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Monday, March 31
 

1:00pm CDT

AWR136: Developing Cybersecurity for Everyone (Part 1)
Monday March 31, 2025 1:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Developing Cybersecurity Resiliency for Everyone is an eight (8) hour non-technical introduction to cybersecurity. This awareness-level course will explore cybersecurity and cyber hygiene and demonstrate how cyberattacks can impact, prevent, and/or stop business operations and emergency responses. Participants are introduced to common cybersecurity terminology, fundamental cyber threats and vulnerabilities that can impact individuals and organizations, and best practices and cyber hygiene techniques for securing personal and organizational data, software, and hardware.
Speakers
avatar for Mack Jackson, Jr.

Mack Jackson, Jr.

Owner Founder, Vanderson Cyber Group
Mack Jackson Jr. is a distinguished cybersecurity professional with over 20 years of expertise in information security, governance, compliance, and risk management. He specializes in implementing industry-leading frameworks such as NIST 800-53, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and CMMC to strengthen... Read More →
avatar for Stacey Smith

Stacey Smith

Cybersecurity Adjunct Instructor, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Stacey is a seasoned leader with a history of driving operational and strategic impact in the telecommunications,  technology and SAAS industries. Through leadership roles at Verizon and NICE Systems, Stacey has played a key role in the development and implementation of integrated... Read More →
Monday March 31, 2025 1:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Spring Lake B 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666
 
Tuesday, April 1
 

8:00am CDT

AWR136: Developing Cybersecurity for Everyone (Part 2)
Tuesday April 1, 2025 8:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Developing Cybersecurity Resiliency for Everyone is an eight (8) hour non-technical introduction to cybersecurity. This awareness-level course will explore cybersecurity and cyber hygiene and demonstrate how cyberattacks can impact, prevent, and/or stop business operations and emergency responses. Participants are introduced to common cybersecurity terminology, fundamental cyber threats and vulnerabilities that can impact individuals and organizations, and best practices and cyber hygiene techniques for securing personal and organizational data, software, and hardware.
Speakers
avatar for Mack Jackson, Jr.

Mack Jackson, Jr.

Owner Founder, Vanderson Cyber Group
Mack Jackson Jr. is a distinguished cybersecurity professional with over 20 years of expertise in information security, governance, compliance, and risk management. He specializes in implementing industry-leading frameworks such as NIST 800-53, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and CMMC to strengthen... Read More →
avatar for Stacey Smith

Stacey Smith

Cybersecurity Adjunct Instructor, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Stacey is a seasoned leader with a history of driving operational and strategic impact in the telecommunications,  technology and SAAS industries. Through leadership roles at Verizon and NICE Systems, Stacey has played a key role in the development and implementation of integrated... Read More →
Tuesday April 1, 2025 8:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Spring Lake B 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

8:00am CDT

AWR383: Cybersecurity Risk Awareness for Officials and Senior Management
Tuesday April 1, 2025 8:00am - 12:00pm CDT
This is a non-technical course meant to develop awareness of cybersecurity risks so that elected officials, appointed officials, and other senior managers are better informed to properly protect the jurisdiction/organization during a cybersecurity incident. It is designed to help officials and senior management work more effectively with their Information Technology (IT) departments to mitigate cyber threats. The training is tailored to government, critical infrastructure, and private sector personnel who have the responsibility for directing and developing policy within their organization.
Speakers
avatar for Sam Swicegood

Sam Swicegood

Cybersecurity Instructor, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Sam Swicegood is a seasoned technology expert with a broad spectrum of experience across information technology, leadership, software development, networking, game design, and cybersecurity. Before joining TEEX, Sam played a pivotal role in building and maintaining technological infrastructure... Read More →
avatar for Noel Templeton

Noel Templeton

Cybersecurity Instructor, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Noel Templeton brings over two decades of dedicated expertise in Information Services, specializing in security and compliance. His Experience spans various facets of Information Technology, with a particular focus on managing projects to propel his agency forward.With a background... Read More →
avatar for Jim McConnell

Jim McConnell

Principal, Ask McConnell
Jim has had the privilege of working in Corporate Security for over 30 years and in multiple CIKR industries for over 33 years, most recently as a Fellow (Director Level) in a Fortune 25 Corporate Security organization, operationally worked in over 15 countries. He is now the Principal... Read More →
Tuesday April 1, 2025 8:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Spring Lake C 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

11:00am CDT

On-Site Registration & Badge Pick-Up
Tuesday April 1, 2025 11:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Tuesday April 1, 2025 11:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Registration Desk 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

1:00pm CDT

Opening Session & Welcome
Tuesday April 1, 2025 1:00pm - 1:30pm CDT
Opening Session and Welcome to the 2nd Annual TEEX Cyber Readiness Summit.  

Speakers
avatar for Lisa Mutchler

Lisa Mutchler

Division Director, Business and Cyber Solutions, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Lisa leads the TEEX Business & Cyber Solutions (BCS) Division which provides training and technical assistance for workforce development, cybersecurity and economic development programs in communities, counties, regions and across the United States. Lisa has 25 years’ experience... Read More →
Tuesday April 1, 2025 1:00pm - 1:30pm CDT
Veramendi E 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

1:30pm CDT

An Exploration of the Current and Future State of Cybersecurity: How AI Will Impact Attackers & Defenders in the Real World
Tuesday April 1, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
The keynote will dive into how AI is shaking up cybersecurity, both for defenders and attackers, by looking  at the big shifts happening in the industry, such as how global events, cloud adoption, and evolving threats are making security more challenging than ever. AI is becoming a powerful tool on both sides, helping organizations strengthen defenses while also opening the door to new risks like AI-driven phishing and supply chain attacks. The keynote will break down what’s changing, what to watch out for, and how businesses can stay ahead in an increasingly AI-driven security landscape.
Speakers
avatar for Bruno Beraldo Rodrigues

Bruno Beraldo Rodrigues

Field Sales Representative, Google
Bruno Beraldo Rodrigues works at Google Cloud as a Field Sales representative for the Named Startups division. He's been at Google since 2018 and has over a decade of technology sales experience including selling on-premises hardware and software, SaaS solutions, security services... Read More →
Tuesday April 1, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Veramendi E 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

2:30pm CDT

Break
Tuesday April 1, 2025 2:30pm - 2:45pm CDT
Tuesday April 1, 2025 2:30pm - 2:45pm CDT

2:45pm CDT

Compliance Resiliency in 2025: Managing the Intricate Landscape of Cybersecurity Regulations
Tuesday April 1, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Companies face pressing new cybersecurity and cyber risk reporting rules from the NYDFS, SEC & other regulatory reporting agencies. Top of mind items include material incident disclosure within days. With multiple regulators expecting timely action, effective cyber risk & incident management is key.
Speakers
avatar for Dirce Hernandez

Dirce Hernandez

Sr. Manager, Cybersecurity Governance, Risk and Compliance, Webster University
Dirce currently works as Cyber Risk Management SME in the Insurance and Financial Services sector. With over 17 years of experience spanning across Information and Cyber Security, Cyber Threat Risk Management, Cybersecurity IT Audit, and Cyber Security Research in various industries... Read More →
Tuesday April 1, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Spring Lake A 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

2:45pm CDT

Proactive Automated Moving Target Defense (AMTD) for IT/OT/ICS Networks
Tuesday April 1, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
AMTD proactively disrupts attacks and prevents exploits in IT/OT/ICS networks.  Static defenses (NGWF/IDS/IPS) use fixed configs and rules.  AMTD dynamically modifies the attack surface, making recon ineffective, and delivers wire speed threat identification and elimination without false positives.
Speakers
avatar for Francesco Trama

Francesco Trama

CEO and Founder, PacketViper
As Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Francesco is responsible for the overall operating performance while building technical and business credibility externally as a market-facing thought leader. Frank also is co-inventor of a patent issued for selectively regulating network traffic... Read More →
Tuesday April 1, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Veramendi D 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

