Chris Painter
Chris Painter is a globally recognized leader and expert on cybersecurity and cyber policy, cyber diplomacy and combating cybercrime. He has been on the vanguard of U.S. and international cyber issues for over 30 years—first as a prosecutor of some of the most high-profile cybercrime cases in the country and then as a senior official at the Department of Justice, FBI, the National Security Council and the State Department. As the nation's top cyber diplomat, he coordinated and led the United States’ diplomatic efforts to advance an open, interoperable, secure and reliable Internet and information infrastructure. Throughout his career, Chris has initiated, helped drive, or advised on virtually every major U.S. cyber policy. He has created innovative new organizations and approaches to deal with threats and take advantage of opportunities in cyberspace. Today, Chris is president of the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise Foundation, serves on the board of the Center for Internet Security and the Public Sector Advisory Board for Palo Alto Networks.
Chris Painter Professional Experience / Academic History
Professional Experience
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William J. Perry Fellow and Lecturer
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Senior Director for Cybersecurity, National Security Council
Academic History
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Juris Doctor
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B.A., Political Science, English & Biology
STATE DEPARTMENT
Chris advised the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of State on emerging issues on the internet and information infrastructure.
He established the Office of the Coordinator of Cyber Issues, dedicated to advancing the diplomatic aspects of cyber issues.
He was instrumental in the negotiation of a landmark agreement regarding the theft of intellectual property with China.
He spearheaded the promotion of an international framework of cyber stability that includes building a consensus around norms of acceptable behavior.
WHITE HOUSE
He served in the White House as Senior Director for Cyber Policy and Acting Cyber Coordinator in the National Security Council.
He was a senior member of the team that conducted the President’s Cyberspace Policy Review in 2009.
He helped create and structure a new directorate in the National Security Council.
HONORS & RECOGNITIONS
2018 The Order of the Rising Sun, Government of Japan
2016 RSA Award for Excellence in the Field of Public Policy
2008 Intelligence Community Legal Award
2002 Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Service
MEDIA & APPEARANCES
Chris has been a frequent media spokesperson and presenter on cyber issues around the globe.
He is frequently interviewed and quoted in the media and has testified on numerous occasions to the U.S. Congressional Committees.