As a technical advocate targeted on cybersecurity in Be taught with Cisco, my mission is to empower our neighborhood with the data and instruments to thrive in at the moment’s ever-evolving panorama. Few cybersecurity occasions embody the spirit of innovation and studying fairly like Black Hat USA. I’m extremely excited to share that I might be attending this yr’s occasion in Las Vegas this August, and I’m desperate to immerse myself within the newest developments shaping our subject.
What’s Black Hat?
In the event you’re new to the cybersecurity convention circuit, Black Hat is a globally acknowledged occasion sequence famend for its deep technical and vendor-neutral focus. It attracts a various viewers—safety researchers, hackers, company and authorities professionals, executives, and even these simply starting their cybersecurity journey. Black Hat USA 2025 will happen August 2-7 on the Mandalay Bay Conference Heart in Las Vegas.
Why I’m attending Black Hat this yr
At Cisco, my position facilities on championing safety options and equipping our neighborhood with related data. Black Hat affords a novel alternative to remain on the forefront of cybersecurity innovation. It’s the place the trade’s brightest minds current breakthrough analysis, new instruments, and rising methods.
I’m attending to achieve firsthand insights into the newest threats and defenses, discover the dynamic interaction between offense and protection, and produce actionable data again to the Cisco neighborhood to boost our collective safety. It’s additionally a improbable venue for connecting with friends and thought leaders, fueling the continual studying mindset that’s important in our subject.
What I look ahead to most at Black Hat USA
There’s no scarcity of issues to see and do at Black Hat USA. Listed here are a number of highlights I’m particularly enthusiastic about.
Strategic cybersecurity insights from the primary stage
The principle stage keynotes at all times set the tone, providing high-level views on the present and future state of cybersecurity. This yr, I’m notably concerned about Past the Limits: Reworking the SOC to Deal with Trendy Challenges, that includes Tony Paterra, Vice President, Product Administration – Safety Merchandise at Splunk, on Thursday, August 7.
Safety Operations Facilities (SOCs) face important challenges—fragmented instruments, restricted visibility, and a persistent abilities hole, to call a number of. I’m keen to listen to Tony’s imaginative and prescient for constructing extra unified and adaptable SOCs and discover how these concepts align with Cisco’s cybersecurity certifications. As somebody devoted to bridging the cybersecurity abilities hole, I worth any alternative to find out how we will higher help SOC groups.
Slicing-edge menace briefings
The technical coronary heart of Black Hat lies in its briefings. That is the place main researchers reveal the newest vulnerabilities, assault strategies, and defensive techniques. I’m particularly concerned about periods protecting AI in cyber protection and offense, provide chain safety, and cloud vulnerabilities.
One standout is the Cisco Talos briefing, GenAI: The way it’s Being Used as a Lure, a Device, and a Weapon, introduced by Nick Biasini, Head of Outreach, Cisco Talos, on Wednesday, August 6. Generative AI is quickly reshaping our trade, and it’s important to know how menace actors leverage it. Listening to immediately from Cisco Talos about real-world GenAI threats and defenses is invaluable for my position in advising and educating our neighborhood.
Exploring the arsenal
The arsenal is the place innovation comes alive. Dwell demos, direct interactions with builders—it’s hands-on studying you may’t get anyplace else. I’m at all times looking out for brand spanking new open-source instruments that simplify complicated duties and increase automation, particularly these aligned with DevNet ideas.
That’s why I’m notably trying ahead to the AI Wargame on August 6 and seven. It’s a enjoyable, academic attack-and-defense simulation. As you might know from my latest tutorial on AI vulnerabilities, I really like pushing AI programs to their limits. This wargame’s format, defending your chatbot’s secrets and techniques whereas probing others for theirs, offers a dynamic method to expertise AI safety challenges firsthand.
Connecting within the enterprise corridor and past
Whereas the technical content material is excellent, the networking alternatives are simply as useful. Black Hat gathers a vibrant and influential neighborhood, and casual occasions usually spark probably the most significant conversations. I’m trying ahead to partaking with prospects, studying about their experiences, and gathering suggestions that helps form Cisco’s options.
A can’t-miss occasion for me is the Splunk AfterParty with Cisco and Distinction Safety on August 6 at Allegiant Stadium. With unique stadium entry, refreshments, and the possibility to fulfill Splunk safety leaders and friends, it’s the right setting to construct connections. The “Menace Hunter’s Cookbook” e book signing by Splunk’s SURGe group is a good bonus!
Let’s join at Black Hat USA
I’ll be actively concerned in Black Hat all through the week, stopping by the Cisco sales space usually to attach with attendees. In the event you’re attending Black Hat USA 2025, I’d love to fulfill you! I’m at all times keen to listen to about your newest challenges and successes and to chart the course for the way forward for cybersecurity collectively.
Be happy to attain out to me on LinkedIn to arrange a time to attach in Las Vegas.
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