Eric O'Neill Speaking Fee: $20,000 to $30,000

Best known for his role in capturing the most notorious spy in United States history, Robert Hanssen, Eric O’Neill is a cybersecurity authority, motivational speaker, former FBI counterterrorism and counterintelligence operative, and technology futurist. He is the bestselling author of Gray Day, and the inspiration for the film Breach, in which he was portrayed by actor Ryan Phillipe. O’Neill is the founder of The Georgetown Group, a premier investigative and security services firm, and a national security strategist for VMware Carbon Black, the leader in next-generation network and endpoint security. In addition to cybersecurity, O’Neill also addresses the new SEC cybersecurity reporting requirements, the threat to U.S. security posed by terrorism, cyber threats to critical infrastructure, foreign intelligence, Neural Network AIs like ChatGPT, and the national conscience in a monitored society.

As a highly engaging speaker, Eric O’Neill weaves real-life experiences worthy of a Hollywood spy thriller and the bestseller list into talks that are entertaining, informative, and inspiring. As a cybersecurity expert, he provides practical cybersecurity insights into real work situations relevant to many industries. Key to all of his talks is his captivating first-hand account of capturing Robert Hanssen, the notorious spy responsible for the greatest security breach in U.S. history.

Eric O’Neill began his career in counterintelligence and counterterrorism as a graduate of the FBI’s Intelligence Program. He spent the first five years of his FBI career as a special surveillance group field operative monitoring foreign, national, and domestic terrorists and spies. He transitioned from field operative to direct undercover work focusing on Hanssen. The unique nature of the assignment, one with huge significance but little backup or support, required O’Neill to tap into deep reserves of courage and inner confidence—experiences that he now draws upon as a motivational speaker.

Currently, Eric O’Neill is the National Security Strategist for VMWare Carbon Black, the leader in next-generation network and endpoint protection, where he provides insight and advice on strategic cyber-security issues and ensures that they are an active participant in the national conversation on cybersecurity strategy. He is also a founding partner of The Georgetown Group, a premier investigative and security consultancy specializing in counterintelligence operations, investigations into economic espionage, cybersecurity penetrations, internal investigations, catching the trusted insider, and security risk.

O’Neill graduated with honors from George Washington University Law School and is a practicing attorney. He serves as the General Counsel and Chief Ethics Officer for Global Communities, a charitable humanitarian relief organization serving 20 million people each year.

In addition to his book and the movie it inspired, O’Neill has told his story on CNN, ABC, Fox, MTV, and NPR, including programs such as Nightline, Hardball with Chris Mathews, Fox News Power Player of the Week with Chris Wallace, CSPAN’s Washington Journal, NPR’s Fresh Air with Terry Gross, World News Now, and Access Hollywood.

His speaking engagements include Fortune 100 companies and strategic clients such as AT&T, Salesforce, TIAA, IBM, Dell, Raymond James & Associates, Roche Diagnostics, and Allstate.

In the world of speaking, Eric O’Neill is truly a rare combination: An “expert’s expert” on all aspects of cybersecurity, a gifted storyteller that keeps audiences engaged and enthralled, and an inspirational speaker who spins one of America’s most thrilling espionage stories into motivational examples of determination, leadership, teamwork, and overcoming challenges. As a cybersecurity expert, O’Neill brings his background as an FBI counterterrorism and counterintelligence operative to the growing threats of cybercrime and cyberterrorism, predicted to cost businesses, governments and individuals an estimated $12 trillion by 2026. His highly engaging and informational talks heighten awareness and help organizations create a culture of vigilance and safety. As a speaker, bestselling author and legendary FBI spy catcher (portrayed by Ryan Phillipe in the Hollywood hit, Breach), O’Neill shares the edge-of-your-seat story of how he brought down the most notorious cyber spy and traitor in U.S. history, Robert Hanssen, imparting valuable lessons. Whatever the focus, O’Neill captivates audiences with tales from his storied career, customizing his keynotes to create an unforgettable event.