Julia O’Toole

CEO, MyCena®

Julia O'Toole is Co-CEO of MyCena®, the first AI security company to identify that confusion between identification and authentication created the biggest cybersecurity gap, resulting in credential vulnerabilities and critical single points of failure.

Combining mathematics and neuroscience, she spent over 20 years researching cybersecurity gaps, creating a pioneering mathematical model that eliminates human-managed credentials and prevents credential-based attacks. Her expertise combines advanced encryption, cybersecurity practices, and practical business solutions for digital safety.

Under Julia’s leadership, MyCena® has become a cybersecurity thought leader, offering solutions that protect organizations from AI-driven threats, automate compliance, and improve efficiency. She educates business leaders about encryption-based authentication, showing how companies of all sizes can operate securely in the AI era.

– Why do you support the work of The Entrepreneurs Network?

I support The Entrepreneurs Network because they champion policy innovation that strengthens the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Building a business is hard, and entrepreneurs constantly face complex challenges. If the UK government aligned their policies with innovative companies’ needs, improved connections between entrepreneurs and resources, and optimised procurement and grant processes, it could enable more technological advancement, driving growth, jobs, and competitiveness.

– What research should more people read (either our research or other organisations)?

More people should explore our papers on AI security and the end of credential theft. It highlights the critical confusion between identification (who you are) and authentication (if you should have access) that has plagued cybersecurity.

– Why is the UK an attractive place to grow a business?

The UK is an ideal place to grow a business because of its dynamic business environment, skilled workforce, and robust regulatory frameworks. The country's support for innovation combined with its proactive regulatory approach creates an excellent platform for scaling businesses globally.