Founder
Founder
Kurt Oestreicher
Kurt Oestreicher
Kurt Oestreicher
CISM, CPLP, ATP
CISM, CPLP, ATP
Founder | Technologist | Cybersecurity & Digital Life Advisor
34 years across military aviation and intelligence, federal law enforcement, cybersecurity, insurance, executive risk, and board leadership.
34 years across military aviation and intelligence, federal law enforcement, cybersecurity, insurance, executive risk, and board leadership.
Kurt has spent much of his career in places where sound judgment under pressure is critical, and bad decisions can get people hurt, put organizations at risk, and permanently damage reputations.
Kurt has spent much of his career in places where sound judgment under pressure is critical, and bad decisions can get people hurt, put organizations at risk, and permanently damage reputations.
Today, he works with executives and boards facing difficult decisions involving technology, security, and emerging risk. He brings an independent perspective shaped by years of making decisions where the consequences were real and the answers weren’t always clear.
Today, he works with executives and boards facing difficult decisions involving technology, security, and emerging risk. He brings an independent perspective shaped by years of making decisions where the consequences were real and the answers weren’t always clear.
That perspective comes from a career spanning U.S. Army aviation and intelligence, international aviation, the FBI, cybersecurity, and corporate risk leadership. Along the way, he assessed the cybersecurity posture of more than 200 Fortune 500 companies, worked in more than 30 countries, and held executive risk roles with Travelers and Swiss Re.
That perspective comes from a career spanning U.S. Army aviation and intelligence, international aviation, the FBI, cybersecurity, and corporate risk leadership. Along the way, he assessed the cybersecurity posture of more than 200 Fortune 500 companies, worked in more than 30 countries, and held executive risk roles with Travelers and Swiss Re.
His experience with risk extends beyond his career. A certified SCUBA diver and ASA-certified sailor, Kurt has sailed and dived in the Caribbean and the Florida Keys, including multiple Gulf Stream crossings between Florida and the Bahamas—pursuits in which preparation, changing conditions, and sound judgment carry real consequences.
His experience with risk extends beyond his career. A certified SCUBA diver and ASA-certified sailor, Kurt has sailed and dived in the Caribbean and the Florida Keys, including multiple Gulf Stream crossings between Florida and the Bahamas—pursuits in which preparation, changing conditions, and sound judgment carry real consequences.
Kurt founded RiskCraft in 2023. Today, it is the company behind two distinct brands: CyForward, which advises businesses and nonprofits on cybersecurity and emerging technology risk, and Tech Wise Life, which helps people and families use technology safely and confidently.
Kurt founded RiskCraft in 2023. Today, it is the company behind two distinct brands: CyForward, which advises businesses and nonprofits on cybersecurity and emerging technology risk, and Tech Wise Life, which helps people and families use technology safely and confidently.
Experience across multiple high-risk domains
Experience across multiple high-risk domains
Experience across multiple high-risk domains
Career
Career
Captain | Military Intelligence & Aviation
Captain | Military Intelligence & Aviation
U.S. ARMY
U.S. ARMY
Kurt held executive responsibility for more than $300 million in aerial communications and signals-intelligence equipment and led and trained approximately 280 personnel.
Kurt held executive responsibility for more than $300 million in aerial communications and signals-intelligence equipment and led and trained approximately 280 personnel.
He commanded an air-transport unit supporting United Nations Command in South Korea and Japan.
He commanded an air-transport unit supporting United Nations Command in South Korea and Japan.
His aviation work included RC-12D reconnaissance, UH-1H helicopter operations, and development of threat-avoidance procedures for the Army’s early operational Hunter UAV unit.
His aviation work included RC-12D reconnaissance, UH-1H helicopter operations, and development of threat-avoidance procedures for the Army’s early operational Hunter UAV unit.
First Officer | Federal Flight Deck Officer
First Officer | Federal Flight Deck Officer
AMERICAN AIRLINES
AMERICAN AIRLINES
Kurt flew Boeing 767, 757, and 727 aircraft in international operations across the Americas, Caribbean, and Europe.
Kurt flew Boeing 767, 757, and 727 aircraft in international operations across the Americas, Caribbean, and Europe.
He also served as a Federal Flight Deck Officer with the Department of Homeland Security, a sworn federal law-enforcement role protecting the flight deck.
He also served as a Federal Flight Deck Officer with the Department of Homeland Security, a sworn federal law-enforcement role protecting the flight deck.
Special Agent
Special Agent
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
Kurt worked across cybercrime, financial and organized crime, terrorism, kidnapping, fugitives, intelligence, and special-event security.
Kurt worked across cybercrime, financial and organized crime, terrorism, kidnapping, fugitives, intelligence, and special-event security.
He founded the Daytona Beach Joint Terrorism Task Force.
He founded the Daytona Beach Joint Terrorism Task Force.
He also led federal security and intelligence operations for the Daytona 500, coordinating federal agencies, NASCAR security, emergency services, and more than 1,000 law-enforcement personnel for a venue serving approximately 250,000 spectators.
