INTERFACE Montana 2023 / See You Next Year

IT Infrastructure is constantly changing, bringing more new challenges with it every day. From ransomware and the latest security threats to emerging developments in AI and the need for increased bandwidth and storage, it’s nearly impossible to keep up to date. Our conference is designed to help. We’ve assembled a combination of Best-in-Breed hardware and software solutions, along with local experts and organizations to help educate, advise and connect you to resources that can help you meet your goals.

Covering Information Security, Infrastructure, Cloud, Disaster Recovery, Communications, and more, you’ll find presentations, panel discussions, and exhibitors covering a variety of topics, as well as the latest innovations and best practices.

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AT A GLANCE

July 25th, 2023
8:30am – 4:30pm

Montana State University
Strand Union Building
751 W. Grant Street
Bozeman, MT 59715

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Venue Accessibility

KEYNOTE: [1 CPE] The Trek Toward Zero Trust

  Presented by Travis Light • Cybersecurity Advisor, CISA

Seminar Schedule

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9:00 - 9:50 AM

[1 CPE] Transforming Networks: Harnessing AI and ML for Optimal Performance

  Presented by Pine Cove Consulting & Ruckus

In today's digitally interconnected world, networks play a critical role in ensuring seamless communication and data transfer. However, network performance and reliability can often be challenging to maintain. Each year, we see an increased number of devices added to our networks along with more use of high-bandwidth applications. IT teams often lack the tools to ensure required network service levels in an environment of ever-increasing user connectivity demands and network complexity. This presentation aims to explore the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques in overcoming these challenges.

The presentation will delve into various strategies and technologies that can help organizations improve their network performance. We will discuss proactive approaches to troubleshoot network issues before they escalate, saving valuable time and resources. By leveraging AI-powered tools and techniques, attendees will learn how to gain quick yet in-depth insights into their network's health, enabling them to identify and resolve potential bottlenecks efficiently.

This presentation will also emphasize the importance of customized data reports in network management. Attendees will discover how AI and ML tools can process vast amounts of network data, providing valuable information tailored to their specific needs. This capability allows network administrators to make informed decisions and optimize network performance based on relevant metrics and key performance indicators.

Additionally, cloud radio resource management (CRRM) will be explored to address co-channel interference—a common problem in wireless networks. We will shed light on how CRRM leverages AI and ML to intelligently allocate and manage radio resources via algorithms, mitigating interference and enhancing overall network performance. Attendees will gain insights into the benefits of this approach and its potential to revolutionize wireless network operations.

Overall, this presentation aims to empower network administrators and professionals with the knowledge and tools to transform their networks using AI and ML. By embracing these cutting-edge technologies, organizations can enhance network performance, ensure better reliability, and streamline their operations in the ever-evolving landscape of modern networking.

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10:00 - 10:50 AM

[1 CPE] How to Stop East/West Attacks in Your Data Center

  Presented by Aruba Networks

70% of all breaches are caused by endpoint security vulnerabilities, followed by lateral movement in the data center. Halt that hacker traffic. Attend this session to learn about a new category of data center switch that combines best-of-breed L2/3 switching with the industry's first hardware-accelerated programmable processor. This new tool augments your malware and ransomware detection and response capabilities by delivering stateful firewall services inline, at scale, with wire-rate performance and orders of magnitude improvement over traditional data center L2/3 switches. You will learn how to gain visibility and enforce security policy for all East/West flows between workloads to protect the critical assets in your data center.

Topics:
11:00 - 11:50 AM

[1 CPE] How to Simplify and Secure Your Network & What You Need to Know About Wi-FI 6e

  Presented by Matt Helm, Sr Systems Engineer  • Extreme Networks

During the presentation, we will discuss how to simplify your network and make it more secure by using the IEEE standard 802.1aq. We explain the standard, and how it is easier to use than traditional networking and much more secure. We will demo its simplicity and what makes it secure.

We will then move into Wifi 6e and how it is changing the way we must look at wireless deployments. We will discuss all the changes that it has brought us and what we must be planning for with the higher speeds that we will be able to achieve.

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1:00 - 1:50 PM

[1 CPE] Create a Safe Security Culture

  Presented by Lynn Soeth, Service Manager, Security Services • High Point Networks

You have a company-wide security culture. Is it a positive one? A safe security culture includes practices, policies, and attitude that prioritize the protection of sensitive information and the well-being of team members. It involves creating a positive environment where everyone feels empowered to ask questions and report potential security incidents. Using real world situations, let’s look at how you can actively participate in and grow a safe security culture at work and home.

Topics:
2:00 - 2:50 PM

[1 CPE] Don’t Pay the Ransom

  Presented by Rubrik

The Rubrik team will provide an overview of what they are seeing in the market. What questions data protection teams and IT leaders are being asked concerning the uptick in cyber events. We will pull back the curtain to explain how Rubrik detects ransomware, identifies sensitive data, and searches for indicators of compromise with threat hunting. If time allows, we will dive into the Rubrik interface and show you how we accomplish this in a single secure interface.

