Exclusive

Eric O’Neill

Cybersecurity Expert, Legendary FBI Operative Featured in the Film Breach, Bestselling Author, Technology Futurist and Attorney

Eric O’Neill’s career began in the FBI’s counterintelligence trenches as an undercover operative. His work brought down Robert Hanssen, the most notorious and damaging spy in United States history. Since then, Eric has spent decades as a national security attorney, corporate investigator, and national cybersecurity strategist. His story became the Hollywood thriller Breach, starring Ryan Phillippe as O’Neill, his own bestselling book, Gray Day, and now, engaging keynotes with jaw-dropping stories and teachable moments. He speaks to thousands each year across the globe, inspiring audiences to protect themselves and giving them actionable tools to do so.

  • Eric O’Neill Keynote Speaker Fee Fee range is for U.S. events, depending on location and organization type

    Please Inquire

  • Languages Spoken

    English

  • Travels From

    Washington DC, USA

  • Eric O’Neill Keynote Speaker Fee Fee range is for U.S. events, depending on location and organization type

    Please Inquire

  • Languages Spoken

    English

  • Travels From

    Washington DC, USA

Suggested Keynote Speaker Programs

CYBERSECURITY: SPIES, LIES & CYBERCRIME: PROTECTING YOUR DATA IN A DARK WEB ECONOMY

Dive headfirst into the heart of the digital battleground, where data reigns supreme as the currency of our lives. Amidst the interconnected web of technology, the relentless tide of foreign espionage, Dark Web cybercrime, and the looming threat of AI...

Dive headfirst into the heart of the digital battleground, where data reigns supreme as the currency of our lives. Amidst the interconnected web of technology, the relentless tide of foreign espionage, Dark Web cybercrime, and the looming threat of AI-driven deepfakes, the battleground for data security intensifies. No longer confined to the shadows, today’s adversaries navigate the digital landscape with precision and cunning, exploiting vulnerabilities with every keystroke. The Dark Web has ascended to the third-largest economy on the planet, where trust is an uncommon commodity amidst the sea of generative AI deception. Brace yourself against the relentless onslaught of deception, impersonation, and ransomware attacks, draining billions from unsuspecting victims. As we hurtle towards the future, cyber theft of information from every organization and consumer will surpass $20 trillion USD, a stark reminder of the imperative to fortify our defenses in this ever-evolving digital frontier.

Join cybersecurity expert, acclaimed author, and former FBI spy hunter Eric O’Neill in this engaging and enlightening presentation. Drawing from his extensive experience as an undercover operative within the FBI and as a seasoned security consultant, O’Neill shares compelling true stories to impart invaluable insights on thinking like a spy hunter to safeguard your data against cyber-attacks.

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Secrets from a Legendary Spyhunter: Decoding AI Deepfakes, Extortion & More

AI-generated voices, texts, and images pose a grave threat to national security—and to you. The latest jaw-dropping stories include kidnapping calls to parents who hear their child’s wrenching cries for help. Elaborate video conferences that dupe teams into funding ...

AI-generated voices, texts, and images pose a grave threat to national security—and to you. The latest jaw-dropping stories include kidnapping calls to parents who hear their child’s wrenching cries for help. Elaborate video conferences that dupe teams into funding projects by bad actors. Ransomware from cyber-extortionists who hold your data hostage. In a world where technology
drives our lives, you must take new steps to protect yourself and your organization. With his characteristic wit and storytelling, cybersecurity expert and legendary spyhunter Eric O’Neill tells you how to identify AI-fueled attacks…and stop them from taking your money.

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WHAT JAMES BOND & JASON BOURNE WOULD NEVER TELL YOU ABOUT ACHIEVING YOUR COMPANY’S MISSION

You’d never see James Bond give a game-changing keynote to a leadership team. Or, see Jason Bourne coach corporate audiences on how to turn obstacles into accomplishments. Luckily, we have real-life FBI cybersecurity expert and celebrated spy ...

You’d never see James Bond give a game-changing keynote to a leadership team. Or, see Jason Bourne coach corporate audiences on how to turn obstacles into accomplishments. Luckily, we have real-life FBI cybersecurity expert and celebrated spy catcher, Eric O’Neill. 

O’Neill weaves his edge-of-your-seat espionage story—featured in the Hollywood hit, Breach and his own bestseller, Gray Day—into highly actionable, irresistibly motivational takeaways to help achieve both personal success and your organization’s goals and mission.  Highlights include:

  • “Luck is for lottery winners.” How to not only identify opportunities, but create them.
  • Achieve success even when you’re not set up for it.
  • Manage setbacks and turn them into triumph.
  • Why time is the most valuable commodity.
  • “Don’t just have a Plan B, have a Plan C.”

O’Neill’s thrilling espionage story of catching the most notorious cyberspy in U.S. history imparts invaluable lessons in a unique, captivating and unforgettable way. Audiences learn how to set goals and achieve them with confidence, determination, and in O’Neill’s case, the courage to triumph like Bond or Bourne. Yes, even when the mission seemed impossible.

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About Keynote Speaker Eric O’Neill

Best known for his role in capturing the most notorious spy in United States history, Robert Hanssen, Eric O’Neill is a cybersecurity authority, engaging keynote speaker, former FBI counterterrorism and counterintelligence operative, attorney, and national security strategist. He is the bestselling author of Gray Day, and the inspiration for the film Breach, in which he was portrayed by actor Ryan Phillippe. O’Neill is the founder of The Georgetown Group, a premier investigative and security services firm, and serves as a national security strategist for cybersecurity companies. 

More About Eric O’Neill

Eric O’Neill, cybersecurity expert, legendary FBI operative, attorney, and founder of The Georgetown Group and NeXasure AI—works with organizations to protect themselves against cybercriminals, whose total thefts constitute the world’s third-largest economy.

Eric is an in-demand speaker. With his lively style and stories from the dark web, Eric delivers bespoke keynotes on the rise of sinister cyberattacks, AI-generated threats, and more—including how to keep your money and your reputation safe. Engagements include Acronis, Allstate, AT&T, Bayer, Dell, FedEx, Honeywell, McKinsey, SalesForce, universities, and numerous associations from IIA to YPO. 

Eric began his career in the FBI as a graduate of the FBI’s Intelligence Program. He spent the first five years as a field operative in a special surveillance group tasked to surveil and monitor foreign, national, and domestic terrorists and spies.

Eric transitioned from “ghosting” targets from the shadows to direct undercover work with a singular assignment—with little backup or support: Catch his new boss, Robert Hanssen, a 25-year veteran of the FBI, in the act of espionage with the Russians. Hanssen died in a supermax prison in 2023 at the age of 79.

Eric’s edge-of-your-seat story is featured in the dramatic thriller Breach, starring Ryan Philippe and Laura Linney. The film is set inside the FBI, the gatekeeper of the nation’s most sensitive and potentially volatile secrets, and it reveals the story of the greatest security breach in US history. During the Hanssen investigation, Eric worked directly undercover with the spy within the FBI’s Information Assurance Division, created to protect all classified FBI intelligence. Read about it in Eric’s acclaimed book, Gray Day: My Undercover Mission to Expose America’s First Cyber Spy (Crown).

In 2009, Eric founded The Georgetown Group which has become a premier investigative and security consultancy in Washington, DC. The firm specializes in competitive intelligence research, counterintelligence operations, economic espionage, cybersecurity penetrations, AI-fueled attacks, internal investigations, and security risk assessment. Eric has also served as a national security strategist for cybersecurity companies, including VMWare Carbon Black and Broadcom and senior associate for the Government Contracts Group at DLA Piper.

Eric is also a media commentator. He and his work have been covered by CNN, C-Span, Fox, NPR, Newsweek, TechCrunch, “Fresh Air with Terry Gross,” World News Now, Access Hollywood, and more.

Eric is an honors graduate of Auburn University and George Washington University School of Law.

Eric’s next book is The Invisible Threat: Secrets from a Spyhunter in an AI World (HarperCollins 2025).

Testimonials

“Eric was a pleasure to work with, brought extremely relevant content to the audience and captivated them the entire session. Survey results were outstanding! I recommend Eric to any organization looking for a dynamic and entertaining speaker!”

Jana L.

The Institute of Internal Auditors

“Eric was an excellent keynote speaker for our corporate conference. He is a talented storyteller who did a great job engaging the audience with his tales of espionage and cybercrime, while also incorporating important insights into how to deal with a cyberattack should it occur.”

Ogletree Deakins

 

“Eric O’Neill absolutely killed it. Our audience absolutely loved him; and I think the 2-keynote flow was excellent and engaging. Eric may have been our all time favorite once again!”

Major NYC Telecom Company

 

“Eric goes out of this way to ensure his talk is aligned with your event goals, theme, and audience makeup. He asked the right questions in our pre-event brief, and customized his content to meet our needs. The feedback we received from our attendees was outstanding and we look forward to working with Eric again in the future.”

Justin

Dir of Mktg for N.A., Egress

Eric was a wonderful addition to our Company-wide Conference and, for many of our attendees, his presentation was the highlight. He was engaging, animated, charming and able to extract important business lessons from his experience with the FBI. Read More

John, President & CEO

Johnny Rockets

Eric is a consummate professional, with a relaxed demeanor, he was the absolute hit of our event!  We had a record attendance at our meeting, and due to his great presentation we have new exposure for our ISACA chapter!

Program Committee Chair

ISACA Virginia

Eric O’Neill’s presentation on “An Insider’s Look into the Robert Hanssen Investigation: How the FBI Caught the Worst Spy in American History” is a breathtaking insight into one of the worst spies in United States history. Read More

NCMS Seminar Committee

 

Eric does an incredible job engaging an audience through the telling of espionage stories, while masterfully weaving in what it means today in the world of cybercrime. He captivated the attention of over 350 business leaders, who left with clear insight into the non-negotiable importance of strategic cyber-security.

