Scott E. Augenbaum

As a retired FBI Agent and Keynote Speaker, I always prepare for the worst. Technical difficulties are inevitable and whatever you think can go wrong usually does. I always anticipate that the projector might fail. Fortunately, I started my speaking career with the FBI without relying on PowerPoint, so I know my framework and script thoroughly. Always ask yourself: Can you deliver your talk without visuals? At the RSA conference last year, I was hired to speak at a noisy bar with no microphone and a disinterested (Over served) audience. I focused on a few engaged listeners and shared my story. It wasn't easy, but the show must go on. Adapt, improvise, and keep going. No matter what, always be prepared to deliver your message.

As a retired FBI agent and keynote speaker with over 1500 presentations, my top advice for giving feedback is to be gentle and focus on what people can do better instead of negatives. In the early days, if someone told me I sucked, I probably would've been heartbroken! To get good, you might need to do 1000+ presentations. I'm a slow learner—looking back, my early talks were pretty bad! It's not just about practice; it's about being passionate and comfortable with your topic. I love teaching about the Cybersecure Mindset. Speakers aren't born, they're made. We all start bad (Well I did) , but sticking with it makes us better. It took me 20 years to feel good about it! 😂 Some still say I need work, but hey, I'm doing what I love!

As a retired FBI Agent and Keynote Speaker using metaphors and analogies is a powerful tool I use when teaching the Cybersecure Mindset. These techniques not only clarify complex cybersecurity concepts but also create an emotional connection with the audience. For instance, I often share the story of a victim who unknowingly gave away sensitive information online, and I compare it to handing over your car keys and credit cards to a complete stranger. I ask, "Would you ever give a stranger your car keys and credit cards?" This hits home, making people realize the seriousness of their actions. By tapping into universal experiences and emotions, my message sticks. People remember how they felt and the importance of staying safe online.

As a retired FBI agent, keynote speaker, author and cybercrime prevention trainer, I assure you that social engineering is the top tool in a cyber criminal’s arsenal. My decades with the FBI and beyond prove social engineering drives most cybercrime victimizations, targeting end users and families. It’s about tricking people into actions they wouldn’t normally take. Hearing "we have phishing training" isn’t enough—there are nearly 7 types of attacks: emails, texts, calls, social media account takeovers, pop-ups, malvertising, and business email compromise. With AI, it’s getting worse. Organizations must take this threat seriously; the research backs it up. That's why I created the Cyber Secure Mindset. Because awareness is key in preventing

Overcoming cognitive biases in decision-making, especially in information security, is crucial. During my 30 years with the FBI, I saw how biases could cloud judgment and lead to vulnerabilities. Here's how to tackle them with the CyberSecure Mindset: First, be aware of biases like overconfidence and confirmation bias—remember, anyone can be a target, no matter what sector. Keep educating yourself and your team about new threats and good security practices. Get a diverse group involved in decisions to balance out viewpoints and avoid groupthink. Regularly review and question your security assumptions and strategies. Stay informed and stay vigilant to make better, safer decisions in information security. Stay safe!

Here's how you can beat procrastination and enhance your public speaking skills. As a retired FBI agent who focuses on cybersecurity prevention, I'm working on a project to keep seniors safe from cybercriminals. I've been putting this off for about two years and beating myself up about it. To overcome procrastination, I blocked some time, created an outline, and committed to doing one-minute videos on LinkedIn for the next 30 days. Each video will cover a single point to keep people safe. By breaking it down into bite-sized chunks, I'll have almost everything I need for the project. Now that I've told the world, I have to do it. Try this approach and see if it works for you!