Brett Johnson is one of the most uniquely qualified cybersecurity experts in the world—because he was once one of its most notorious criminals. Labeled by the United States Secret Service as “the Original Internet Godfather,” Brett built and led ShadowCrew, the dark web precursor that laid the foundation for today’s online criminal marketplaces. After years spent engineering some of the most sophisticated cyber schemes ever prosecuted, his eventual capture and incarceration became the turning point that redirected his life toward prevention, protection, and public education.
Today, Brett is a sought-after keynote speaker and trusted consultant to global corporations, law enforcement, and government agencies. His presentations blend gripping storytelling with deep technical insight, revealing how cybercriminals think, operate, and innovate. He breaks down identity theft, synthetic fraud, account takeovers, phishing attacks, and social engineering with clarity only possible from someone who once built the systems behind them.
His candid, unfiltered approach helps organizations understand emerging threats before they strike and equips teams with actionable strategies to strengthen resilience across digital, operational, and human layers. Brett’s expertise has been featured by The Wall Street Journal, NBC News, CNN, The New York Times, Cybercrime Magazine, and TEDx, reinforcing his authority as a leading voice in cybersecurity awareness and fraud prevention.
Brett Johnson is not just a cybersecurity expert—he’s the man once dubbed by the United States Secret Service as “the Original Internet Godfather.” A former US Most Wanted cybercriminal turned trusted advisor, Brett’s life story reads like a Hollywood thriller, only it’s all true. Having built and led one of the most sophisticated cybercrime syndicates in history, he now dedicates his life to helping individuals and organizations avoid the very traps he once created.
Through riveting storytelling, real-world examples, and hard-earned insights, Brett captivates audiences as he breaks down the psychology of fraud, the evolution of scams, and how cybercriminals operate in today’s digital age. With unmatched authenticity, Brett empowers audiences to take control of their digital security and understand threats from the inside out. His compelling transformation from criminal to consultant makes him one of the most uniquely qualified voices in cybersecurity today.
Brett Johnson’s journey from cybercriminal to cybersecurity consultant is not only fascinating—it’s one of redemption, resilience, and real-world expertise. As the architect of ShadowCrew, a precursor to modern cybercriminal forums, Brett revolutionized how illicit transactions occurred online. His innovations laid the groundwork for today’s dark web economy. Eventually captured and indicted, Brett served time in federal prison before deciding to use his knowledge for good.
Now, as a sought-after keynote speaker, Brett Johnson brings unparalleled insights into the mechanics of fraud, identity theft, social engineering, and data breaches. He speaks not only from theory or research, but from firsthand experience—something few, if any, cybersecurity experts can claim. His unique past has also positioned him as a consultant to some of the world’s top corporations, government agencies, and law enforcement bodies, who rely on him to understand and combat cyber threats.
Brett Johnson has turned his once-notorious legacy into a force for good, becoming one of the world’s most compelling voices in cybersecurity education and fraud prevention. With unmatched firsthand insight, global credibility, and a compelling stage presence, he is uniquely positioned to educate and inspire audiences on the frontlines of the digital threat landscape.
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