Available to book
Eric O’Neill
Cybersecurity
Data and Privacy
Resilience
Strengthen cybersecurity defenses with Eric O'Neill, speaker, FBI counterintelligence expert and AI security specialist. Eric works with organizations to combat cyber threats and prevent espionage, delivering actionable strategies for clients including AT&T, FedEx, and Allstate.
Digital Expert
Author
FBI
Intelligence Services
Eric O’Neill is a cybersecurity expert, former FBI operative, attorney, and founder of The Georgetown Group and Nexasure AI. He helps organisations defend against cybercriminals, whose thefts rank as the world's third-largest economy. As a sought-after speaker, Eric shares insights on the rise of cyberattacks and AI-generated threats, offering strategies to protect finances and reputations. His engagements include major companies like Acronis, Allstate, AT&T, Bayer, and FedEx, as well as universities and various associations. Eric began his career in the FBI after graduating from its Intelligence Program.
He spent five years as a field operative in a special surveillance group focused on monitoring terrorists and spies. He then 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 last year at the age of 79. Eric's experiences are depicted in the film "Breach". The film explores the greatest security breach in US history, highlighting Eric's undercover work within the FBI’s Information Assurance Division.
His story is detailed in his book, "Gray Day: My Undercover Mission to Expose America’s First Cyber Spy". After serving as a national security strategist, Eric founded The Georgetown Group, a leading investigative and security consultancy in Washington, DC. The firm focuses on counterintelligence, economic espionage, cybersecurity, and risk assessment. In addition to his consultancy work, Eric is a media commentator, with his insights featured on CNN, Fox, NPR, and other outlets. He holds degrees from Auburn University and George Washington University School of Law.
His upcoming book, "The Invisible Threat: Secrets from a Spyhunter in an AI World", is set for release in 2025.
Topics, sessions and talks
Eric O’Neill, a real-life FBI cybersecurity expert and renowned spy catcher, offers invaluable insights for leadership teams. He emphasises that "luck is for lottery winners" and teaches attendees how to identify and create opportunities. Eric shares strategies for achieving success despite challenges, managing setbacks, and transforming them into triumphs. He also highlights the importance of time as a precious commodity. Attendees will leave equipped with practical tools to enhance their leadership skills.
In a compelling talk, cyber-security expert Eric O’Neill highlights the urgent need for robust cyber practices, especially as new SEC rules on cybersecurity emerge. With cyber theft projected to reach $12 trillion by 2026 and ransomware attacks on the rise, organisations must prioritise data security. Drawing from his extensive experience as an FBI operative, Eric will equip attendees with practical strategies to safeguard their most valuable asset: information.
In this session, cybersecurity expert Eric O’Neill delves into the complexities of data protection in today's digital landscape. He highlights the threats posed by foreign espionage, Dark Web cybercrime, and AI-driven deepfakes, emphasising the urgent need for robust security measures. Drawing from his experience as a former FBI spy hunter, Eric shares true stories and strategies, equipping attendees with essential skills to think like a spy hunter and protect their data effectively.
In this session, cybersecurity expert Eric O’Neill reveals the alarming threats posed by AI-generated deepfakes, including deceptive kidnapping calls and cyber-extortion schemes. With his engaging storytelling and sharp wit, Eric equips attendees with essential strategies to recognise and combat these sophisticated attacks. Participants will learn how to safeguard themselves and their organisations against the growing risks of AI-driven deception and protect their valuable data.
Book Eric O’Neill to empower your team with invaluable insights from a legendary FBI operative. His gripping stories and expert knowledge on cybersecurity will inspire and equip your audience with actionable strategies to safeguard against threats, ensuring they stay ahead in today’s digital landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity!
Testimonials
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National Security
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frequently asked questions
Something we've not covered here?
Email eric.oneill@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Eric's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
Eric O'Neill structures his sessions around first-person accounts drawn from his time as an undercover FBI operative, using case-specific details — such as the Robert Hanssen espionage investigation — to ground cybersecurity and leadership principles in documented real-world events.
Eric O'Neill speaks on cybersecurity and data protection, leadership strategy and opportunity creation, and foreign espionage, Dark Web crime and AI-driven threats. He is the former FBI undercover operative who captured Robert Hanssen, the most damaging spy in US history, a case depicted in the film Breach.
No. PepTalk adds no booking fee, so you pay the speaker's fee and nothing beyond it. The service, from shortlist through to contracts and event-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, PepTalk can agree preferential rates with your procurement team.
Share your event date, audience, format, objectives and budget, and PepTalk sends a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours. Each suggestion comes with a profile, a fee and a recommendation on the strongest fit. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, travel and logistics through to event day.
The typical fee range is the speaker's standard in-person fee in their home market, shown in their local currency. It moves with format, location, date and session length: virtual sessions and shorter slots usually cost less, while international travel and peak dates cost more. Send your brief to PepTalk and the team will confirm the exact fee in your currency.
Not all of them, and it makes no difference to your booking. PepTalk's network of 15,000+ speakers covers talent the team works with directly alongside speakers represented by agents and agencies worldwide. PepTalk approaches the speaker, negotiates the fee and handles contracting either way.
Three to six months ahead is comfortable for most events, and 12 months is better for large conferences, peak-season dates or one specific in-demand speaker. Shorter timelines are workable, and PepTalk regularly fills last-minute and replacement bookings within days. Availability is the constraint, so get in touch as soon as you have a date.
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