2:45pm CDT

Developing Resilience Against Multi-Vector Threats
Tuesday April 1, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
This session delves into an exhaustive exploration of phishing based on the billions of attacks identified and maps their relationship to corporate ransomware costs as hackers use multi-modal approaches emphasizing the need for multifaceted defenses.
Speakers
avatar for Derek Chamorro

Derek Chamorro

Head of Infrastructure Security, GEICO
Derek is Head of Infrastructure Security at GEICO and the former Head of Infrastructure Security at Cloudflare. He has over 20 years of experience in designing security frameworks at scale. His main focus is on research and development within the fields of encryption and infrastructure... Read More →
Tuesday April 1, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Veramendi A 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

2:45pm CDT

It’s Not Rocket Science, It’s PCI DSS 4.0.1… But It Feels Like It
Tuesday April 1, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
This session explores the latest updates in PCI DSS 4.0.1, effective in 2025, breaking down complex requirements into actionable insights. We’ll cover expanded scoping rules, new access controls, and flexibility in compliance
Speakers
avatar for Andrew Kerr

Andrew Kerr

Senior Manager, LBMC
Andrew Kerr is an accomplished cybersecurity professional with over 25 years of experience focused on PCI compliance, risk management, and digital security strategy. He has led complex projects for organizations across private sectors and government, leveraging expertise in incident... Read More →
Tuesday April 1, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Veramendi E 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

2:45pm CDT

Building A Cybersecurity Business Case
Tuesday April 1, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity has become a top priority.  The growing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, such as ransomware attacks, data breaches, and phishing schemes, present significant challenges. These incidents not only threaten sensitive data, undermine public trust and monetary loss but potentially can threaten public safety and infrastructure.

Critical to combat these ever-increasing risks, having the knowledge and the skill to clearly articulate and defend cybersecurity needs by building solid business cases in this session we will focus on:

Assessing and prioritizing Vulnerabilities and Potential Consequences: This involves identifying critical assets, assessing current security measures, and modeling the consequences of an incident—both immediate and long-term.

Understanding and Prioritizing Purchasing Criteria: When selecting cybersecurity solutions, decision-makers should align their criteria with the organization's unique needs.

Review an example of Business case framework: Demonstrating the return on investment or risk avoidance is crucial to gaining stakeholder approval. A strong business case quantifies the financial benefits of preventing costly incidents, minimizing downtime, and complying with regulatory requirements.
Speakers
avatar for Stacey Smith

Stacey Smith

Cybersecurity Adjunct Instructor, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Stacey is a seasoned leader with a history of driving operational and strategic impact in the telecommunications,  technology and SAAS industries. Through leadership roles at Verizon and NICE Systems, Stacey has played a key role in the development and implementation of integrated... Read More →
Tuesday April 1, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Spring Lake B 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

2:45pm CDT

Using Cyber Standards to Drive Risk Reduction
Tuesday April 1, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Cybersecurity Standards, Policies, Directives, Rules, Orders, Compliance Regulations and other types of mandatory and best practice guidance can be overwhelming… With limited budget and time, learn from the speakers with high audience collaboration how many organizations handle the wide range of cyber and related areas to control. We cover: prioritizing which standards to concentrate on, how to quickly adapt template and other publicly available examples to your unique situations, and successful socialization strategies and techniques.

Attendees come away with actionable steps to better set, socialize and effectively manage the ever-growing array of needed technology and cybersecurity standards and directives.

Provide your contact information if you want access to a growing list of government provided free and reasonably priced services from the likes of TEEX, TxDIR, CISA, CIS and others.
Speakers
avatar for Darrel Raynor

Darrel Raynor

Director, Cybersecurity Business Integration, Lower Colorado River Authority
Darrel serves as Cybersecurity Director, Business Integration for LCRA. Here, he increases organization efficiency, decreases friction and works with all business units, using clear communications internally, with customers, vendors, and partners to increase overall Cyber posture... Read More →
avatar for Scott Karr

Scott Karr

Senior Cybersecurity Analyst, Lower Colorado River Authority
Scott serves as a Senior Cybersecurity Analyst, Business Integration for LCRA. He specializes in vulnerability management and engagement, integrates and socializes standards and polices with business units, and drives overall Cyber process improvement. A US Army veteran, Scott has... Read More →
Tuesday April 1, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Spring Lake C 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

2:45pm CDT

Security Metrics - A Tool For Government Transparency
Tuesday April 1, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Security Metrics in all areas of all types of organizations can provide a powerful strategic roadmap for senior leadership.  In this session, we will go from the introduction of a metrics program to implementation steps to the challenges of communicating and building a strategic plan of mitigation.
Speakers
avatar for Jim McConnell

Jim McConnell

Principal, Ask McConnell
Jim has had the privilege of working in Corporate Security for over 30 years and in multiple CIKR industries for over 33 years, most recently as a Fellow (Director Level) in a Fortune 25 Corporate Security organization, operationally worked in over 15 countries. He is now the Principal... Read More →
Tuesday April 1, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Veramendi B 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

2:45pm CDT

Selling Security to Executives
Tuesday April 1, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Influencing change with business and IT executives is a learned skill. This session provides practical advice to communicate security risk, with real world examples to gain support and funding. Crash course topics: How to influence funding; Risk tolerance statement and a risk register diagram; Cyber.
Speakers
avatar for Gideon Rasmussen

Gideon Rasmussen

Cybersecurity Management Consultant, Virtual CSO, LLC
Gideon Rasmussen is a Cybersecurity Management Consultant with over 20 years of experience in corporate and military organizations. Gideon has designed and led programs including Information Security (as a CISO), PCI - Payment Card Security, Third Party Risk Management, Application... Read More →
Tuesday April 1, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Veramendi C 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

3:45pm CDT

Break
Tuesday April 1, 2025 3:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
Tuesday April 1, 2025 3:45pm - 4:00pm CDT

4:00pm CDT

Compliance Resiliency in 2025: Managing the Intricate Landscape of Cybersecurity Regulations
Tuesday April 1, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Companies face pressing new cybersecurity and cyber risk reporting rules from the NYDFS, SEC & other regulatory reporting agencies. Top of mind items include material incident disclosure within days. With multiple regulators expecting timely action, effective cyber risk & incident management is key.
Speakers
avatar for Dirce Hernandez

Dirce Hernandez

Sr. Manager, Cybersecurity Governance, Risk and Compliance, Webster University
Dirce currently works as Cyber Risk Management SME in the Insurance and Financial Services sector. With over 17 years of experience spanning across Information and Cyber Security, Cyber Threat Risk Management, Cybersecurity IT Audit, and Cyber Security Research in various industries... Read More →
Tuesday April 1, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Spring Lake A 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

4:00pm CDT

Proactive Automated Moving Target Defense (AMTD) for IT/OT/ICS Networks
Tuesday April 1, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
AMTD proactively disrupts attacks and prevents exploits in IT/OT/ICS networks.  Static defenses (NGWF/IDS/IPS) use fixed configs and rules.  AMTD dynamically modifies the attack surface, making recon ineffective, and delivers wire speed threat identification and elimination without false positives.
Speakers
avatar for Francesco Trama

Francesco Trama

CEO and Founder, PacketViper
As Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Francesco is responsible for the overall operating performance while building technical and business credibility externally as a market-facing thought leader. Frank also is co-inventor of a patent issued for selectively regulating network traffic... Read More →
Tuesday April 1, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Veramendi D 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

4:00pm CDT

Developing Resilience Against Multi-Vector Threats
Tuesday April 1, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
This session delves into an exhaustive exploration of phishing based on the billions of attacks identified and maps their relationship to corporate ransomware costs as hackers use multi-modal approaches emphasizing the need for multifaceted defenses.
Speakers
avatar for Derek Chamorro

