Share
Eric O'Neill Profile Picture

Keynote SpeakerEric O'Neill

Cybersecurity Expert, Legendary FBI Operative Featured in the Film Breach, Bestselling Author, Technology Futurist and Attorney

Best known for his role in capturing the most notorious spy in United States history, Robert Hanssen, Eric O’Neill is a cybersecurity authority, engaging keynote speaker, former FBI counterterrorism and counterintelligence operative, attorney, and national security strategist. He is the bestselling author of Gray Day, and the inspiration for the... Read more

Popular Talks by Eric O'Neill

  • Cybersecurity: Spies, Lies & Cybercrime: Protecting Your Data in a Dark Web Economy

    Foreign spies, deepfakes and Dark Web criminals are exploiting new technologies and vulnerabilities to target organisations and individuals. Drawing on gripping stories from his career as an FBI spy hunter, Eric O’Neill reveals the connection between espionage and modern cybercrime, how generative AI is changing the threat landscape, and the…
  • Secrets from a Legendary Spyhunter: Decoding AI Deepfakes, Extortion & More

    AI-generated voices, images and video are giving cybercriminals increasingly sophisticated ways to deceive their targets, from convincing impersonations to ransomware and elaborate financial scams. With his characteristic wit and storytelling, Eric explores how generative AI is transforming cybercrime, how deepfakes are being used to manipulate victims, and what advances in…
  • Leadership Under Pressure: What You Can Learn from Spies, Bond & Bourne?

    What separates extraordinary leaders when the stakes are highest? Drawing on his experience helping expose Robert Hanssen, one of the most damaging spies in FBI history, Eric combines gripping stories from the front lines of espionage with practical lessons in leadership and decision-making. He explores how to assess risk, make…

Biography

Best known for his role in capturing the most notorious spy in United States history, Robert Hanssen, Eric O’Neill is a cybersecurity authority, engaging keynote speaker, former FBI counterterrorism and counterintelligence operative, attorney, and national security strategist. He is the bestselling author of Gray Day, and the inspiration for the film Breach, in which he was portrayed by actor Ryan Phillippe. O’Neill is the founder of The Georgetown Group, a premier investigative and security services firm, and serves as a national security strategist for cybersecurity companies.

Eric O’Neill, cybersecurity expert, legendary FBI operative, attorney, and founder of The Georgetown Group and NeXasure AI—works with organizations to protect themselves against cybercriminals, whose total thefts constitute the world’s third-largest economy.

Eric O’Neill is an in-demand speaker, exclusively represented by BigSpeak Speakers Bureau. With his lively style and stories from the dark web, Eric delivers bespoke keynotes on the rise of sinister cyberattacks, AI-generated threats, and more—including how to keep your money and your reputation safe. Engagements include Acronis, Allstate, AT&T, Bayer, Dell, FedEx, Honeywell, McKinsey, SalesForce, universities, and numerous associations from IIA to YPO.

Eric began his career in the FBI as a graduate of the FBI’s Intelligence Program. He spent the first five years as a field operative in a special surveillance group tasked to surveil and monitor foreign, national, and domestic terrorists and spies.

Eric 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 in 2023 at the age of 79.

Eric’s edge-of-your-seat story is featured in the dramatic thriller Breach, starring Ryan Philippe and Laura Linney. The film is set inside the FBI, the gatekeeper of the nation’s most sensitive and potentially volatile secrets, and it reveals the story of the greatest security breach in US history. During the Hanssen investigation, Eric worked directly undercover with the spy within the FBI’s Information Assurance Division, created to protect all classified FBI intelligence. Read about it in Eric’s acclaimed book, Gray Day: My Undercover Mission to Expose America’s First Cyber Spy (Crown).

In 2009, Eric founded The Georgetown Group which has become a premier investigative and security consultancy in Washington, DC. The firm specializes in competitive intelligence research, counterintelligence operations, economic espionage, cybersecurity penetrations, AI-fueled attacks, internal investigations, and security risk assessment. Eric has also served as a national security strategist for cybersecurity companies, including VMWare Carbon Black and Broadcom and senior associate for the Government Contracts Group at DLA Piper.

Eric is also a media commentator. He and his work have been covered by CNN, C-Span, Fox, NPR, Newsweek, TechCrunch, “Fresh Air with Terry Gross,” World News Now, Access Hollywood, and more.

Ready to invite Eric O'Neill to your event?

Tell us about your event, one of our consultants will reach out within 24 hours.

How to book Eric O'Neill as a keynote speaker

How do I book Eric O'Neill for a keynote speech?

You can book Eric O'Neill through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Eric's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Eric O'Neill's speaking fees?

Eric O'Neill's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Eric tailored to your event.

What topics does Eric O'Neill speak about?

Eric O'Neill speaks on Big Data, Cyber Security, Future & Technology, Government & Politics, Leadership. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Eric to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Eric O'Neill available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Eric O'Neill for events worldwide, subject to Eric's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Eric O'Neill deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Eric O'Neill is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Eric O'Neill?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Eric can accommodate.

Can Eric O'Neill tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Eric O'Neill on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Eric can offer.

What languages does Eric O'Neill present in?

Eric O'Neill delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Eric O'Neill a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Eric O'Neill's areas of expertise include Big Data, Cyber Security, Future & Technology, Government & Politics, Leadership. To get a clear sense of Eric's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Eric O'Neill speak at?

Eric O'Neill can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Big Data, Cyber Security, Future & Technology, Government & Politics, Leadership is relevant. Details of Eric's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Eric O'Neill offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Eric O'Neill is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Eric O'Neill?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Eric O'Neill, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Eric's current availability for your dates.