Mikko Hypponen
Chief Research Officer, Sensofusion | Cybersecurity Expert with Over 30 Years of Experience | Bestselling Author, If It's Smart, It's Vulnerable
Theresa Payton
First Female White House CIO | CEO, Fortalice Solutions | Author, Manipulated | Star of CBS's Hunted
Theresa Payton made history as the first woman to serve as White House Chief Information Officer. Today she leads cybersecurity firm Fortalice Solutions, wrote the acclaimed Manipulated on cyberwarfare and disinformation, and is a go-to expert on Today, GMA, and CNN. She shows leaders how to outthink hackers and protect what matters most.
Want to book Theresa Payton as a speaker for your event? Please provide the info below and we’ll get in touch within 24h:
Theresa Payton biography
Cybersecurity speaker Theresa Payton is one of the world’s most respected authorities on cybersecurity, cybercrime, and digital manipulation. She made history as the first woman to serve as White House Chief Information Officer, overseeing IT operations for the Executive Office of the President under President George W. Bush, and today advises Fortune 500 boards, CEOs, and government leaders on protecting their organizations in an era of relentless cyber threats.
Before the White House, Payton held senior executive roles in banking technology at two of the largest financial institutions in the United States, leading work on security, fraud, and digital innovation. In 2009 she founded Fortalice Solutions, a cybersecurity consulting firm she leads as President and CEO, and she co-founded the security product company Dark3. She also holds a U.S. patent in security design.
Author, Television Expert, and Trusted Advisor
Payton is the author of Manipulated: Inside the Cyberwar to Hijack Elections and Distort the Truth, praised by The Guardian and recently updated with a prologue and interview featuring Frank Abagnale, and co-author of Protecting Your Internet Identity and Privacy in the Age of Big Data. She served as Deputy Commander of Intelligence on the CBS series Hunted and is a frequent expert on Today, Good Morning America, CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News. She has been named one of the Top 25 Most Influential People in Security by Security Magazine and a Woman Cybersecurity Leader of the Year.
As a speaker, Theresa Payton combines White House-level experience with sharp storytelling and real-world case studies, often drawn from the frontlines of cybercrime investigations. She explains how hackers, scammers, and nation-state actors think, how AI is changing both attacks and defenses, and what leaders and employees can do today to protect data, money, and reputation. Audiences leave both entertained and equipped with practical steps to strengthen security across their organizations and personal lives.
Theresa Payton Speaking Videos
Your Role in Fighting Cybercrime | Theresa Payton | Talks at Google
Cyber Security
Theresa Payton Keynote Topics
Cyberattacks are now a business certainty, not a possibility. Drawing on her experience protecting the White House and leading investigations at Fortalice, Payton reveals how today’s cybercriminals operate, why traditional defenses so often fail, and how organizations can design security around human behavior. Leaders leave with a clear, practical playbook for reducing risk without slowing the business down.
Based on her acclaimed book Manipulated, Payton exposes how nation-states and criminal groups use social media, bots, and deepfakes to distort reality, sway opinion, and erode trust in institutions and brands. She shows audiences how to recognize manipulation campaigns and what organizations and individuals can do to protect themselves.
Artificial intelligence is arming attackers with new tools, from voice cloning to automated phishing, while giving defenders powerful new capabilities. Payton cuts through the hype to explain how AI is changing the threat landscape, and how leaders can harness it safely while guarding against its misuse.
Many breaches start with a single person. In this engaging, practical session, Payton shares the habits that keep employees and their families safe online, from securing devices and accounts to spotting scams and protecting personal data. It is ideal for all-staff events and audiences that want concrete, immediately useful advice.
Speaker topics
FAQs on Booking Theresa Payton
Why Theresa Payton?
Booking Theresa Payton brings your audience the first woman to serve as White House Chief Information Officer and one of the most recognized cybersecurity experts in the world. As CEO of Fortalice Solutions, author of Manipulated, and a familiar face on Today, Good Morning America, CNN, and CBS’s Hunted, she combines elite experience with gripping real-world stories. Event organizers praise her ability to make complex threats understandable and engaging for every audience, from boards to all-staff meetings. She is an ideal choice for events on cybersecurity, AI, risk, fraud, and leadership. To bring Theresa Payton to your next event, contact Aurum Speakers Bureau.
Was Theresa Payton the first female White House CIO?
Yes. Theresa Payton made history as the first woman to serve as White House Chief Information Officer, under President George W. Bush, where she oversaw IT operations and security for the Executive Office of the President.
What is Theresa Payton’s book Manipulated about?
Manipulated: Inside the Cyberwar to Hijack Elections and Distort the Truth explains how nation-states, criminals, and other actors use technology and social media to manipulate public opinion and undermine trust. An updated edition adds a prologue and interview featuring Frank Abagnale.
What topics does cybersecurity speaker Theresa Payton cover?
Payton speaks on cybersecurity strategy and cybercrime, disinformation and digital manipulation, AI and emerging cyber risks, fraud prevention, and protecting personal privacy and identity. Each keynote is tailored to the audience and industry. Contact Aurum Speakers Bureau to customize a session for your event.
How to book Theresa Payton as a keynote speaker?
Aurum Speakers Bureau can help you book Theresa Payton as a speaker for your next event, conference, or board meeting. Simply fill out our contact form to inquire about Theresa Payton's availability for a speaking engagement. One of our booking agents will respond to your request immediately and contact the speaker to let them know you want to hire them. We will assist you with obtaining speaking fees, booking information, and confirming availability for Theresa Payton or any other top keynote speaker or celebrity of your choice.
How much is Theresa Payton speaking fee?
Theresa Payton speaking fees are determined by several factors, including the event's date, whether it's a virtual or in-person event, the duration, format, preparation required for their speech, and more. The same applies to the cost to hire any other top expert speakers and celebrities. The Speaker Fee Range listed on our website is simply a guideline and is subject to change without notice. If you would like to hire Theresa Payton to deliver a keynote speech for your event, please fill out the contact form or email us at info@aurumbureau.com with as much detail as possible. One of our experienced agents will get in touch with you and let you know exactly how much it will cost to book Theresa Payton.
How can I contact Theresa Payton?
We only work with Theresa Payton on paid speaking engagements. Aurum Speakers Bureau can assist you in booking Theresa Payton and will handle all negotiations, contracts, and logistics associated with having Theresa Payton speak at your event. We will be your sole point of contact throughout the process. Get in touch with Aurum Speakers Bureau today, and we will reach out to any motivational speaker or celebrity you want to enquire about speaking at your event. If you wish to contact Theresa Payton for any other reason, we will be unable to assist you as we are not authorized to provide personal contact information.
Can I book Theresa Payton for a virtual keynote?
Yes, Theresa Payton is available for virtual keynotes and webinars. To book Theresa Payton for a virtual event, please complete the contact form or send us an email to inquire about the special fees for virtual engagements.
