Houston

Ransomware has emerged as a pervasive threat in recent years, wreaking havoc and causing millions in damages across global organizations. Its rampant proliferation shows no signs of slowing down, with a diverse range of perpetrators adopting it as a powerful tool for asset seizure and extortion. From criminal syndicates to activists and even sanctioned governments, ransomware is utilized for various nefarious purposes, including acts of cyber warfare. However, this threat isn't novel;it draws eerie similarities to historical high seas piracy. In this talk, we will delve into the historical, economic, and geo-political parallels between modern ransomware cartels like DarkSide and Conti and the marauding pirates and privateers of the 17th and 18th centuries, offering insights into the evolution and implications of this digital menace.

AI and GenerativeAI, in particular, have taken the world by storm in helping workers quickly create, summarize, and understand information. From helping workers quickly draft custom controls, questionnaires, and AI-enhanced reporting, artificial intelligence is just scratching the surface of value for GRC. With the capability to proactively identify, monitor, and predict risk and assist with the ever-changing regulatory environment, artificial intelligence is poised to make a dramatic impact on GRC by helping automate routine tasks, reduce manual effort, and bring a whole new level of sophistication to governance, risk and compliance programs. In this presentation, Stas Bojoukha, CEO and Founder of Compyl, will explore how AI can significantly enhance Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) programs by providing efficient and meaningful ways to address GRC challenges and bring additional value to achieve the core tenants of GRC better.

The dark web gives us an unprecedented window into the cybercriminal underground. Monitoring dark web forums, marketplaces, and hidden sites allows us to gather intelligence directly from the source - the cybercriminals themselves - on how techniques, technologies, and tactics evolve. Steven Bar, Threat Intelligence Engineer at Searchlight Cyber will take the pulse of dark web trends so far in 2024, focused on three core areas: Gaining access - the techniques cybercriminals are using to initially breach the network - including credential theft, stealer logs, and impersonation attacks - based on intelligence we gather on Initial Access Brokers operating on dark web forums. Action on objectives - the types of attacks that cybercriminals are implementing once they have gained access to the network, including Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS), data breaches, ransomware, and physical threats.

How individuals and organizations manage access to the services they use can be the first line of defense against bad actors. Learn ways to mitigate this risk and simplify the user experience at the same time.

Quantum Computing, although still a work in progress, threatens to obliterate the very bedrock of modern cybersecurity: cryptography. In this discussion, Mr. Hoffer will present some thoughts on the threat horizon for QC, and what can be done now to minimize the risks.

30-year Cyber Vet will share real-world experience and strategies for creating a robust, collaborative cybersecurity environment that fosters resilience, innovation, and proactive defense against evolving cyber threats.

This presentation will help you teach your entire organization to be more aware of cyber security threats, by speaking to them in their language, and educating them in easy steps on how improving the "quality" of their work will make your application more secure. Security is not just for your security teams.

In an increasingly digital world, where technology and data have become integral parts of our daily lives, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. This topic on "Awareness Security - Humanizing Cyber Defense" is an exciting opportunity to enlighten your mind about the significance of this subject, the threats it addresses, and the measures individuals and organizations can take to protect themselves in the digital realm. In this engaging and informative speaking session, you will delve into the world of cybersecurity, emphasizing the pivotal role that awareness plays in safeguarding personal and organizational data. The presentation will have experiential activities and share learning interactions with live audience participation to build a stronger sense of community with your peers.