On May 19, 2025, Fortalice Solutions CEO Theresa Payton publicly addressed the rise of cyber scams linked to new tariff policies enacted by President Trump. In her expert commentary, Payton outlined three red flags to help consumers identify fraudulent tariff payment requests, thereby raising awareness and promoting cybersecurity vigilance amid an environment where politically driven economic policies could be exploited for scams.

The article highlights Theresa Payton’s trailblazing career—from her historic tenure as the first female White House CIO to founding Fortalice Solutions—and her ongoing efforts to bolster cybersecurity through innovative risk management, pro bono training, and community engagement. These actions help safeguard digital infrastructures and empower communities against digital authoritarian threats.

Fortalice Solutions conducted an analysis of popular online behavior tracking tools such as Meta Pixel, MS Clarity, and HotJar, identifying hidden privacy pitfalls and potential compliance issues for clients in sensitive sectors like energy and healthcare. This work increases transparency over digital surveillance risks and protects against potential abuses that authoritarian regimes might exploit.

Former White House CIO Theresa Payton is spearheading initiatives at Fortalice Solutions to combat digital disinformation and cyber manipulation, reinforcing cybersecurity measures for both government and private sectors. The effort aims to counteract the rise of AI-driven fake news and manipulation campaigns undermining democratic discourse.

Fortalice Solutions, led by Theresa Payton, has stepped in to help victims of cyber abuse in cases such as the hacking of an online clothing boutique's Facebook page and a romance scam. The firm uses advanced digital forensics and cybersecurity techniques to restore account access, provide evidence to law enforcement, and support vulnerable individuals, particularly women, when institutional responses fail.