyi is a globally respected cybersecurity strategist, certified professional, digital risk advisor and thought leader, specialising in securing critical infrastructure and high-risk enterprise environments.

With over two decades of professional experience, he has helped numerous organisations, including government institutions and leading financial services firms across Africa and the GCC, to strengthen cyber defences, prevent sophisticated cyber attacks and build resilient security architectures.

Dr. Ademiluyi is the Convener of the Cyber Defenders Network (CDN), a fast-growing global cybersecurity community with members across more than 13 countries, driving collaboration, threat intelligence sharing and professional capacity development. He is a professional member of various cybersecurity groups and forums across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

He is also a Fellow of the Artificial Intelligence Management and Finance Institute of Nigeria (AIMFIN), with deep expertise in AI-driven cyber defence and offensive security strategies, positioning him at the forefront of next-generation cybersecurity.

A pioneer Chairman of the Lagos Chapter of the Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN), he played a key role in advancing cybersecurity awareness and professional development within Nigeria’s largest commercial hub.

Certifications

Dr. Ademiluyi holds multiple globally recognised certifications, alongside advanced training from the SANS Institute (four times) and many more:

CCISOCISMCIPM ISO 27001 Lead AuditorISO 27001 Lead Implementer CEHCertified AI ExpertSANS Institute × 4

His expertise also spans cyber law, data privacy and international regulatory compliance frameworks, enabling organisations to align cybersecurity strategy with legal and governance requirements.

Education

His academic and executive education reflects a strong commitment to continuous learning and a global perspective. He is an alumnus of the University of Lagos, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Lagos Business School, Institute of Information Security, Harvard Business School, Asian School of Cyber Laws and Omniversity Imperial College, among others.

Expertise and speaking

Renowned for bridging deep technical expertise with executive-level insight, Dr. Ademiluyi designs and delivers practical, intelligence-led cybersecurity frameworks that address real-world threats. His core areas include Payment Card Industry data security, digital transformation security, AI in cybersecurity and enterprise risk management, particularly within critical sectors such as oil and gas, critical national security and banking.

A highly engaging and impactful speaker, he translates complex cybersecurity challenges into clear, actionable strategies for diverse audiences, from boardroom executives to technical specialists. His sessions are insightful, forward-looking and grounded in real-world experience, with a strong focus on emerging threats, AI-powered security, cyber resilience and building a culture of security awareness. He has trained and mentored thousands of young people and adult professionals across various countries and industries.

Publications

He is also the author of notable cybersecurity awareness publications, including “The Internet and YOU: The 101 Rules of Engagement” and “My Computer & I”, reinforcing his commitment to digital education, responsible technology use and community development.

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