Derek Chamorro

Head of Infrastructure Security, GEICO
Derek is Head of Infrastructure Security at GEICO and the former Head of Infrastructure Security at Cloudflare. He has over 20 years of experience in designing security frameworks at scale. His main focus is on research and development within the fields of encryption and infrastructure... Read More →
Tuesday April 1, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Veramendi A 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

4:00pm CDT

Hack the House: IoT Security for Your Home
Tuesday April 1, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
This presentation aims to reveal the vulnerabilities of smart home systems by showcasing a model equipped with various sensors. We will demonstrate how easily these systems can be compromised, while also providing essential security measures to protect against potential threats.
Speakers
avatar for Connar McCasland

Connar McCasland

Cybersecurity Instructor, University of West Florida, Center for Cybersecurity
Connar McCasland is an instructor at the University of West Florida’s Center for Cybersecurity. Her career and studies are focused on cybersecurity for county and city government entities. Before her teaching career, she held a leadership role in local government, where she spearheaded... Read More →
Tuesday April 1, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Veramendi C 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

4:00pm CDT

It’s Not Rocket Science, It’s PCI DSS 4.0.1…But It Feels Like It
Tuesday April 1, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
This presentation, "It’s Not Rocket Science, It’s PCI DSS 4.0.1… But It Feels Like It," explores the latest updates in PCI DSS 4.0.1, effective in 2025, breaking down complex requirements into actionable insights. We’ll cover expanded scoping rules, new access controls, and flexibility in compliance
Speakers
avatar for Andrew Kerr

Andrew Kerr

Senior Manager, LBMC
Andrew Kerr is an accomplished cybersecurity professional with over 25 years of experience focused on PCI compliance, risk management, and digital security strategy. He has led complex projects for organizations across private sectors and government, leveraging expertise in incident... Read More →
Tuesday April 1, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Veramendi E 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

4:00pm CDT

Building A Cybersecurity Business Case
Tuesday April 1, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity has become a top priority.  The growing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, such as ransomware attacks, data breaches, and phishing schemes, present significant challenges. These incidents not only threaten sensitive data, undermine public trust and monetary loss but potentially can threaten public safety and infrastructure.

Critical to combat these ever-increasing risks, having the knowledge and the skill to clearly articulate and defend cybersecurity needs by building solid business cases in this session we will focus on:

Assessing and prioritizing Vulnerabilities and Potential Consequences: This involves identifying critical assets, assessing current security measures, and modeling the consequences of an incident—both immediate and long-term.

Understanding and Prioritizing Purchasing Criteria: When selecting cybersecurity solutions, decision-makers should align their criteria with the organization's unique needs.

Review an example of Business case framework: Demonstrating the return on investment or risk avoidance is crucial to gaining stakeholder approval. A strong business case quantifies the financial benefits of preventing costly incidents, minimizing downtime, and complying with regulatory requirements.
Speakers
avatar for Stacey Smith

Stacey Smith

Cybersecurity Adjunct Instructor, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Stacey is a seasoned leader with a history of driving operational and strategic impact in the telecommunications,  technology and SAAS industries. Through leadership roles at Verizon and NICE Systems, Stacey has played a key role in the development and implementation of integrated... Read More →
Tuesday April 1, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Spring Lake B 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

4:00pm CDT

Using Cyber Standards to Drive Risk Reduction
Tuesday April 1, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Cybersecurity Standards, Policies, Directives, Rules, Orders, Compliance Regulations and other types of mandatory and best practice guidance can be overwhelming… With limited budget and time, learn from the speakers with high audience collaboration how many organizations handle the wide range of cyber and related areas to control. We cover: prioritizing which standards to concentrate on, how to quickly adapt template and other publicly available examples to your unique situations, and successful socialization strategies and techniques.

Attendees come away with actionable steps to better set, socialize and effectively manage the ever-growing array of needed technology and cybersecurity standards and directives.

Provide your contact information if you want access to a growing list of government provided free and reasonably priced services from the likes of TEEX, TxDIR, CISA, CIS and others.
Speakers
avatar for Darrel Raynor

Darrel Raynor

Director, Cybersecurity Business Integration, Lower Colorado River Authority
Darrel serves as Cybersecurity Director, Business Integration for LCRA. Here, he increases organization efficiency, decreases friction and works with all business units, using clear communications internally, with customers, vendors, and partners to increase overall Cyber posture... Read More →
avatar for Scott Karr

Scott Karr

Senior Cybersecurity Analyst, Lower Colorado River Authority
Scott serves as a Senior Cybersecurity Analyst, Business Integration for LCRA. He specializes in vulnerability management and engagement, integrates and socializes standards and polices with business units, and drives overall Cyber process improvement. A US Army veteran, Scott has... Read More →
Tuesday April 1, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Spring Lake C 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

4:00pm CDT

Security Metrics - A Tool For Government Transparency
Tuesday April 1, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Security Metrics in all areas of all types of organizations can provide a powerful strategic roadmap for senior leadership.  In this session, we will go from the introduction of a metrics program to implementation steps to the challenges of communicating and building a strategic plan of mitigation.
Speakers
avatar for Jim McConnell

Jim McConnell

Principal, Ask McConnell
Jim has had the privilege of working in Corporate Security for over 30 years and in multiple CIKR industries for over 33 years, most recently as a Fellow (Director Level) in a Fortune 25 Corporate Security organization, operationally worked in over 15 countries. He is now the Principal... Read More →
Tuesday April 1, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Veramendi B 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666
 
Wednesday, April 2
 

8:00am CDT

OPENING REMARKS
Wednesday April 2, 2025 8:00am - 8:15am CDT
Opening Remarks for Day 2

Speakers
avatar for Lisa Mutchler

Lisa Mutchler

Division Director, Business and Cyber Solutions, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Lisa leads the TEEX Business & Cyber Solutions (BCS) Division which provides training and technical assistance for workforce development, cybersecurity and economic development programs in communities, counties, regions and across the United States. Lisa has 25 years’ experience... Read More →
Wednesday April 2, 2025 8:00am - 8:15am CDT
Veramendi E 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

8:15am CDT

CISO Panel Discussion
Wednesday April 2, 2025 8:15am - 9:30am CDT
Coming soon!
Speakers
avatar for Paul Price

Paul Price

Chief Information Security Officer, Texas A&M University Engineering
Coming Soon!
avatar for Kevin Joyner

Kevin Joyner

Chief Information Security Officer, Brazos County
Coming Soon!
avatar for Dan Basile

Dan Basile

Executive Director, Texas A&M University System
Coming Soon!
Wednesday April 2, 2025 8:15am - 9:30am CDT
Veramendi E 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

9:30am CDT

Break
Wednesday April 2, 2025 9:30am - 9:45am CDT
Wednesday April 2, 2025 9:30am - 9:45am CDT

9:45am CDT

Breaking the Cybersecurity Incident Stigma
Wednesday April 2, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
In the modern IT era, having an incident is often seen as a failure or a significant setback. However, this perspective can hinder growth and progress. This presentation aims to redefine how we view and handle these events.

We will explore the notion that cybersecurity incidents are not something to sweep under the rug but, rather, valuable opportunities for advancement. Through real-world examples, we'll demonstrate how organizations can work through these incidents to uncover unknown vulnerabilities, enhance their security frameworks, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Participants will gain insights into what it looks like when the TAMUS Cyber Operations Incident Response team is involved. The session will also highlight the importance of transparency and collaboration within the Texas A&M University System, showcasing how a unified defense & shared knowledge can elevate collective defense mechanisms.

Join us to discover how embracing cybersecurity incidents as learning experiences can shift the narrative from one of shame to one of strength and innovation. By breaking the stigma, we empower ourselves to face future challenges with greater confidence and capability.
Speakers
avatar for Michael Esparza

Michael Esparza

Texas A&M University System Cyber Ops
Michael Esparza is the Assistant Director of Cyber Operations for the Texas A&M University System. He leads the team of operations analysts and coordinates client facing services to ensure optimal execution of the mission. Michael has more than a decade of enterprise IT and security... Read More →
Wednesday April 2, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Veramendi D 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

9:45am CDT

Jacobson Insurance and Risk Management
Wednesday April 2, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Coming soon!
Speakers
avatar for Steven Brown

Steven Brown

Commerical Risk Advisor, Jacobson Insurance & Risk Management
With over 30 years of financial services experience, a degree from Linfield College in Social and Behavioral Science and a passion for community service, Steven brings an insightful perspective to assisting business owners and leadership teams with their commercial insurance endeavors.Steven... Read More →
Wednesday April 2, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Spring Lake A 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

9:45am CDT

Building a Cyber Resilient Community through Collaborative Strategies
Wednesday April 2, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
In today’s increasingly digital world, cyber threats continue to grow in both frequency and sophistication. As communities become more interconnected on a digital level, the need for a collective approach to cybersecurity has never been more urgent. In this session, presented by the University of Georgia’s CyberArch Program, we will delve into practical strategies for fostering community-wide cybersecurity efforts.

CyberArch specializes in partnering with diverse entities- including local governments, public school systems, and small businesses- to develop and strengthen their cyber resilience through a comprehensive risk review process. This session will highlight how partnerships like those with CyberArch can effectively address cybersecurity challenges by harnessing collective expertise and resources.

Participants will discover how collaboration plays a crucial role in building a resilient cyber infrastructure, including effective ways to engage stakeholders in diverse cybersecurity strategies and exercises. The session will cover successful case studies from our work with partner organizations, demonstrating the benefits of a unified approach to cybersecurity.

Key topics will include the integration of risk assessment processes, the advantages of partnerships and relationships that stem from them, as well as actionable steps for enhancing community-wide cyber defenses. Through this session, participants will gain actionable insights into how integrated efforts can create a safer, more secure digital environment for all, making it a crucial topic for any leader tasked with defending against cyber threats in today’s interconnected world.
Speakers
avatar for Deven Allen

Deven Allen

Team Lead, University of Georgia CyberArch
Deven Allen is a team leader of the University of Georgia’s CyberArch program. He resides in Athens, GA where he has received his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and seeks his Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Privacy. Deven has always been driven by the impact that... Read More →
avatar for Riya Bajaj

Riya Bajaj

Graduate Research Assistant, University of Georgia CyberArch
Riya Bajaj is a Graduate Research Assistant and a Team Leader at the University of Georgia's CyberArch program. Currently residing in Athens, GA, Riya is originally from Kanpur, India. She is pursuing her Master of Science in Computer Science at the University of Georgia and has a... Read More →
avatar for Manav Dhanani

Manav Dhanani

Team Leader, University of Georgia CyberArch
Manav Dhanani is a team leader of the University of Georgia’s CyberArch program. He is from Cumming, GA, and is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. In CyberArch, he conducts cyber risk reviews, guiding his team in assessing and mitigating cybersecurity... Read More →
avatar for Tarun Sai Damarla

Tarun Sai Damarla

Intern, University of Georgia CyberArch
 Tarun Sai Damarla is an intern at the University of Georgia’s CyberArch Program. Originally from Hyderabad, India, Tarun now resides in Athens, GA, where he is pursuing his Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Privacy. With a robust background in threat hunting and incident... Read More →
Wednesday April 2, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Veramendi E 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

9:45am CDT

Hack the House: IoT Security for Your Home
Wednesday April 2, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
This presentation aims to reveal the vulnerabilities of smart home systems by showcasing a model equipped with various sensors. We will demonstrate how easily these systems can be compromised, while also providing essential security measures to protect against potential threats.
Speakers
avatar for Connar McCasland

Connar McCasland

Cybersecurity Instructor, University of West Florida, Center for Cybersecurity
Connar McCasland is an instructor at the University of West Florida’s Center for Cybersecurity. Her career and studies are focused on cybersecurity for county and city government entities. Before her teaching career, she held a leadership role in local government, where she spearheaded... Read More →
Wednesday April 2, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Veramendi B 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

9:45am CDT

Software Change Management
Wednesday April 2, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Let’s explore the critical importance of software change management controls in mitigating risks. Beginning with a high-level overview of AI's capabilities, we'll transition into a crucial discussion on why blind reliance on software can lead to vulnerabilities.
Speakers
avatar for Taylor Meadows

Taylor Meadows

Founder, CEO, Change Captain
Taylor Meadows, CPA, CISA, PMP, AWS CCP, is the Founder and CEO of Change Captain. Frustrated by the lack of innovation and automation in compliance and audit, Taylor set out to build the tools he had waited over a decade for someone else to create. By leveraging a team of technical... Read More →
Wednesday April 2, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Veramendi A 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

9:45am CDT

Blackout Warfare
Wednesday April 2, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Blackout Warfare represents a major shift in the landscape of cyber threats, focusing on the disruption and destruction of critical infrastructure. As cybersecurity professionals, it is imperative to understand this emerging concept, which combines traditional cyber warfare tactics with targeted attacks.
Speakers
avatar for Rob Dodson

Rob Dodson

Executive Director, Cyber Ops Academy
Rob is a 27-year US Army veteran who retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 in 2004. During his service, Rob was a Communications Intelligence Analyst conducting network exploitation. In 1993, after being assigned to San Antonio, Rob began working in computer network operations, focusing... Read More →
Wednesday April 2, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Spring Lake B 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

9:45am CDT

Securing the Future: Expert Strategies from Leading CISOs
Wednesday April 2, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Join us for an insightful panel discussion with seasoned Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) as they share their expertise on safeguarding organizations in an increasingly complex digital landscape. This session will explore critical cybersecurity challenges and actionable solutions including identifying and mitigating today’s biggest threats, avoiding common pitfalls in cybersecurity implementation, best practices for incident response, and fostering a robust security culture. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert insights and practical strategies to secure your organization’s future.
Speakers
avatar for Casey Bryan

Casey Bryan

Chief Information Officer, Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station
Coming Soon!
avatar for Paul Price

Paul Price

Chief Information Security Officer, Texas A&M University Engineering
Coming Soon!
Wednesday April 2, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Spring Lake C 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

9:45am CDT

From Learning to Defending: Fast-Tracking Cybersecurity Talent with Hands-On Training
Wednesday April 2, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
The cybersecurity industry faces a persistent talent gap, with entry-level job postings frequently requiring 1-2 years of experience—an impossible hurdle for many students who struggle to secure internships during their academic careers. At San Jacinto College, we are addressing this challenge head-on with our student-embedded Security Operations Center (SOC), a model designed to provide hands-on, real-world experience that prepares students to be job-ready from day one.

This presentation will explore how the student-embedded SOC serves as an innovative workforce development solution, offering students direct exposure to threat monitoring, incident response, and SOC operations under the guidance of industry professionals. Attendees will learn how this model accelerates skill acquisition, aligns with employer expectations, and equips graduates with the practical expertise needed to fill critical cybersecurity roles immediately upon entering the workforce. This approach not only closes the experience gap but also develops a pipeline of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals who can make an impact from their first day on the job.
Speakers
avatar for Rizwan Virani

Rizwan Virani

San Jacinto College
Rizwan is the Senior Director of Cybersecurity Programs at San Jacinto College, where he oversees the development and delivery of information technology and cybersecurity education and training programs for students and professionals. Rizwan also serves as an Adjunct Instructor of... Read More →
avatar for Joshua Dray

Joshua Dray

Chief Information Security Officer, San Jacinto College
Joshua Dray is a cybersecurity leader with over a decade of experience, currently serving as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at San Jacinto College. He has played a pivotal role in strengthening the college’s security posture by further developing its cybersecurity... Read More →
avatar for Charles Layton

Charles Layton

San Jacinto College
Coming soon!
Wednesday April 2, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Veramendi C 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

10:45am CDT

Break
Wednesday April 2, 2025 10:45am - 11:00am CDT
Wednesday April 2, 2025 10:45am - 11:00am CDT

11:00am CDT

Breaking the Cybersecurity Incident Stigma
Wednesday April 2, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
In the modern IT era, having an incident is often seen as a failure or a significant setback. However, this perspective can hinder growth and progress. This presentation aims to redefine how we view and handle these events.

We will explore the notion that cybersecurity incidents are not something to sweep under the rug but, rather, valuable opportunities for advancement. Through real-world examples, we'll demonstrate how organizations can work through these incidents to uncover unknown vulnerabilities, enhance their security frameworks, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Participants will gain insights into what it looks like when the TAMUS Cyber Operations Incident Response team is involved. The session will also highlight the importance of transparency and collaboration within the Texas A&M University System, showcasing how a unified defense & shared knowledge can elevate collective defense mechanisms.

Join us to discover how embracing cybersecurity incidents as learning experiences can shift the narrative from one of shame to one of strength and innovation. By breaking the stigma, we empower ourselves to face future challenges with greater confidence and capability.
Speakers
avatar for Michael Esparza

Michael Esparza

Texas A&M University System Cyber Ops
Michael Esparza is the Assistant Director of Cyber Operations for the Texas A&M University System. He leads the team of operations analysts and coordinates client facing services to ensure optimal execution of the mission. Michael has more than a decade of enterprise IT and security... Read More →
Wednesday April 2, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Veramendi D 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

11:00am CDT

Jacobson Insurance and Risk Management
Wednesday April 2, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Coming soon!
Speakers
avatar for Steven Brown

Steven Brown

Commerical Risk Advisor, Jacobson Insurance & Risk Management
With over 30 years of financial services experience, a degree from Linfield College in Social and Behavioral Science and a passion for community service, Steven brings an insightful perspective to assisting business owners and leadership teams with their commercial insurance endeavors.Steven... Read More →
Wednesday April 2, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Spring Lake A 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

11:00am CDT

Building a Cyber Resilient Community through Collaborative Strategies
Wednesday April 2, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
In today’s increasingly digital world, cyber threats continue to grow in both frequency and sophistication. As communities become more interconnected on a digital level, the need for a collective approach to cybersecurity has never been more urgent. In this session, presented by the University of Georgia’s CyberArch Program, we will delve into practical strategies for fostering community-wide cybersecurity efforts.

CyberArch specializes in partnering with diverse entities- including local governments, public school systems, and small businesses- to develop and strengthen their cyber resilience through a comprehensive risk review process. This session will highlight how partnerships like those with CyberArch can effectively address cybersecurity challenges by harnessing collective expertise and resources.

Participants will discover how collaboration plays a crucial role in building a resilient cyber infrastructure, including effective ways to engage stakeholders in diverse cybersecurity strategies and exercises. The session will cover successful case studies from our work with partner organizations, demonstrating the benefits of a unified approach to cybersecurity.

Key topics will include the integration of risk assessment processes, the advantages of partnerships and relationships that stem from them, as well as actionable steps for enhancing community-wide cyber defenses. Through this session, participants will gain actionable insights into how integrated efforts can create a safer, more secure digital environment for all, making it a crucial topic for any leader tasked with defending against cyber threats in today’s interconnected world.
Speakers
avatar for Deven Allen

Deven Allen

Team Lead, University of Georgia CyberArch
Deven Allen is a team leader of the University of Georgia’s CyberArch program. He resides in Athens, GA where he has received his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and seeks his Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Privacy. Deven has always been driven by the impact that... Read More →
avatar for Riya Bajaj

Riya Bajaj

Graduate Research Assistant, University of Georgia CyberArch
Riya Bajaj is a Graduate Research Assistant and a Team Leader at the University of Georgia's CyberArch program. Currently residing in Athens, GA, Riya is originally from Kanpur, India. She is pursuing her Master of Science in Computer Science at the University of Georgia and has a... Read More →
avatar for Manav Dhanani

Manav Dhanani

Team Leader, University of Georgia CyberArch
Manav Dhanani is a team leader of the University of Georgia’s CyberArch program. He is from Cumming, GA, and is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. In CyberArch, he conducts cyber risk reviews, guiding his team in assessing and mitigating cybersecurity... Read More →
avatar for Tarun Sai Damarla

Tarun Sai Damarla

Intern, University of Georgia CyberArch
 Tarun Sai Damarla is an intern at the University of Georgia’s CyberArch Program. Originally from Hyderabad, India, Tarun now resides in Athens, GA, where he is pursuing his Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Privacy. With a robust background in threat hunting and incident... Read More →
Wednesday April 2, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Veramendi E 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

11:00am CDT

Software Change Management
Wednesday April 2, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Let’s explore the critical importance of software change management controls in mitigating risks. Beginning with a high-level overview of AI's capabilities, we'll transition into a crucial discussion on why blind reliance on software can lead to vulnerabilities.
Speakers
avatar for Taylor Meadows

Taylor Meadows

Founder, CEO, Change Captain
Taylor Meadows, CPA, CISA, PMP, AWS CCP, is the Founder and CEO of Change Captain. Frustrated by the lack of innovation and automation in compliance and audit, Taylor set out to build the tools he had waited over a decade for someone else to create. By leveraging a team of technical... Read More →
Wednesday April 2, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Veramendi A 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

11:00am CDT

Blackout Warfare
Wednesday April 2, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Blackout Warfare represents a major shift in the landscape of cyber threats, focusing on the disruption and destruction of critical infrastructure. As cybersecurity professionals, it is imperative to understand this emerging concept, which combines traditional cyber warfare tactics with targeted attacks.
Speakers
avatar for Rob Dodson

Rob Dodson

Executive Director, Cyber Ops Academy
Rob is a 27-year US Army veteran who retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 in 2004. During his service, Rob was a Communications Intelligence Analyst conducting network exploitation. In 1993, after being assigned to San Antonio, Rob began working in computer network operations, focusing... Read More →
Wednesday April 2, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Spring Lake B 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

11:00am CDT

Securing the Future: Expert Strategies from Leading CISOs
Wednesday April 2, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Join us for an insightful panel discussion with seasoned Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) as they share their expertise on safeguarding organizations in an increasingly complex digital landscape. This session will explore critical cybersecurity challenges and actionable solutions including identifying and mitigating today’s biggest threats, avoiding common pitfalls in cybersecurity implementation, best practices for incident response, and fostering a robust security culture. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert insights and practical strategies to secure your organization’s future.
Speakers
avatar for Casey Bryan

Casey Bryan

Chief Information Officer, Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station
Coming Soon!
avatar for Paul Price

Paul Price

Chief Information Security Officer, Texas A&M University Engineering
Coming Soon!
Wednesday April 2, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Spring Lake C 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

11:00am CDT

Ethics In Artificial Intelligence
Wednesday April 2, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
DESCRIPTION NEEDED
Speakers
avatar for Indi Marie Williams

Indi Marie Williams

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Coming soon!
Wednesday April 2, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Veramendi B 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

11:00am CDT

From Learning to Defending: Fast-Tracking Cybersecurity Talent with Hands-On Training
Wednesday April 2, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
The cybersecurity industry faces a persistent talent gap, with entry-level job postings frequently requiring 1-2 years of experience—an impossible hurdle for many students who struggle to secure internships during their academic careers. At San Jacinto College, we are addressing this challenge head-on with our student-embedded Security Operations Center (SOC), a model designed to provide hands-on, real-world experience that prepares students to be job-ready from day one.