Topics:
Travis LightTravis LightCybersecurity Advisor, CISA
3:00 - 3:50 PM

[1 CPE] The Trek Toward Zero Trust

  Presented by Travis Light • Cybersecurity Advisor, CISA

You have heard the buzz phrase “zero trust”, but what exactly is it? Join Travis Light for a breakdown of zero trust using a case study that highlights the pitfalls of the traditional “castle-and-moat” perimeter approach to network design. He’ll also discuss CISA’s zero-trust Maturity Model (ZTMM) 2.0. The ZTMM is a roadmap that organizations can follow as they transition towards a zero-trust architecture.

Travis Light serves as a Cybersecurity Advisor (CSA) in Montana for the Integrated Operations Division (IOD) of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). He supports the CISA mission of strengthening the security and resilience of the nation's critical infrastructure in Region VIII. His daily responsibilities include coordinating cyber preparedness information sharing and collaboration, developing risk mitigation strategies, responding to cyber incidents, and providing cyber security resources including conducting strategic and technical assessments.

Before joining CISA in January 2023, Travis spent nine years as a federal employee with the Montana Army National Guard (MTARNG) in a variety of technical positions covering network administration, enterprise architecture, telecommunications infrastructure, database administration, and information systems security for classified and unclassified enclaves in the Regional Network Enterprise Center and the state's Data Processing Center.

Travis holds numerous professional industry certifications including GIAC Security Leadership Certification (GSLC), GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH), GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA), ITIL 4 Foundation, CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist, and CompTIA Project+. He has earned a Bachelor of Science in Network Operations and Security from Western Governors University.

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9:00 - 9:50 AM

[1 CPE] Beyond the Backup: A Guide to Resiliency Program Development

  Presented by CompuNet

If you follow the news, it is easy to see – disruptive events affecting critical business operations are becoming more prevalent. In this presentation, our guests from CompuNet will step through a comprehensive framework for Business Continuity & IT Disaster Recovery Program development, highlighting methodology that integrates with cybersecurity risk management and builds upon the capabilities of an organization’s backup strategy. For context, CompuNet’s presenters will examine the technical and non-technical challenges organizations may face during cybersecurity events and how resiliency planning can help mitigate those challenges..

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10:00 - 10:50 AM

[1 CPE] Zero Trust—Let’s Dive into Security

  Presented by Kevin Heide, Director of Enterprise Networking • Cerium Networks

Spend the morning with us while we explore the world of Zero Trust Architecture—but with a twist. Instead of a high-level overview of this strategic cybersecurity approach, we'll get hands-on and show you practical examples using tools and environments that most of us are already familiar with.

Buckle up and join us on this exciting journey as we learn how to integrate different elements and policies across our organizations. We'll also focus on optimizing our policies and enhancing threat protection.

Topics:
11:00 - 11:50 AM

[1 CPE] Seeing Your Attack Surface Through the Eyes of an Adversary

  Presented by Palo Alto Networks

Modern attack surfaces are dynamic. Without clear visibility that is constantly updated, it is all too easy to have persistent exposures and unmanaged assets. Security practitioners can only be as good as the data they have, so having a strong foundation of continuous discovery and monitoring ensures you can keep up with modern, dynamic attack surfaces to find, prioritize, and mitigate exposures as they arise.

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12:00 - 12:50 PM

[1 CPE] Panel: Retaining Your IT Staff in Montana, Can it Be Done?

  Presented by INTERFACE Advisory Council

“The other company is offering higher wages. I get to work remotely as much as I want, and I am getting a four-day workweek. Sorry, but I must take it.” Have you heard this just a few times? So many IT hiring managers are having to find creative ways to keep staff members in-house. While budgets and major company overhauls can’t always be achieved, some methods can help.

Montana has some of the most unique challenges in the country for retaining staff. Join the INTERFACE Advisory Council for an open conversation on how to keep your Montana IT staff intact. This panel features local area IT hiring managers and leaders that deal with these challenges in their shops. Bring your questions as there will be an opportunity to get advice on the needs you have.

Panelists

  • Jerry Rapp, Chief Information Officer, Town Pump
  • Kyle Rholl, Vice President, Information Technology, Clearwater Credit Union
  • Ryan Schoppe, Director, Information Technology One Health
  • Fred Wiegand, Director, Information Security, Stockman Bank of Montana
Topics:
1:00 - 1:50 PM

[1 CPE] Intune: What’s New and What’s Next

  Presented by Chris McDuffie, Vice President of Cloud Architecture • Structured

Microsoft Intune is quickly becoming a strategic part of not only device management, but compliance and security as well. Structured will cover what’s new and how Intune will impact your Windows PC strategy management.

Topics:
2:00 - 2:50 PM

[1 CPE] