Lessons from the Front Lines: Cyber Warfare Expert Jim Richberg to Share Insights at Forge Institute Cyber Summit
LITTLE ROCK, AR, August 1, 2024– The 5th Annual Forge Institute Cyber Summit, a cornerstone event in the cybersecurity calendar, is scheduled for October 7-8 at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. Forge Institute will host Jim Richberg, Head of Cyber Policy and Global Field Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Fortinet. Jim, who is recognized globally as a leader in driving innovation in the cybersecurity, threat intelligence, and cyber strategy spaces will be providing a keynote presentation. In his keynote, Jim Richberg will share some of the key questions and guiding principles he used in developing cyber resilience in the Federal government and with private sector partners.
Jim Richberg’s role as Fortinet’s Head of Cyber Policy and Global Field CISO leverages his nearly 40 years’ experience driving innovation in cybersecurity and threat intelligence. Prior to joining Fortinet, Jim served as the US National Intelligence Manager for Cyber, the senior Federal Executive focused on cyber intelligence within the $80B+/100,000 employee US Intelligence Community (IC). He led the creation and implementation of cyber strategy for the 17 departments and agencies of the IC, set integrated priorities on cyber threat, and served as the senior advisor to the Director of National Intelligence on cyber issues. He brings a broad enterprise-level approach to cybersecurity, honed as a member of the Executive team that oversaw implementation of a whole-of-government US Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative for two Presidents.
“Having collaborated with the Forge Institute as a leader in Federal cybersecurity, I am proud to continue this partnership as a Fortinet executive as we are dedicated to public-private partnerships that help advance cybersecurity resilience. The cybersecurity problems we face require action by both the public and private sectors and a focus that encompasses current and emerging problems. This Summit offers the opportunity to make progress in these areas on behalf of Arkansas and the nation.” - Jim Richberg, Head of Cyber Policy and Global Field Chief Information Security Officer, Fortinet
Since joining Fortinet, Jim has been named a “Fed 100” and a “Pinnacle” awardee for his influence on technology in the U.S. Federal government, a “State Scoop 50” leader for driving innovation in state IT, and he was nominated as a “Security Pioneer” for his sustained contribution to cybersecurity. He is a member of the US IT Sector Coordinating Council, the CNBC Technology Executive Council, the Forbes Technology Council, and the World Economic Forum’s Cybersecurity Leadership Community. He leads industry working groups focused on national cyber strategy, implementing Federal cybersecurity initiatives with the private sector, and on helping state and local government improve their cybersecurity. Jim received his undergraduate degree at the Honors Tutorial College of Ohio University and attended graduate school at M.I.T. and Stanford.
"Forge Institute is excited to have Jim Richberg join us yet again at the 2024 Forge Institute Cyber Summit. He brings a unique level of expertise that greatly enhances our ability to create exciting partnerships across the public and private sectors to address emerging threats.” - Lee Watson, Chairman and CEO, Forge Institute
As a nexus for professionals from diverse sectors—industry, academia, critical infrastructure, government, military, and intelligence—the Summit is not just a place for conversation, it's an incubator for ideas and actions that will shape Arkansas’ and, by extension, America’s cybersecurity posture in an increasingly digital world.
Registration for the Forge Institute Cyber Summit is open, with further details available at
About Forge Institute
Forge Institute is the Nation’s leader in advancing cyber capabilities through innovative partnerships across the public and private sectors. Our mantra, “Forever One Step Ahead,” is our reminder to remain vigilant, updated, and innovative against an enemy that seeks nothing less than the permanent disruption of our way of life. Forge Institute’s portfolio includes the Emerging Threat Center, The Forge Academy, The Forge Fellowship, and Innovation Labs, which explore industry and federally funded projects with our research partners. For more information, visit the Forge Institute at: https://www.forge.institute
About Fortinet
Fortinet is a driving force in the evolution of cybersecurity and the convergence of networking and security. Our mission is to secure people, devices, and data everywhere, and today we deliver cybersecurity everywhere you need it with the largest integrated portfolio of over 50 enterprise-grade products. Well over half a million customers trust Fortinet's solutions, which are among the most deployed, most patented, and most validated in the industry. The Fortinet Training Institute, one of the largest and broadest training programs in the industry, is dedicated to making cybersecurity training and new career opportunities available to everyone. Collaboration with high-profile, well-respected organizations from both the public and private sectors, including CERTs, government entities, and academia, is a fundamental aspect of Fortinet’s commitment to enhance cyber resilience globally. FortiGuard Labs, Fortinet’s elite threat intelligence and research organization, develops and utilizes leading-edge machine learning and AI technologies to provide customers with timely and consistently top-rated protection and actionable threat intelligence. Learn more at https://www.fortinet.com, the Fortinet Blog, and FortiGuard Labs.