This presentation will explore how the student-embedded SOC serves as an innovative workforce development solution, offering students direct exposure to threat monitoring, incident response, and SOC operations under the guidance of industry professionals. Attendees will learn how this model accelerates skill acquisition, aligns with employer expectations, and equips graduates with the practical expertise needed to fill critical cybersecurity roles immediately upon entering the workforce. This approach not only closes the experience gap but also develops a pipeline of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals who can make an impact from their first day on the job.
Speakers
avatar for Rizwan Virani

Rizwan Virani

San Jacinto College
Rizwan is the Senior Director of Cybersecurity Programs at San Jacinto College, where he oversees the development and delivery of information technology and cybersecurity education and training programs for students and professionals. Rizwan also serves as an Adjunct Instructor of... Read More →
avatar for Joshua Dray

Joshua Dray

Chief Information Security Officer, San Jacinto College
Joshua Dray is a cybersecurity leader with over a decade of experience, currently serving as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at San Jacinto College. He has played a pivotal role in strengthening the college’s security posture by further developing its cybersecurity... Read More →
avatar for Charles Layton

Charles Layton

San Jacinto College
Coming soon!
Wednesday April 2, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Veramendi C 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

12:00pm CDT

Lunch (On Your Own)
Wednesday April 2, 2025 12:00pm - 1:15pm CDT
Wednesday April 2, 2025 12:00pm - 1:15pm CDT

1:15pm CDT

Driving Healthy, Resilient, and Prosperous Communities
Wednesday April 2, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm CDT
This session will provide actionable insights into navigating today’s cyber threat landscape and securing organizations against evolving attacks.
Speakers
avatar for Mary Kate Howard

Mary Kate Howard

Enterprise Security Operations Program Manager, Hewlett-Packard, Inc.
Mary Kate has 15 years of experience in the field of Information Technology and has a Bachelor of Science in Technology Management degree from Texas A&M University. On top of her degree, she holds CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications as well as GSEC and GCED certifications from... Read More →
Wednesday April 2, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm CDT
Veramendi E 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

2:30pm CDT

Break
Wednesday April 2, 2025 2:30pm - 2:45pm CDT
Wednesday April 2, 2025 2:30pm - 2:45pm CDT

2:45pm CDT

Collaborative Roundtable: Building a Cyber Secure Supply Chain
Wednesday April 2, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Join this interactive roundtable discussion to explore key topics and challenges in developing a cybersecurity supply chain course. "Building a Cyber Secure Supply Chain" will focus on identifying key threats, best practices, and critical considerations in securing supply chain operations. We aim to ensure the content is relevant and comprehensive while gathering insights to refine the focus on the most pressing challenges. Let us know if there are specific areas you believe should be emphasized.
Speakers
avatar for Bart Taylor, EdD

Bart Taylor, EdD

Training Manager, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Dr. Bart Taylor is a seasoned Cybersecurity and Information Technology professional educator with over twenty-five years of experience in the field. Bart graduated from Texas A&M University with a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction in the department of Teaching, Learning and... Read More →
avatar for Noel Templeton

Noel Templeton

Cybersecurity Instructor, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Noel Templeton brings over two decades of dedicated expertise in Information Services, specializing in security and compliance. His Experience spans various facets of Information Technology, with a particular focus on managing projects to propel his agency forward.With a background... Read More →
Wednesday April 2, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Spring Lake C 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

2:45pm CDT

Cyber Resiliency and Security in 911 Emergency Services
Wednesday April 2, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
This presentation will discuss various IT and Cyber Security related threats 911 emergency services may face plus give specific incident examples and lessons learned from those incidents. We will discuss remediation strategies organizations can employ to ensure their cyber security and resilience.
Speakers
avatar for Dennis Maldonado

Dennis Maldonado

Director of Technology, Harris Ft. Bend County
Dennis serves as Director of Technology for Harris Fort Bend ESD 100 (WESTCOM) managing and maintaining the technology needs of 911 call taking and emergency dispatch services for multiple public safety agencies.With over 15 years of experience in information technology and over 12... Read More →
Wednesday April 2, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Spring Lake A 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

2:45pm CDT

Insider Risk Monitoring and Response
Wednesday April 2, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Crash course topics: Monitoring process diagram; Continuous data exfiltration monitoring; Monitoring when an employee tenders resignation and Monitoring triggered by behavioral indicators; Monitoring initiation criteria; Evidence-based inferences; Technical requirements and Incident response diagram.
Speakers
avatar for Gideon Rasmussen

Gideon Rasmussen

Cybersecurity Management Consultant, Virtual CSO, LLC
Gideon Rasmussen is a Cybersecurity Management Consultant with over 20 years of experience in corporate and military organizations. Gideon has designed and led programs including Information Security (as a CISO), PCI - Payment Card Security, Third Party Risk Management, Application... Read More →
Wednesday April 2, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Veramendi D 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

2:45pm CDT

TITLE TO BE DETERMINED
Wednesday April 2, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Coming soon!
Wednesday April 2, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Veramendi A 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

2:45pm CDT

Threat Hunting: The Key to Effective Security Operations
Wednesday April 2, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Threat hunting is the key to effective security operations, but what exactly is it? It's a methodology, a mindset, and an analogy. Above all else, it's a philosophy of defensive cyber security. During this session, attendees will learn about threat hunting, how to hunt with an "assumed breach" methodology, and get some ideas for threat hunts they can run in their own environment with the tools they have.
Speakers
avatar for Andrew Cook

Andrew Cook

Chief Technology Officer, Recon Infosec
Andrew Cook is the Chief Technology Officer at Recon InfoSec, where he leads the technical vision, strategy, and execution of the company’s managed security operations. With over a decade of hands-on experience in threat hunting, digital forensics, and incident response, Andrew... Read More →
Wednesday April 2, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Veramendi B 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

2:45pm CDT

Agent vs Agent: The Asymmetry of Agentic Cyber Warfare
Wednesday April 2, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
As cyber warfare advances, attackers and defenders are increasingly relying on autonomous systems. This agentic warfare is asymmetric and favors the attackers. This presentation will propose strategies to help defenders keep up in this high-paced and increasingly robotic battlefield.
Speakers
avatar for Justin Hutchens

Justin Hutchens

Innovation Principal, Trace3
Justin “Hutch” Hutchens is an Innovation Principal at Trace3 and a leading voice in cybersecurity, risk management, and artificial intelligence. He is the author of “The Language of Deception: Weaponizing Next Generation AI,” a book focused on the adversarial risks of emerging... Read More →
Wednesday April 2, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Spring Lake B 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

2:45pm CDT

Level Up Your Career With Cybersecurity Certifications
Wednesday April 2, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Cybersecurity certifications can unlock career opportunities, boost earning potential, and validate your expertise. In this session, we’ll break down industry trends, help you choose the right certification, and share strategies to study effectively and showcase your credentials for career growth.