He also led federal security and intelligence operations for the Daytona 500, coordinating federal agencies, NASCAR security, emergency services, and more than 1,000 law-enforcement personnel for a venue serving approximately 250,000 spectators.
Director, Digital Forensics & Unmanned Aircraft Operations
Director, Digital Forensics & Unmanned Aircraft Operations
TRAVELERS
TRAVELERS
Kurt launched a $2.5 million digital forensics laboratory, leading the initiative from a C-suite proposal through a design and build effort involving more than 100 people.
Kurt launched a $2.5 million digital forensics laboratory, leading the initiative from a C-suite proposal through a design and build effort involving more than 100 people.
He created and led a Cyber Intelligence Group producing threat reporting for senior leaders and developed cyber-catastrophe scenarios and mitigation approaches.
He created and led a Cyber Intelligence Group producing threat reporting for senior leaders and developed cyber-catastrophe scenarios and mitigation approaches.
His emerging-technology work also included leadership of the company’s unmanned-aircraft program, insurance-industry UAS policy work, and coordination with the FAA.
His emerging-technology work also included leadership of the company’s unmanned-aircraft program, insurance-industry UAS policy work, and coordination with the FAA.
He presented a live cybersecurity demonstration at the Museum of Modern Art for 16 major media outlets.
He presented a live cybersecurity demonstration at the Museum of Modern Art for 16 major media outlets.
He presented a live cybersecurity demonstration at the Museum of Modern Art for 16 major media outlets.
VP, Global Cyber Risk Engineering
VP, Global Cyber Risk Engineering
VP, Global Head of Cyber Product Development
VP, Global Head of Cyber Product Development
SWISS RE
SWISS RE
Kurt built Swiss Re’s global cyber-risk engineering portfolio and developed assessment methods connecting technical security information with underwriting and financial risk decisions.
Kurt built Swiss Re’s global cyber-risk engineering portfolio and developed assessment methods connecting technical security information with underwriting and financial risk decisions.
His work included development of assessment approaches using security telemetry and vulnerability data mapped to frameworks including MITRE, NIST, and ISO standards.
His work included development of assessment approaches using security telemetry and vulnerability data mapped to frameworks including MITRE, NIST, and ISO standards.
He also helped develop strategic partnerships and incident-response capabilities in the cyber-insurance market.
He also helped develop strategic partnerships and incident-response capabilities in the cyber-insurance market.
As Global Head of Cyber Product Development, Kurt developed and launched a cyber-risk assessment product, built and led an international cross-functional team of 15, and shaped the product vision, revenue model, sales strategy, and go-to-market plan.
As Global Head of Cyber Product Development, Kurt developed and launched a cyber-risk assessment product, built and led an international cross-functional team of 15, and shaped the product vision, revenue model, sales strategy, and go-to-market plan.
He also developed strategic relationships with Amazon, Microsoft, and Google around cloud telemetry and cyber-risk quantification.
He also developed strategic relationships with Amazon, Microsoft, and Google around cloud telemetry and cyber-risk quantification.
He also developed strategic relationships with Amazon, Microsoft, and Google around cloud telemetry and cyber-risk quantification.
Founder
Founder
RISKCRAFT
RISKCRAFT
Kurt founded RiskCraft in 2023. Today, the company operates through two distinct brands: CyForward, a cybersecurity and emerging technology risk advisory practice serving businesses and nonprofits, and Tech Wise Life, a consumer technology education and media venture.
Kurt founded RiskCraft in 2023. Today, the company operates through two distinct brands: CyForward, a cybersecurity and emerging technology risk advisory practice serving businesses and nonprofits, and Tech Wise Life, a consumer technology education and media venture.
Through CyForward, Kurt advises organizational leaders on cybersecurity, resilience, and technology risk. Through Tech Wise Life, he is developing practical education and resources to help individuals and families use technology safely and confidently.
Through CyForward, Kurt advises organizational leaders on cybersecurity, resilience, and technology risk. Through Tech Wise Life, he is developing practical education and resources to help individuals and families use technology safely and confidently.
Education
Education
M.S., Digital Forensic Science
M.S., Digital Forensic Science
M.S., Digital Forensic Science
Champlain College
Champlain College
Champlain College
B.S., Aviation Management & Flight Technology
B.S., Aviation Management & Flight Technology
B.S., Aviation Management & Flight Technology
Florida Institute of Technology
Florida Institute of Technology
Florida Institute of Technology
Credentials & Certifications
Credentials & Certifications
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): Issued by ISACA.
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): Issued by ISACA.
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): Issued by ISACA.
Cyber Professional Liability Practitioner (CPLP): Issued by PLUS.
Cyber Professional Liability Practitioner (CPLP): Issued by PLUS.
Cyber Professional Liability Practitioner (CPLP): Issued by PLUS.
Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP): Issued by FAA
Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP): Issued by FAA
Airplane Multiengine Land | Type ratings: Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Beechcraft 200 | 6,500+ flight hours
Commercial Pilot Certificate (FAA): Issued by FAA
Rotorcraft-Helicopter | Instrument Helicopter
Commercial Pilot Certificate (FAA): Issued by FAA
Rotorcraft-Helicopter | Instrument Helicopter
Basic Keelboat, Coastal Cruising, Bareboat Cruising & Cruising Catamaran Ratings: Issued by American Sailing Association (ASA)
Basic Keelboat, Coastal Cruising, Bareboat Cruising & Cruising Catamaran Ratings: Issued by American Sailing Association (ASA)
Certified SCUBA Diver: Issued by Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)
Certified SCUBA Diver: Issued by Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)
Professional Memberships
Professional Memberships
Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA): A global professional association focused on information technology governance, security, and risk management.
Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA): A global professional association focused on information technology governance, security, and risk management.
Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA): A global professional association focused on information technology governance, security, and risk management.
Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS): A professional association focused on professional liability insurance and risk.
Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS): A professional association focused on professional liability insurance and risk.
Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS): A professional association focused on professional liability insurance and risk.
FBI InfraGard: A public-private partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the private sector.
FBI InfraGard: A public-private partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the private sector.
FBI InfraGard: A public-private partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the private sector.
Selected Speaking Engagements
Selected Speaking Engagements
Quantifying Risk, Weaponized Malware
Quantifying Risk, Weaponized Malware
Quantifying Risk, Weaponized Malware
Advisen Cyber Risk Conference, New York, NY
Advisen Cyber Risk Conference, New York, NY
Advisen Cyber Risk Conference, New York, NY
Hacking: As Easy As 1, 2, 3!
Hacking: As Easy As 1, 2, 3!
Hacking: As Easy As 1, 2, 3!
PRIMA Annual Conference, Public Risk Management Association, Atlanta, GA
PRIMA Annual Conference, Public Risk Management Association, Atlanta, GA
PRIMA Annual Conference, Public Risk Management Association, Atlanta, GA
Cyber Risks to the Internet of Things
Cyber Risks to the Internet of Things
Cyber Risks to the Internet of Things
Industry of Things World USA, San Diego, CA
Industry of Things World USA, San Diego, CA
Industry of Things World USA, San Diego, CA
Implications of a Cyber Breach
Implications of a Cyber Breach
Implications of a Cyber Breach
Live-Hacking Media Event, Museum of Modern Art, New York, NY
Live-Hacking Media Event, Museum of Modern Art, New York, NY
Live-Hacking Media Event, Museum of Modern Art, New York, NY
The Cyber Crime Underground and Its Impact on Insurance Claims and Investigations
The Cyber Crime Underground and Its Impact on Insurance Claims and Investigations
The Cyber Crime Underground and Its Impact on Insurance Claims and Investigations
IASIU Seminar & Expo on Insurance Fraud, International Association of Special Investigation Units, Orlando, FL
IASIU Seminar & Expo on Insurance Fraud, International Association of Special Investigation Units, Orlando, FL
IASIU Seminar & Expo on Insurance Fraud, International Association of Special Investigation Units, Orlando, FL
A Forensically Robust Method for Acquisition of iCloud Data
A Forensically Robust Method for Acquisition of iCloud Data
A Forensically Robust Method for Acquisition of iCloud Data
Annual Digital Forensics Research Workshop (DFRWS) Conference, Denver, CO
Annual Digital Forensics Research Workshop (DFRWS) Conference, Denver, CO
Annual Digital Forensics Research Workshop (DFRWS) Conference, Denver, CO
Publications & Research
Publications & Research
A Forensically Robust Method for Acquisition of iCloud Data
A Forensically Robust Method for Acquisition of iCloud Data
A Forensically Robust Method for Acquisition of iCloud Data
Digital Investigation: The International Journal of Digital Forensics & Incident Response, Volume 11, Supplement 2, August 2014, pp. S106–S113. Published by Elsevier.
Digital Investigation: The International Journal of Digital Forensics & Incident Response, Volume 11, Supplement 2, August 2014, pp. S106–S113. Published by Elsevier.
Patents
Patents
Digital Forensics Facility
Digital Forensics Facility
Named inventor on U.S. and European patents for a digital forensics facility developed at Travelers.
Named inventor on U.S. and European patents for a digital forensics facility developed at Travelers.
Service & Community
Service & Community
Alongside his professional work, Kurt has served in nonprofit board leadership and contributed his expertise to community organizations through pro bono advisory and technical support. His work includes cybersecurity, technology infrastructure, physical security, and operational resilience.
Alongside his professional work, Kurt has served in nonprofit board leadership and contributed his expertise to community organizations through pro bono advisory and technical support. His work includes cybersecurity, technology infrastructure, physical security, and operational resilience.
Connect with Kurt.
Connect with Kurt.
Connect with Kurt.
For advisory work, speaking and workshops, collaboration, or a professional connection.
For advisory work, speaking and workshops, collaboration, or a professional connection.