Lisa Forte

Lisa Forte is a leading cybersecurity expert, social engineering specialist and entrepreneur, renowned for helping organisations prepare for and respond to cyber threats. As the Co-Founder of Red Goat Cyber Security, she has built an international reputation for her expertise in cyber crisis simulations, cyber awareness training and security consultancy. Recognised as the No.1 woman in the Top 100 Women in Tech Awards, Lisa is one of the most influential voices in cybersecurity today. Her practical experience, engaging communication style and deep understanding of human-focused security risks make her a highly sought-after keynote speaker for conferences, corporate events and industry summits worldwide.

Graduating from the University of Bristol with a Master of Law, Lisa began her career as a member of the Cyber Team at the Southwest Regional Cyber Crime Police Unit. Building on this experience, she co-founded Red Goat Cyber Security in 2017, creating a company dedicated to helping organisations strengthen their resilience against cyber attacks. Her expertise has since positioned her as a trusted advisor to businesses navigating increasingly complex security challenges.

Alongside her commercial success, Lisa has played a significant role in advancing the cybersecurity profession. In 2018, she was named No.1 in the Top 100 Women in Tech Awards and joined the Advisory Board of the Cyber Sat Summary. She has also served as a judge for the Business Leader Awards and is a regular contributor to BBC News and radio programmes, while frequently appearing in national newspapers to provide expert commentary on cybersecurity issues.

Committed to creating positive change across the industry, Lisa co-founded Cyber Volunteers 19 in 2020, a ‘cyber for good’ movement supporting communities and organisations in need. In 2021, she also co-founded Respect in Security, an initiative promoting inclusivity and professionalism across the cybersecurity sector. As a chair at major global events, including the International Cyber Expo and the Global Cyber Summit, Lisa continues to shape conversations around cyber resilience, leadership and innovation.

Lisa Forte delivers insightful, engaging and practical presentations that help audiences understand the human side of cybersecurity. Drawing on extensive experience in crisis management, behavioural security and cyber resilience, she provides actionable strategies for organisations facing modern digital threats. A respected media commentator and industry leader, Lisa is known for translating complex technical concepts into clear, accessible insights. Her keynote presentations cover cyber awareness, crisis simulations, organisational resilience and social engineering, equipping audiences with the knowledge and confidence to strengthen security cultures and respond effectively to emerging risks.

Here are some of the key milestones that define Lisa Forte’s remarkable career:

  • 2024 – Served as Chair at the International Cyber Expo, leading discussions on cybersecurity innovation and resilience.
  • 2021 – Co-founded Respect in Security, promoting greater inclusion and professionalism across the cybersecurity industry.
  • 2020 – Co-founded Cyber Volunteers 19, a movement dedicated to using cybersecurity expertise for social good.
  • 2018 – Ranked No.1 in the Top 100 Women in Tech Awards for her contribution to technology and cybersecurity.
  • 2018 – Joined the Advisory Board of the Cyber Sat Summary, helping guide industry discussions and initiatives.
  • 2018 – Served as a Judge for the Business Leader Awards, recognising excellence across business sectors.
  • 2017 – Co-founded Red Goat Cyber Security LLP, building a consultancy specialising in cyber resilience and crisis preparedness.
  • 2016 – Joined the Cyber Team at the Southwest Regional Cyber Crime Police Unit, supporting cybercrime investigations.
  • 2010s – Became a regular cybersecurity commentator for BBC News, radio broadcasts and national newspapers.

“I had the pleasure of working with Lisa when delivering cyber awareness training to a group of school parents. Lisa was professional, knowledgeable and exceptionally engaging. Her presentation was expertly pitched, as were her answers to the numerous questions. Thank you for all your support and advice, Lisa!” – Arman, Detective Chief Superintendent

“The conference was a great success and Lisa was an amazing speaker. Feedback was extremely positive.” – David, Strategic Marketing & Content Specialist, BMIT