What attendees will gain:
  • Understand why certifications matter and their impact on job prospects.
  • Identify the best certification for your career goals.
  • Learn proven study techniques to pass with confidence.
Speakers
avatar for Brian Handy

Brian Handy

Pocket Prep
Brian Handy began his career in IT and tech support before transitioning to edtech. From sparking young learners’ interest in STEM to helping secondary schools develop cutting-edge computer science programs and ensuring college students graduate with the certifications they need... Read More →
Wednesday April 2, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Veramendi E 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

2:45pm CDT

Risk Management in Healthcare: Safeguarding Our Digital and Physical Ecosystem
Wednesday April 2, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
This session aims to educate healthcare leaders on the importance of comprehensive risk management, blending digital and physical security measures to protect patients, staff, and operations. Jason Lamb, CEO and Founder of CorePLUS Technologies, will share actionable insights and strategies to build secure, resilient healthcare environments.
Speakers
avatar for Jason Lamb

Jason Lamb

CEO & Founder, CorePLUS
Jason Lamb is the CEO and founder of CorePLUS Technologies, a company focused on delivering cybersecurity and risk management solutions specifically for healthcare organizations. Lamb has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by rural hospitals. His experience in the technology... Read More →
Wednesday April 2, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Veramendi C 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

3:45pm CDT

Break
Wednesday April 2, 2025 3:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
Wednesday April 2, 2025 3:45pm - 4:00pm CDT

4:00pm CDT

Collaborative Roundtable: Building a Cyber Secure Supply Chain
Wednesday April 2, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Join this interactive roundtable discussion to explore key topics and challenges in developing a cybersecurity supply chain course. "Building a Cyber Secure Supply Chain" will focus on identifying key threats, best practices, and critical considerations in securing supply chain operations. We aim to ensure the content is relevant and comprehensive while gathering insights to refine the focus on the most pressing challenges. Let us know if there are specific areas you believe should be emphasized.
Speakers
avatar for Bart Taylor, EdD

Bart Taylor, EdD

Training Manager, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Dr. Bart Taylor is a seasoned Cybersecurity and Information Technology professional educator with over twenty-five years of experience in the field. Bart graduated from Texas A&M University with a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction in the department of Teaching, Learning and... Read More →
avatar for Noel Templeton

Noel Templeton

Cybersecurity Instructor, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Noel Templeton brings over two decades of dedicated expertise in Information Services, specializing in security and compliance. His Experience spans various facets of Information Technology, with a particular focus on managing projects to propel his agency forward.With a background... Read More →
Wednesday April 2, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Spring Lake C 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

4:00pm CDT

Cyber Resiliency and Security in 911 Emergency Services
Wednesday April 2, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
This presentation will discuss various IT and Cyber Security related threats 911 emergency services may face plus give specific incident examples and lessons learned from those incidents. We will discuss remediation strategies organizations can employ to ensure their cyber security and resilience.
Speakers
avatar for Dennis Maldonado

Dennis Maldonado

Director of Technology, Harris Ft. Bend County
Dennis serves as Director of Technology for Harris Fort Bend ESD 100 (WESTCOM) managing and maintaining the technology needs of 911 call taking and emergency dispatch services for multiple public safety agencies.With over 15 years of experience in information technology and over 12... Read More →
Wednesday April 2, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Spring Lake A 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

4:00pm CDT

TITLE TO BE DETERMINED
Wednesday April 2, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Coming soon!
Wednesday April 2, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Veramendi A 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

4:00pm CDT

TO BE DETERMINED
Wednesday April 2, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Coming soon!
Wednesday April 2, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Veramendi D 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

4:00pm CDT

Agent vs Agent: The Asymmetry of Agentic Cyber Warfare
Wednesday April 2, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
As cyber warfare advances, attackers and defenders are increasingly relying on autonomous systems. This agentic warfare is asymmetric and favors the attackers. This presentation will propose strategies to help defenders keep up in this high-paced and increasingly robotic battlefield.

Speakers
avatar for Justin Hutchens

Justin Hutchens

Innovation Principal, Trace3
Justin “Hutch” Hutchens is an Innovation Principal at Trace3 and a leading voice in cybersecurity, risk management, and artificial intelligence. He is the author of “The Language of Deception: Weaponizing Next Generation AI,” a book focused on the adversarial risks of emerging... Read More →
Wednesday April 2, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Spring Lake B 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

4:00pm CDT

Ethics in Artificial Intelligence
Wednesday April 2, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
DESCRIPTION NEEDED
Speakers
avatar for Indi Marie Williams

Indi Marie Williams

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Coming soon!
Wednesday April 2, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Veramendi B 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

4:00pm CDT

Level Up Your Career With Cybersecurity Certifications
Wednesday April 2, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Cybersecurity certifications can unlock career opportunities, boost earning potential, and validate your expertise. In this session, we’ll break down industry trends, help you choose the right certification, and share strategies to study effectively and showcase your credentials for career growth.

What attendees will gain:
  • Understand why certifications matter and their impact on job prospects.
  • Identify the best certification for your career goals.
  • Learn proven study techniques to pass with confidence.
Speakers
avatar for Brian Handy

Brian Handy

Pocket Prep
Brian Handy began his career in IT and tech support before transitioning to edtech. From sparking young learners’ interest in STEM to helping secondary schools develop cutting-edge computer science programs and ensuring college students graduate with the certifications they need... Read More →
Wednesday April 2, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Veramendi E 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

4:00pm CDT

Risk Management in Healthcare: Safeguarding Our Digital and Physical Ecosystem
Wednesday April 2, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
This session aims to educate healthcare leaders on the importance of comprehensive risk management, blending digital and physical security measures to protect patients, staff, and operations. Jason Lamb, CEO and Founder of CorePLUS Technologies, will share actionable insights and strategies to build secure, resilient healthcare environments.
Speakers
avatar for Jason Lamb

Jason Lamb

CEO & Founder, CorePLUS
Jason Lamb is the CEO and founder of CorePLUS Technologies, a company focused on delivering cybersecurity and risk management solutions specifically for healthcare organizations. Lamb has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by rural hospitals. His experience in the technology... Read More →
Wednesday April 2, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Veramendi C 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666
 
Thursday, April 3
 

8:00am CDT

Hacker Devices and AI Demonstration
Thursday April 3, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Coming soon!
Speakers
avatar for Jon Robertson

Jon Robertson

Cybersecurity Instructor, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Jon Robertson is a Cyber Defense and Compliance Instructor for the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service’s (TEEX) National Emergency Response and Rescue Training Center (NEERTC) Cyber Program.He joined TEEX in March 2023 after a decade in IT with the Bryan Independent School District... Read More →
Thursday April 3, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Veramendi C 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

8:00am CDT

Gamification of Cybersecurity: Backdoors and Breaches
Thursday April 3, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, cybersecurity threats are no longer confined to IT departments—they are a critical concern for emergency management professionals. This presentation explores the current cybersecurity threat landscape, highlighting the vulnerabilities that can disrupt emergency response systems, communication networks, and critical infrastructure.

But awareness isn’t enough. Effective training is key to building resilience, and traditional methods often fall short. By leveraging engaging training techniques, organizations can transform cybersecurity training from a checkbox exercise into an engaging, impactful experience that improves knowledge retention and decision-making under pressure.

Attendees will gain insight into real-world threat scenarios, learn how cybersecurity training enhances preparedness, and even engage with some of these training tools. Equip your team with the tools to stay ahead of threats and respond with confidence when every second counts.
Speakers
avatar for Sam Swicegood

Sam Swicegood

Cybersecurity Instructor, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Sam Swicegood is a seasoned technology expert with a broad spectrum of experience across information technology, leadership, software development, networking, game design, and cybersecurity. Before joining TEEX, Sam played a pivotal role in building and maintaining technological infrastructure... Read More →
Thursday April 3, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Spring Lake A 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

8:00am CDT

SCORE in Action: A Tabletop Exercise for a Power-Grid Attack
Thursday April 3, 2025 8:00am - 11:15am CDT
The SCORE (Scalable Cyber-Physical Optimal Response Engine) project’s tabletop exercise is a discussion-based session designed to show how a cyberattack can affect the power grid. Participants will learn about the power grid’s stakeholders, current threats and trends, and methods for analyzing risk and implementing both present-day and future mitigation strategies.

In conducting this tabletop, participants walk through hypothetical scenarios to test responses, uncover possible vulnerabilities in both IT and OT systems, and refine plans for communication and collaboration. Discussions cover process bottlenecks, potential security risks, and stakeholder roles, with an emphasis on identifying improvements to procedures and decision-making. Lessons learned from the exercise lead to the creation or updating of guidelines, training programs, and coordination strategies, ultimately enhancing organizational readiness and resilience.
Speakers
avatar for Dayo Olaosebikan

Dayo Olaosebikan

Cybersecurity Instructor, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Dayo Olaosebikan is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with extensive experience in risk analysis, project management, and policy writing. Before joining TEEX, Dayo worked as an industry leader in implementing and managing oil and gas, civil engineering and product management programs... Read More →
avatar for Kate Davis, Ph.D.

