Presented by Charles Killmer, Sr Security Analyst and Solution Architect • FRSecure

In this presentation, we’ll explore the critical role of allowlisting in enhancing network security. By focusing on controlling both ingress and egress traffic, allowlisting ensures that only trusted traffic is permitted, reducing the attack surface and minimizing vulnerabilities. Learn how adopting a comprehensive allowlisting strategy can help build a secure, resilient network fortress, protecting your systems from malicious threats and unauthorized access. Whether you're implementing it for the first time or refining your approach, this session will highlight best practices and common pitfalls.

  Presented by BJ Deonarain, Global Alliance Cybersecurity Solutions Director • Hitachi Vantara

The Imperative for Resiliency, 100% cyber security is unachievable; breaches are inevitable, where modern threats demand a shift from reactive defense to proactive resilience. Resilience requires mindset and culture change, not just new technology, while focus can sustain operations and limit damage when security fails.

Assembling the resiliency strategic pillars and actions:

• Risk Assessment: continuous evaluation of assets and vulnerabilities
• Incident Response: develop, test, and update comprehensive crisis plans
• Employee Training: ongoing education to make staff the first line of defense
• Systems Testing: regular audits, penetration tests, and vulnerability scans
• Partnerships: collaborate with industry experts for knowledge sharing
• Culture: embed resiliency throughout the organization at every level

BJ Deonarain is a globally focused cybersecurity executive responsible for driving cyber security and cyber resiliency strategy at Hitachi Vantara. With a career spanning technical innovation, client solutions, and cross-functional leadership, BJ combines deep technical expertise with a client-centric approach to mitigate risk and elevate organizational security postures.

  Presented by Tim Medin, Chief Executive Officer • Red Siege

A comprehensive overview of modern cybersecurity threats and how breaches occur. We will highlight the various methods used by cybercriminals, including phishing, social engineering, and ransomware attacks, and emphasize the importance of identifying and addressing vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. There are a lot of vulnerabilities in the wild, and IT administrators and security professionals often focus on the wrong issues because they are easier to monitor or measure. By the end of the presentation, you will have gained valuable insights into the latest cybersecurity threats and how to protect against them.

  Presented by Sumi Gorla, Director of Systems Engineering • Illumio

Regardless of how sophisticated a ransomware attack may be, the objective remains the same: exploit a vulnerability and move laterally across your network. In this session, we’ll peel back the layers and walk through simple steps to get started with Zero Trust Segmentation, including:

• Gaining deep, real-time visibility into where your environment is most exposed
• Identifying and closing risky ports to reduce your attack surface
• Making the most of tools already in place—without adding operational complexity

Sumi Gorla is Director of Systems Engineering at Illumio, driving product strategy, field enablement, and customer success across US Central and LATAM. With leadership experience at EMC, Brocade, Citrix, and BigSwitch, she leads high-performing teams to solve business problems and deliver impactful solutions. Sumi bridges technical depth with clear, outcome-driven communication.

  Presented by INTERFACE Advisory Council

“Just automate that process! The firewall is fine—we’ve got an AI tool watching it.”

Sound familiar? Despite significant investments in cybersecurity and advanced tools, the human element remains one of the greatest vulnerabilities in any organization. This isn't a new problem—ransomware attacks continue to thrive due to human error.

Insider threats, whether intentional or accidental, are often at the root of security breaches. So, what proactive steps are you taking to mitigate these risks?

Join the INTERFACE Kansas City Advisory Council for an engaging discussion on defending against internal threats. Local IT leaders will share their strategies, lessons learned, and practical tips for minimizing human error in cybersecurity. Bring your questions and join the conversation as we explore what’s working, what’s not, and what more needs to be done to protect our networks from within.

Moderator: Holly Giammanco, Director of Information Security, Greater Kansas City Community Foundation

Panelists:

• Amy Botts, Manager, Information Security Risk, Hallmark Cards, Inc.
• Bill Kim, Chief Information Security Officer, Security Bank of Kansas City
• Chris Smalley, Director, Information Technology, Hoefer Welker
• Melissa Spicer, Director, Cybersecurity, Evergy