Eric O'Neill: Cybersecurity Expert

    Keynote speaker and cybersecurity expert Eric O’Neill delivers espionage, insider threat and cyber risk insights, helping organizations strengthen security, resilience and trust in a digital world.

    Eric O’Neill - Image 06 (January 23, 2026)

    Quick Facts:

      • Former FBI counterintelligence operative
      • Key figure in the capture of spy Robert Hanssen
      • Cybersecurity expert and risk management advisor
      • Speaker on insider threats and digital security
    • Formats: Keynote Speaker and Cybersecurity Expert
    • Audiences: Executives, IT leaders, security professionals and organizations focused on cybersecurity, risk and resilience
    • Outcomes:
      1. Understand modern cyber threats and insider risks
      2. Strengthen organizational security and resilience
      3. Apply practical strategies to protect digital assets
    Reading time: 2 min
    Reviews: (5 reviews)
    Rated 5 out of 5
    • Travels from: Washington, DC
    • **Fee range: $20,001 - $35,000

    Talent Services

    Keynote Topics:

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

    Dive headfirst into the battleground where foreign spies, deepfakes, and Dark Web criminals conspire to steal from you. Today’s adversaries are relentless and cunning. They’re exploiting every vulnerability, deploying an arsenal of generative AI bots and bandits. As we hurtle towards the future, cybertheft will take over $20 trillion USD from organizations just like yours. Join cybersecurity expert and legendary FBI spy hunter Eric O’Neill in this unexpected presentation. With fresh stories that read like a thriller, Eric teaches you to think like a spy catcher and win.

    Objectives

    • Understand why cybercrime is the fastest growing business on earth
    • Understand the connection between espionage and dark web cybercrime
    • Learn counterintelligence techniques to protect yourself and your company from cybercrime
    • Learn to think like a spy hunter

    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 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.

    Objectives

    • Understand how Generative AI has allowed cybercriminals to scale operations and improve attacks
    • Understand how cybercriminals use deepfakes to deceive victims
    • Learn how new advances in AI will change security
    • Learn what you can do to protect yourself from deepfake cyber attacks

    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 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.

    Talent Short Bio

    Eric O’Neill is a former FBI counterintelligence operative and cybersecurity expert who brings a gripping, real-world perspective on espionage, security, and risk. Best known for his role in capturing Robert Hanssen, one of the most notorious spies in American history, O’Neill’s story was dramatized in the film Breach.

    Today, he leverages his deep intelligence background to help organizations navigate the ever-evolving world of cyber threats. As a sought-after speaker, O’Neill combines thrilling spy stories with actionable lessons that resonate with both technical and non-technical audiences. His work emphasizes vigilance, trust, and adaptability as key elements of organizational resilience.

    Through his company and consultancy, he advises global corporations on risk management, insider threats, and digital security. O’Neill’s unique background allows him to demystify cybersecurity while keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.

    Whether addressing executives or large conferences, his presentations leave audiences both entertained and armed with practical strategies to protect their businesses in an increasingly hostile digital landscape.

    Eric O’Neill is a renowned cybersecurity expert, former FBI counterintelligence operative, attorney, and entrepreneur dedicated to protecting organizations against the ever-evolving threat of cybercrime. With a career that blends real-world espionage with cutting-edge cybersecurity strategies, O’Neill’s expertise is unmatched in identifying and neutralizing threats before they strike.

    As the founder of The Georgetown Group and Nexasure AI, he advises corporations, government agencies, and individuals on mitigating risks in an increasingly digital world. His captivating storytelling, drawn from his legendary work in the FBI, offers audiences a gripping yet highly educational experience that is as thrilling as it is essential in today’s cyber landscape.

    As an FBI counterintelligence operative, Eric O’Neill played a pivotal role in one of the most significant espionage cases in U.S. history: the takedown of Robert Hanssen, a double agent who spied for Russia for over two decades. His extraordinary work inspired the Hollywood film Breach, in which actor Ryan Phillippe portrays his role. Leveraging this firsthand experience in high-stakes intelligence operations, Eric O’Neill transitioned into the private sector, where he has become a leading authority on cybersecurity, corporate espionage, and counterintelligence.

    Beyond his operational knowledge, Eric O Neill is a sought-after keynote speaker known for his engaging and insightful presentations. He delivers eye-opening discussions on topics such as cyber warfare, nation-state threats, artificial intelligence security, and the human factor in cybersecurity breaches. His ability to bridge real-world espionage experiences with current cybersecurity challenges makes him an exceptional resource for corporations, law enforcement, government entities, and tech professionals aiming to stay ahead of digital threats.

    Looking to book this speaker for your next event?
    At Speakers Inc., we connect you with the perfect speaker for your audience.