Kate Davis, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Texas A&M University
Kate Davis is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Texas A&M University. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from University of Texas, Austin. She received her Master of Science Degree and Ph. D. from... Read More →
avatar for Mohamed Sadok Massaoudi, PhD

Mohamed Sadok Massaoudi, PhD

Senior Research Engineer, Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station
Mohamed Massaoudi received the M.Eng. degree in Energy Engineering from the National Engineering School of Monastir (ENIM), University of Monastir, Tunisia, in 2018, after completing preparatory studies in Mathematics and Physics at the Preparatory Institute for Engineering Studies... Read More →
avatar for Leen Al Homoud

Leen Al Homoud

Graduate Research Assistant, Texas A&M University
Leen Al Homoud received her B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University, Texas, USA, in May 2021 and May 2024, respectively. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering at Texas A&M University, Texas, USA. Her research interests... Read More →
avatar for Khandaker Akramul Haque

Khandaker Akramul Haque

Graduate Research Assistant, Texas A&M University
Khandaker Akramul Haque is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Texas A&M University under the supervision of Dr. Katherine Davis. He holds a Master’s and a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Bangladesh University of... Read More →
avatar for Xiang Huo, PhD

Xiang Huo, PhD

Postdoctoral Researcher, Texas A&M University
Xiang Huo is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher with the department of electrical and computer engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA. He received his Ph.D. degree in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA, in... Read More →
avatar for Andy Maehl

Andy Maehl

Graduate Research Assistant, Texas A&M University
Andy Maehl is a first-year master’s student at Texas A&M University and a Graduate Research Assistant in Dr. Kate Davis’s lab. His research focuses on enhancing the resilience of the power grid through cyber-physical models and tools.Prior to joining Texas A&M, Andy worked as... Read More →
avatar for Shining Sun

Shining Sun

Graduate Research Assistant, Texas A&M University
Shining Sun earned her Bachelor’s degree with a dual major in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering from the University of Missouri, Columbia, USA, and her Master’s degree from Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA. She is pursuing her Ph.D. in Electrical... Read More →
avatar for Sai Srinivas Veeranadham

Sai Srinivas Veeranadham

Texas A&M University
Mr. Veeranadham is pursuing a Masters of Engineering with a Specialization in Cybersecurity at Texas A&M University.  He possesses expertise in threat modeling, DevSecOps, maturity assessments, cloud security and automation.
Thursday April 3, 2025 8:00am - 11:15am CDT
Veramendi A 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

8:00am CDT

SIEM Tool Demonstration and Round Table Discussion
Thursday April 3, 2025 8:00am - 11:15am CDT
TEEX and Fluency Security will host a live SIEM hands on session where you’ll be able to select a real event that occurred and manage it through the Fluency Security SIEM tool. You’ll get overviews on what to look for and how to proceed with analysis. Prior to the event, TEEX will send out a URL where you can register to use the tool. You’ll need to bring your laptop to the session with internet connectivity.
Speakers
avatar for Chris Jordan

Chris Jordan

Chief Executive Officer, Fluency Security
Chris Jordan is the CEO and co-founder of Fluency Security, an award-winning cybersecurity innovator that offers streaming analytics of live data using adaptive behavioral SIEM technology, relied upon by many of the country’s most discerning organizations. One of the many efforts... Read More →
avatar for Al Wissinger

Al Wissinger

Managing Director, Fluency
Al began his career in the mid-1970s serving in the US Navy as an Electronics Technician repairing cryptographic communications gear.   In late 1979 he started at IBM and over the next 31 years holding many roles from Services to Marketing to Sales to Management.  He retired from... Read More →
avatar for Bart Taylor, EdD

Bart Taylor, EdD

Training Manager, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Dr. Bart Taylor is a seasoned Cybersecurity and Information Technology professional educator with over twenty-five years of experience in the field. Bart graduated from Texas A&M University with a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction in the department of Teaching, Learning and... Read More →
avatar for Noel Templeton

Noel Templeton

Cybersecurity Instructor, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Noel Templeton brings over two decades of dedicated expertise in Information Services, specializing in security and compliance. His Experience spans various facets of Information Technology, with a particular focus on managing projects to propel his agency forward.With a background... Read More →
avatar for Stacey Smith

Stacey Smith

Cybersecurity Adjunct Instructor, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Stacey is a seasoned leader with a history of driving operational and strategic impact in the telecommunications,  technology and SAAS industries. Through leadership roles at Verizon and NICE Systems, Stacey has played a key role in the development and implementation of integrated... Read More →
Thursday April 3, 2025 8:00am - 11:15am CDT
Veramendi E 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

9:15am CDT

Gamification of Cybersecurity: Backdoors and Breaches
Thursday April 3, 2025 9:15am - 11:15am CDT
In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, cybersecurity threats are no longer confined to IT departments—they are a critical concern for emergency management professionals. This presentation explores the current cybersecurity threat landscape, highlighting the vulnerabilities that can disrupt emergency response systems, communication networks, and critical infrastructure.

But awareness isn’t enough. Effective training is key to building resilience, and traditional methods often fall short. By leveraging engaging training techniques, organizations can transform cybersecurity training from a checkbox exercise into an engaging, impactful experience that improves knowledge retention and decision-making under pressure.

Attendees will gain insight into real-world threat scenarios, learn how cybersecurity training enhances preparedness, and even engage with some of these training tools. Equip your team with the tools to stay ahead of threats and respond with confidence when every second counts.
Speakers
avatar for Sam Swicegood

Sam Swicegood

Cybersecurity Instructor, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Sam Swicegood is a seasoned technology expert with a broad spectrum of experience across information technology, leadership, software development, networking, game design, and cybersecurity. Before joining TEEX, Sam played a pivotal role in building and maintaining technological infrastructure... Read More →
Thursday April 3, 2025 9:15am - 11:15am CDT
Veramendi C 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

9:15am CDT

Gamification of Cybersecurity: Cyber Ready Game Simulation
Thursday April 3, 2025 9:15am - 11:15am CDT
This presentation will introduce the “The Community Cybersecurity Preparedness Simulation” a gamified National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium (NCPC) training course developed and delivered by the Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security (CIAS) at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA).

This presentation will provide insights on the development of this gamified training experience and participants will engage in an abbreviated simulation. This gamified approach provides great insights as to how individuals in an organization, with limited resources, must plan and budget for a cybersecurity program. It also explores how the level of cybersecurity preparedness of a single organization can impact the greater community. Join us to learn more about this fun and engaging approach to cybersecurity training.
Speakers
avatar for Natalie Sjelin

Natalie Sjelin

Interim Director, Univ. of Texas at San Antonio, Center for Infrastructure Assurance & Security
Natalie Sjelin is the Interim Director for the Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security (CIAS) at the University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA).   Ms. Sjelin obtained her Masters of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Cybersecurity from UTSA and has worked... Read More →
Thursday April 3, 2025 9:15am - 11:15am CDT
Spring Lake A 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666

11:15am CDT

Break
Thursday April 3, 2025 11:15am - 11:30am CDT
Thursday April 3, 2025 11:15am - 11:30am CDT

11:30am CDT

Closing Remarks & Appreciation
Thursday April 3, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm CDT
Speakers
avatar for Lisa Mutchler

Lisa Mutchler

Division Director, Business and Cyber Solutions, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Lisa leads the TEEX Business & Cyber Solutions (BCS) Division which provides training and technical assistance for workforce development, cybersecurity and economic development programs in communities, counties, regions and across the United States. Lisa has 25 years’ experience... Read More →
Thursday April 3, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm CDT
Veramendi E 1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666
 
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