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Eric O'Neill
Cybersecurity Speaker, Tech Futurist, Author, Former FBI Operative, Inspiration for *Breach*
Eric O'Neill is a highly regarded author, attorney, security consultant, and motivational speaker. In 2001, he played a pivotal role in capturing Robert Hanssen, one of the most notorious spies in U.S. history. Hanssen, a 25-year veteran of the FBI, was responsible for the greatest security breach in American intelligence. The dramatic story of his capture is the inspiration for the critically acclaimed thriller Breach, in which Ryan Philippe portrays O'Neill.
Eric began his career with the FBI as a "Ghost"—an undercover operative tasked with surveilling foreign, national, and domestic terrorists and spies. During the Hanssen investigation, he worked directly within the FBI’s Information Assurance Division, which was responsible for safeguarding classified intelligence. His work with the division was critical in exposing Hanssen's espionage activities.
Today, Eric is the founder of The Georgetown Group, a leading investigative and security consultancy based in Washington, D.C. He also serves as the National Security Strategist for Carbon Black, a top provider of next-generation endpoint protection.
In addition to his consulting work, Eric is the author of Gray Day, a gripping account of how he helped expose Robert Hanssen, the first Russian cyber spy in the U.S. government. Eric is also a sought-after motivational speaker, known for blending his real-life experiences with practical, actionable insights. His presentations resonate with audiences from a wide range of industries, providing them with valuable lessons on security, integrity, and perseverance.

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