Lisa Forte is a globally recognized cybersecurity expert and dynamic keynote speaker known for her ability to make complex cyber issues accessible, engaging, and actionable. With a career that bridges offensive and defensive cyber operations, Lisa’s insights draw from her experience in the UK’s counter-terrorism unit and as co-founder of Red Goat Cyber Security, where she helps organizations prepare for and defend against sophisticated cyberattacks.
Lisa’s work focuses on the human element of cybersecurity — the psychology behind breaches, insider threats, and social engineering. Her presentations bring real-world experience to life, blending technical expertise with powerful storytelling. She is trusted by global corporations, government agencies, and educational institutions to train, inspire, and guide their teams toward stronger digital resilience.
Lisa Forte is a globally recognized keynote speaker and cybersecurity expert, specializing in ethical hacking, cyber resilience, and social engineering. With a dynamic approach to cybersecurity, she combines her deep technical knowledge with a talent for delivering impactful and relatable talks that engage audiences worldwide. Lisa has earned a reputation for transforming complex cybersecurity concepts into clear, actionable insights, making her a sought-after speaker for corporate, government, and academic events.
As a former member of the UK’s counter-terrorism unit and co-founder of Red Goat Cyber Security, Lisa Forte has spent her career protecting organizations from cyber threats. Her extensive experience in high-pressure environments and her commitment to ethical hacking have positioned her as a trusted voice in the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity. Event planners rely on Lisa’s authoritative voice to educate, inspire, and empower their audiences to build stronger cyber defenses.
As the co-founder of Red Goat Cyber Security, she leads a team that specializes in simulating real-world cyberattacks to help organizations prepare for and defend against breaches. Lisa’s in-depth knowledge of threat intelligence, ethical hacking, and incident response has made her a leader in the cybersecurity field. Through her work, she has empowered hundreds of businesses to enhance their cyber resilience, demonstrating her ability to bridge technical and non-technical audiences.
In her current role as a cybersecurity consultant and ethical hacker, Lisa Forte has worked with organizations across industries, from finance and healthcare to manufacturing and critical infrastructure. She has conducted numerous simulated cyberattacks, providing organizations with insights into their vulnerabilities and helping them strengthen their defenses. Lisa’s hands-on experience in ethical hacking and incident response is bolstered by her background in law enforcement, giving her unique insights into both the technical and human aspects of cybersecurity.
Lisa Forte stands out as a leading cybersecurity keynote speaker with a wealth of expertise and experience in ethical hacking, incident response, and cyber resilience. Her deep knowledge of the threat landscape, coupled with her engaging speaking style, makes her a top choice for events across industries. Lisa’s commitment to ethical practices and her proven track record in helping organizations build robust cybersecurity defenses further enhance her credibility as a trusted speaker.
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Cybersecurity expert Lisa Forte reveals how the psychology of kidnapping provides vital lessons for surviving and preventing ransomware attacks.
In this compelling talk, Lisa Forte draws a powerful parallel between physical kidnapping and the modern ransomware crisis. She begins by highlighting how both rely on control, fear, and leverage to force compliance — and how understanding these dynamics can reshape cybersecurity strategy.
Lisa recounts lessons from her work in UK counter-terrorism, where negotiation, patience, and psychology often determined the success of hostage recoveries. Translating those principles to cyberspace, she explains that ransomware attackers use similar psychological tactics: isolating victims, increasing urgency, and manipulating communication channels to maximize panic and payment likelihood.
She argues that successful ransomware response is not just about technical recovery but human composure under pressure — emphasizing communication planning, decision-making protocols, and emotional resilience. Lisa closes with actionable advice for executives: prepare in advance, simulate attacks, train teams for crisis response, and treat cyber preparedness as seriously as physical security.
At the Digital Transformation Expo, cybersecurity expert Lisa Forte explains why people, not technology, are the key to securing digital innovation.
In this short highlight from the Digital Transformation Expo 2019, Lisa Forte emphasizes that as organizations accelerate digital change, their biggest vulnerability — and greatest defense — lies in human behavior. She argues that technology alone cannot solve cybersecurity challenges without awareness, accountability, and cultural alignment.
Drawing on her background in counter-terrorism and cyber intelligence, Lisa highlights how the same social engineering tactics that exploit fear and trust offline are now weaponized online. She urges leaders to build cyber awareness into every stage of digital transformation — from system design to employee engagement — ensuring innovation doesn’t outpace security.
The clip closes with her core message: effective cybersecurity isn’t about fear; it’s about empowerment. By fostering a culture of vigilance, transparency, and shared responsibility, organizations can drive innovation securely.
00:21–00:45 — The human element as the foundation of security
00:46–01:05 — Real-world insights from social engineering and ethical hacking
She applies crisis negotiation and psychological principles from her counter-terrorism background to cybersecurity strategy.
Financial services, energy, healthcare, and any organization facing ransomware or insider risk.
Yes. Through Red Goat Cyber Security, she delivers live ransomware and social engineering simulations for leadership teams.
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