    👉 Contact our team to check availability and secure your speaker
    https://speakersinc.com/contact-us/speakers-inc/

    👉 Watch more speaker videos on YouTube
    https://www.youtube.com/@speakersincUSA/

    Talent Videos

    Eric O'Neill Sizzle Reel

    Former FBI spy catcher and cybersecurity strategist Eric O’Neill delivers thrilling insights into espionage, deception, and modern digital defense.

    In this fast-paced sizzle reel, Eric O’Neill introduces audiences to the world of espionage and its striking parallels to modern cybersecurity. Through cinematic clips, keynote highlights, and brief soundbites, he shares how the lessons he learned in tracking spies inside the FBI now apply to defending organizations against digital intrusions and insider threats.

    Eric emphasizes that while technology evolves, human behavior remains the core vulnerability. He recounts how trust, manipulation, and awareness define both spycraft and cybersecurity, urging organizations to train employees as the first line of defense.

    The reel captures Eric’s dynamic stage presence, his storytelling skill, and the powerful takeaways that make his sessions both entertaining and educational. By the end, viewers see why he is one of the world’s most compelling voices at the intersection of intelligence and cyber defense.

    Key Moments

    00:26–00:55 — Lessons from the FBI and the capture of Robert Hanssen

    00:56–01:25 — The human factor in digital espionage

    01:26–01:50 — Real-world applications for corporate and cyber defense

    Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

    Speaker Contact Form

    Enquiry Form

    Summary of User Reviews for Eric O'Neill as a Speaker

    Eric O'Neill is highly regarded as a speaker, receiving praise for his engaging and personable delivery. Reviewers highlight his ability to captivate audiences with thrilling stories from his time with the FBI, while effectively integrating relevant themes such as cybersecurity and data protection into his presentations. Attendees from various organizations, including Qualcomm and CloudLock, noted his knowledge, warmth, and the practical insights he provided regarding current security threats. His presentations were described as highlights of conferences, showcasing his skill in connecting with diverse audiences and delivering important business lessons.

    Strengths:

    • Engaging and personable presentation style
    • Ability to connect storytelling with relevant themes (e.g., cybersecurity)
    • Knowledgeable and generous with details
    • Effective at captivating and educating audiences

    Weaknesses:

    • No specific weaknesses were mentioned in the reviews.

    Overall, Eric O'Neill is a compelling choice for events focused on cybersecurity and personal data protection, leaving a positive impression…

    Talent Resources

    Was this profile helpful?

    Talent FAQ's

    Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

    Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

    The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

    Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

    Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

    • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
    • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
    • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
    • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
    • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
    • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
    • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

    Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

    You may be interested in...

    Kevin Poulsen
        Kevin Poulsen brings rare insider expertise on cybersecurity, hacking, and digital risk, helping leaders navigate today’s evolving threats with clarity, context, and real-world insight.
        • Cybersecurity Speaker
        Scott Augenbaum - Image 05 (February 12, 2026)
            Cybersecurity keynote speaker and former FBI Cyber Division Supervisory Special Agent Scott Augenbaum helps organizations prevent cybercrime with practical, real-world threat mitigation strategies.
            • Cybersecurity Speaker
            Lisa Forte
                Lisa Forte is an international cybersecurity keynote speaker and ethical hacking expert empowering organizations to strengthen cyber resilience through human awareness and real-world intelligence.
                • Cybersecurity Speaker
                Katie Greer - Image 08 (February 12, 2026)
                    Internet safety keynote speaker Katie Greer equips schools, parents, and organizations with practical strategies for digital citizenship, cyberbullying prevention, and online risk management.
                    • Internet Safety
                    Dr. Jessica Barker
                    • (2 reviews)
                      Dr. Jessica Barker empowers organizations to strengthen cybersecurity by addressing human behavior, security culture, and the psychological factors behind digital risk.
                      • Cyber Security
                      Brian Krebs - Image 06 (February 12, 2026)
                          Cybercrime investigative journalist and keynote speaker Brian Krebs delivers insider intelligence on data breaches, ransomware, and cyber threats to help organizations strengthen digital security.
                          • Cybercrime Journalist
                          Robert Hannigan - Image 01 (February 12, 2026)
                              Cybersecurity and national security keynote speaker Robert Hannigan, former Director of GCHQ, advises global leaders on cyber strategy, intelligence, and digital resilience.
                              • Cybersecurity Speaker
                              Sarah Armstrong-Smith - Image 01 (April 24, 2026)

                                  She helps leaders navigate cyber crises with clarity and confidence.

                                  • Cybersecurity Expert
                                  Disclaimer
                                  The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

                                  These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

                                  Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

                                  All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

                                  Speakers Inc.

                                  Connecting you with the perfect speaker.

                                  We connect you with world-class speakers to create impactful, memorable events.

                                  Find the Perfect Speaker

                                  Tell us about your event and we’ll match you with the right speaker.

                                  © All rights reserved 2026.  Designed using Voxel

                                  AI Assistant
                                  Speakers Inc Logo 2024
                                  Privacy Overview

                                  This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.