Melody, CCB Technology

 

“Eric was the perfect guest speaker for our event. With an audience of IT Security folks, he not only captivated the room with his thrilling espionage story, but also incorporated our latest cyber-security report and other cyber-security themes into his talk. Read More

Carrie

Manager, Events & Partner Relations, CloudLock

Eric O’Neill spoke at our Qualcomm conference and our group was very pleased. He hit home with the importance of being diligent to protect personal and company data – with many examples of ways we are all being targeted. The threat is REAL, and people need to take it seriously.

Rachel

Qualcomm

I want to tell you how fabulous Eric was. I was personally so impressed with his keynote address and his delivery style.  He is a fantastic story teller. I was also fortunate enough to meet him as well.  An incredibly intelligent and thoughtful individual. Read More

Melanie

CT Education Network

Eric O’Neill is absolutely fantastic!! ExtraHop hired Eric to speak about his experience in the FBI as a counter-terrorism and counterintelligence operative. The passion and energy he was able to convey through his storytelling kept our audience captivated the entire time. Read More

Danielle

ExtraHop

Eric hit home with the importance of protecting our data with real examples. The threat is REAL, and people need to take it seriously.

Qualcomm

 

Eric is simply brilliant. His energy, expertise and insight into the ever-changing cybersecurity industry is unparalleled.

Egress

 

The highlight of our conference. He was engaging, animated, charming, and able to extract relevant business lessons from his experience with the FBI.

Johnny Rockets

 

Eric’s combination of a great story plus the cybersecurity expertise made his keynote compelling.

CompTIA

 

I don’t think we could ask for a better outcome! than our employees becoming interested in cybersecurity! Eric’s keynote helped highlight that with every employee’s vigilance and partnership, we can continue to do great things, together.

Interface

 

A highlight of the Acronis Cyber Protection Summit in Miami. He used humor to highlight the importance of Cyber Protection. Highly praised by the audience.

Acronis

 

Eric O’Neill is an enthralling speaker who brings to life the realities of espionage. He painted a picture that was both enticing and terrifying.

CSO

 

A memorable and helpful keynote address. Eric provided tangible takeaways for credit unions to “hunt the threats” before they hunt credit unions.

Northwest Credit Assoc.

 

Eric was fabulous. He is a fantastic story teller. We’ve had multiple attendees comment that he was by far our best keynote address to date.

Connecticut Education Network

 

Eric delivered an absolutely mesmerizing keynote for our cybersecurity event. He tailored his talk to the topic of the event, weaving in very relevant commentary.

WatchDox

 

An amazing speaker! He was warm, personable, knowledgeable, and generous with details about this exciting and heroic story. He was a huge hit with our attendees!

Assoc. of College & University Auditors

 

Now I’ve got to see the movie Breach! Eric made an excellent presentation, keeping everyone on the edges of their seats!

VA Depart of Game & Inland Fisheries

 

The un-Hollywood look into catching one of the most notorious spies in US history told with brutal honesty and humor.

Assura, Inc.

 

Very engaging. He was able to translate his experiences into a thought-provoking presentation on risk management.

Henrico County Virginia

 

Media

Article

Jul 26, 2024

Insights and Learnings from Eric O'Neill on the CrowdStrike Incident

Eric O’Neill, renowned cybersecurity authority and former FBI counterintelligence operative, has recently been sought after by major news outlets for...

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Article

Jul 17, 2024

The dark web will soon steal $20 trillion a year—from organizations just like yours. Are you ready to protect your organization from cybercrime?

In an era where cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated and pervasive, there’s no better way to bolster your organization’s defenses...

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Article

Mar 21, 2024

What your Organization can Learn about Achieving Success from a Famed Spy Catcher

Imagine tapping into the mind of a famed spy catcher to elevate your business strategy. Eric O’Neill, the former FBI...

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Article

Nov 27, 2023

Eric O'Neill Spills Robert Hanssen Case Details in Recent 'FBI True' Episode

Last week’s episode of FBI True brought a curious case back into the public eye: the deception and betrayal perpetrated...

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Article

Oct 9, 2023

Join Eric O'Neill in an Exploration of Lies, Betrayal, and Psychological Warfare in his NEW Thrilling Spy Podcast Series

Have you ever wondered what goes on in the mind of a spy? Eric O’Neill, a former FBI counterterrorism and...

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Article

Jun 7, 2023

Goodbye Robert Hanssen: Reflections from the FBI Operative who Helped Capture him

  The news of the FBI’s most damaging spy Robert Hanssen’s passing in his jail cell yesterday has left Eric...

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Article

Feb 16, 2023

Cybersecurity Expert Eric O'Neill Joins the Star-Studded SXSW 2023 Lineup

Our exclusive speaking partner and longtime friend Eric O’Neil will join the roster of thought leaders and celebrities heading up the...

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Webinar

Jun 14, 2022

The Latest On Cybersecurity: How To Protect Your Data In The Age Of Remote Work And International Espionage

The past several years made global workforces, economies, government agencies, and individual fortunes susceptible to cyber-attacks. Lockdowns demanded the early...

Watch

Article

May 20, 2022

What do Healthcare Professionals need to know about Cybersecurity?

Did you know medical records are worth anywhere from $1- $1,000 on the dark web and second only to passports...

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