Eric O’Neill

Eric O’Neill is a cybersecurity expert and former FBI counterintelligence operative best known for his role in capturing Robert Hanssen, the most damaging spy in United States history. His story inspired the film Breach, in which he was portrayed by actor Ryan Phillippe, and he is the bestselling author of Gray Day: My Undercover Mission to Expose America’s First Cyber Spy.

From Undercover Operative to Security Strategist

O’Neill spent his twenties working undercover inside the FBI’s counterintelligence division before going on to become a national security attorney and corporate investigator. He is the founder of The Georgetown Group, a premier investigative and security services firm, and serves as a national security strategist for cybersecurity companies including NeXasure AI.

Turning Espionage into Everyday Lessons

O’Neill’s keynotes blend the thrill of real-world espionage with practical, applicable lessons on protecting organizations from cybercriminals, whose global thefts now rank as the world’s third-largest economy. Audiences consistently cite his storytelling as a highlight, with clients praising how he keeps rooms of hundreds engaged for 90 minutes and beyond.

For organizations that want cybersecurity awareness delivered through a true, high-stakes story rather than a lecture, Eric O’Neill delivers a keynote that is as entertaining as it is essential.

What does Eric O’Neill speak about?

Eric O’Neill speaks on cybersecurity, espionage, and corporate security strategy, drawing on his experience as an undercover FBI operative who helped capture the most damaging spy in U.S. history.

What makes Eric O’Neill a sought-after keynote speaker?

As the real-life inspiration for the film Breach and bestselling author of Gray Day, O’Neill combines a genuinely thrilling personal story with practical cybersecurity strategy that resonates with technical and general audiences alike.

Who books Eric O’Neill?

Meeting planners book Eric O’Neill for keynotes and closing sessions where organizations want cybersecurity awareness delivered through a gripping, true story rather than a standard briefing.

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.

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.

Leadership Under Pressure: What You Can Learn from Spies, Bond & Bourne?

What separates extraordinary leaders from everyone else? It isn’t luck. It isn’t perfect planning. And it certainly isn’t having all the answers.

Former FBI counterintelligence operative Eric O’Neill knows what it’s like to make life changing decisions under extraordinary pressure. Tasked with helping expose Robert Hanssen, the most damaging spy in FBI history, Eric was thrust into an assignment he wasn’t trained for, against an adversary who had defeated the FBI for more than two decades.