Lisa Forte

Lisa Forte is a globally recognised cyber security expert and one of the most in-demand speakers on cyber crisis management, ransomware, insider threats and social engineering. With a background in counter-terrorism intelligence and law enforcement, she brings rare insight into how attackers operate and how organisations can build real-world resilience. Lisa is the Co-Founder of Red Goat Cyber Security, a specialist firm delivering GCHQ/NCSC-certified training and bespoke cyber-attack simulations for businesses, governments and critical national infrastructure. Her work has earned her top industry honours, including being named No.1 on the Top 100 Women in Tech Awards.

Lisa began her career tackling piracy off the coast of Somalia before transitioning into UK Counter Terrorism Intelligence. She then moved into the police cyber crime unit, where she supported businesses hit by cyber attacks and advised on preventative strategies. These experiences gave Lisa a strong understanding of both the human and technical sides of cyber threats. In 2017, she launched Red Goat Cyber Security, where she now leads on cyber crisis simulations, helping leadership teams stress-test their response to fast-moving digital threats.

In addition to her business and advisory work, Lisa has played a major role in community-driven cyber support. During the pandemic, she co-founded Cyber Volunteers 19, a movement that brought together almost 3,000 cyber professionals to offer pro bono help to hospitals across Europe. She also co-founded Respect in Security, an initiative aimed at tackling harassment and abuse in the cyber security sector. Lisa regularly appears on BBC News, documentaries and major tech panels, providing expert commentary on major attacks, cyber warfare and digital ethics. She serves as an ambassador for the NCSC’s CyberFirst Girls programme, supporting diversity in tech from a young age.

Lisa’s speaking style is direct, engaging and rooted in real-life experience. She delivers high-energy keynotes on cyber resilience, tailored workshops for senior leadership teams, and talks designed to demystify complex threats for wider audiences. With her background in high-stakes environments – from military piracy zones to critical infrastructure crisis response – Lisa brings a unique and practical perspective to any stage. Whether she’s explaining how a ransomware attack unfolds or walking through lessons from her own simulated war games, Lisa leaves audiences better prepared, more informed, and inspired to take action.