Five Cybersecurity Sessions to Attend at ISC East 2024

ISC East 2024 is coming up Nov. 19-21 in New York City, and the Security Industry Association (SIA) and ISC East recently revealed full conference details for the SIA Education at ISC East program, including keynote presentations from top luminaries and over 70 sessions from top industry expert speakers on the most current business trends, technologies and industry developments.

Among the robust lineup of conference sessions are several dynamic presentations on critical cybersecurity topics. At ISC East, you’ll discover expert insights on how cybersecurity threats can disrupt facilities and critical systems, emerging risks, future trends and more. Here are five sessions you won’t want to miss; make sure to add them to your ISC East calendar!

All Times EST

Megatrends in Cybersecurity Panel Discussion With SIA Cybersecurity Advisory Board

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 1:00-1:45 p.m.

The landscape of cybersecurity is continually evolving, presenting both unprecedented challenges and opportunities. This panel discussion brings together leading experts in the field from SIA’s Cybersecurity Advisory Board to explore the megatrends shaping the future of cybersecurity. The discussion will delve into the emerging cybersecurity threats, critical areas including the rise of generative artificial intelligence, the growing importance of securing the Internet of Things (IoT) devices and the implications of IT-operational technology (OT) security convergence.

“Cybersecurity and technology continuously evolve and advance, expanding the threat landscape. Close to 17 billion IoT devices are active, with estimates of up to 35 billion by 2030. Bad actors are also becoming more sophisticated in their attacks, making it challenging for enterprises to keep up. With the IT-OT convergence, we must consider securing these assets, not just protecting data. A compromise of OT systems can create devastating consequences around financial, reputational and/or life safety.  We have to think of practical, sustainable and resilient ways of securing these assets.”

– Min Kyriannis, CEO, Amyna Systems

Speakers:

• Will Knehr, senior manager of information assurance and data privacy, i-PRO Americas
• Min Kyriannis, CEO, Amyna Systems
• Rachelle Loyear, vice president, integrated security solutions, Allied Universal
• Teresa Wu, vice president of smart credentials, IDEMIA Public Security North America

Building an OT Cybersecurity Program Within a Decentralized Organization

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 1:00-1:45 p.m.

In this session, attendees will hear how the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) built a cybersecurity program for their operational technology (OT) infrastructure from the ground up. With over 50 distinct OT systems with unique business owners spread across dozens of buildings, operated and maintained by dozens of vendors and stakeholders, GTAA’s OT environment poses unique challenges. The organizational structure of GTAA is decentralized, and there are variations in how OT systems are owned, managed and operated. This session will share how the OT cybersecurity team was placed in the organization, short-term and long-term initiatives, how the team addressed OT cybersecurity vulnerabilities to improve the cybersecurity posture of the OT environment and the ongoing challenges the GTAA faces and lessons learned in implementing the program.

“Organizations with OT assets or multiple OT sites often adopt a decentralized approach to managing cybersecurity, with each site having its own practices – or lack thereof. Learning from others about which practices should be centralized and where site personnel can maintain autonomy is crucial to building an effective cybersecurity program that works across the entire organization.”

– Osman Saleem, ICS cybersecurity program manager, Greater Toronto Airports Authority

Presenter:

• Osman Saleem, ICS cybersecurity program manager, Greater Toronto Airports Authority

Ransomware Goes Physical: How Cyber Threats Can Disrupt Facilities and Critical Systems

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2:00-2:45 p.m.

As ransomware attacks become more sophisticated, they increasingly target physical security systems and critical facilities infrastructure. This presentation explores how cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in Industrial Internet of Things-enabled security devices and building management systems, leading to devastating consequences for organizations. This session will delve into real-world case studies that reveal the ways ransomware has disrupted physical operations and uncover the specific threat vectors and attack techniques used by ransomware groups to breach smart surveillance, access control and other critical systems.

“As ransomware evolves, so do the targets – now extending to the very heart of our physical security systems and critical infrastructure. Join us to explore real-world case studies revealing how ransomware attacks have compromised smart surveillance, access controls and building management systems, causing unauthorized access, system shutdowns and data manipulation. Learn to understand these threats, identify key vulnerabilities, and develop robust defense strategies. This is a must-attend for cybersecurity professionals, facilities managers and physical security experts looking to protect their infrastructure from the ever-growing ransomware menace. Secure your spot and stay ahead of the threats!”

– Will Knehr, senior manager of information assurance and data privacy, i-PRO Americas

Presenter:

• Will Knehr, senior manager of information assurance and data privacy, i-PRO Americas

Lessons From the Front Lines: Cybersecurity Case Studies for the Physical Security World

Wednesday, Nov. 20, 9:30-10:15 a.m.

The lines between cybersecurity and physical security continue to blur. In this presentation, we’ll dive into real-world case studies that expose the tactics cybercriminals use to compromise physical security systems. Attendees will analyze how these attacks unfolded and explore the devastating consequences for facilities, operations and even personnel safety. This session will dissect the lessons learned from these incidents and provide a framework for physical security professionals to defend against cyber-enabled physical security threats.

“In this session, we’ll explore real-world incidents where cyber threats compromised physical security. Discover how these attacks unfolded, the consequences for facilities and personnel, and most importantly, the lessons learned. This session is about turning awareness into action—helping security professionals recognize overlapping vulnerabilities, collaborate effectively with IT teams and implement proactive defenses. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your organization’s resilience against evolving hybrid threats.”

– Will Knehr, senior manager of information assurance and data privacy, i-PRO Americas

Presenter:

• Will Knehr, senior manager of information assurance and data privacy, i-PRO Americas

Emerging Threats and Future Trends: Navigating the Future of Cybersecurity

Wednesday, Nov. 20, 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Stay ahead of the curve by exploring the emerging threats and future trends in the cybersecurity landscape. This predictive session will provide invaluable insights into what the future holds for cybersecurity threats and innovations. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of evolving challenges and learn how to prepare and fortify your defenses effectively. By staying informed and proactive, you can ensure your organization remains resilient against the ever-changing cyber threat landscape.

“Every day we face new threats. We used to think of these threats in the physical sense, and we still need to, but now we also need to think about the cyber threats to our business and to our customers. Each of us faces these threats every day, and they are constantly evolving. Come join the discussion and help us raise the bar in our industry as we discuss these emerging threats and future trends.”

– Josh Cummings, executive vice president, technology, Paladin Technologies

Speakers:

• Josh Cummings, executive vice president, technology, Paladin Technologies
• Mark Hankewycz, president and principal, M2H Protection
• Gary Hoffner, vice president, PSLA Security
• Antoinette King, director of sales for the East and head of cyber convergence, i-PRO Americas

You can access the full SIA Education at ISC conference program for only $130 by registering for a SIA Education at ISC Passport. Even better, use SIA’s free registration link to sign up for the ISC East trade show and save 20% on your conference pass!

The views and opinions expressed in guest posts and/or profiles are those of the authors or sources and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Security Industry Association (SIA).