Three Can’t-Miss Sessions on Critical Infrastructure Security at ISC East 2025

ISC East 2025 is coming up Nov. 18–20 in New York City, and the Security Industry Association (SIA) and ISC East have revealed full conference details for the SIA Education at ISC East program, including keynote presentations from leading luminaries and over 75 sessions from top industry expert speakers on the most current business trends, technologies and industry developments.

Among the robust lineup of conference sessions are a number of dynamic conversations on key critical infrastructure security topics. Here are three sessions you won’t want to miss; be sure to add them to your ISC East calendar!

All Times EST

Layered Defenses: Evolving Physical Security Strategies for Modern Data Centers

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2:00–2:45 p.m.

Modern data centers face growing pressure to balance compliance, operational efficiency and risk mitigation—all while reducing reliance on human security personnel. This session dives into proven strategies for designing layered physical security systems that go beyond perimeter protection and into intelligent zoning, seamless integration and proactive maintenance. Using insights from data center security leaders, integrators and contractors, we will examine the shift toward a less guard-dependent security model and connected access infrastructure.

“In today’s environment, data centers are under more pressure than ever to protect people, property and data. A single guard at the gate or a camera on the wall is no longer enough. That’s why a layered defense strategy—moving from the outside in is critical. During this session, we’ll explore how layered security strengthens facility design and compliance, the tradeoffs between human-based security and technology-driven solutions and how to optimize the mix and best practices for planning new builds, upgrades and retrofits so you can reduce risk while maximizing efficiency. You’ll also hear real-world examples of how organizations re using layered approaches to the needs without compromising protection. We’ll wrap up with interactive Q&A, so you can bring your own challenges to the discussion. If you’re looking to future-proof your data center’s security, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.”—Rick Estes, associate vice president, business development, dormakaba USA

Presenter:

• Rick Estes, associate vice president, business development, dormakaba USA
• Andrew Jimenez, senior director, Wesco Data Center Solutions
• Kevin Kazda, director of national sales, IronSite and Sloan Security Group
• Jimmy Lindsey, physical security subject matter expert, North America, Vantage Data Centers

Cyber Threats to the Energy Grid: Prepared or Scared?

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 3:00–3:45 p.m.

The energy grid faces escalating cyber threats that demand a robust, multilayered defense. This panel will delve into the critical interplay of physical and cybersecurity measures essential for protecting these vital assets. Attendees will gain insights into establishing effective security postures, ensuring compliance and fostering the resilience needed to face evolving cyber risks, moving from fear to preparedness.

“One topic in the news and deeply concerning people is the question of how vulnerable the energy grid is.  This fear strikes deep because it is both a physical security concern (can someone physically act to shut off power) and more prominently today a cybersecurity concern (can a threat actor gain control of the energy supply?). Both fears are valid and in the news enough that security professionals should have some clarity on this topic—are we prepared or should we be scared? This panel brings together true experts to focus on why there are many proven structural methods that lead to power grid security and how resilient are they to new methods of attack. At the intersection of physical security, cybersecurity and municipal governance there is no more urgent threat than energy grid security; we will discuss at ISC East and provide attendees with clarity on one of the most critical security topics.”—John Gallagher, vice president, Viakoo Labs, Viakoo

“Cyber threats to the energy grid are real. If a black sky happened tomorrow, how prepared are you?”–Maria Sumnicht, national director of cybersecurity and infrastructure, Task Force on National and Homeland Security

Speakers:

• John Gallagher, vice president, Viakoo Labs, Viakoo
• Deepak Mathur, IT networking and security professional and former chief information security officer for the Fire Department of New York
• Maria Sumnicht, national director of cybersecurity and infrastructure, Task Force on National and Homeland Security
• Kirill Zolotov, network reliability manager, Consolidated Edison

The Current State of Data Center Physical Security

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

The global data center market is expanding at an unprecedented pace. In 2025, the world will generate 181 zettabytes of data—an increase of 23% year over year. That translates to 2.5 quintillion bytes created every day: 29 terabytes every second. This explosive demand for storage and processing fuels the industry’s relentless focus on power and cooling. Yet while those conversations dominate, physical security remains undervalued—even though it is equally critical to resilience. At the same time, the surge in demand is reshaping the market with hyperscale growth, colocation competition and enterprise expansion. With rapid growth comes new complexity: outdated specifications, partners experienced in other markets yet unfamiliar with the unique demands of data centers and siloed security systems threaten the resilience of critical digital infrastructure. This session examines the challenges shaping physical security for data centers today, with a focus on integration, interoperability and life cycle management. Drawing from manufacturers, integrators and end users, it highlights not only emerging technologies but also the persistent risks of treating security as an afterthought. The result is a forward-looking roadmap to strengthen resilience and deliver security that enables, rather than hinders, growth.

“As new players flood into the rapidly expanding data center market, aligning perimeter, physical and operational security has never been more critical. This session will help attendees understand what makes data center security uniquely complex, why traditional models no longer apply and what today’s developers, builders, and integrators must know—and do—to align design, construction and operations to build truly resilient facilities.”–Amy Dunton, managing partner, Sulton Security

Speakers:

• Amy Dunton, managing partner, Sulton Security
• David Fortune, director of data center practice, Plugout
• Peter Jafuta, senior data center executive, Motorola Solutions
• Glenn Lemke, vice president of data center and infrastructure security, Pavion

You can access the full SIA Education at ISC East conference program by registering for a SIA Education at ISC Passport. Even better, use SIA’s link to sign up for the ISC East trade show for free 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).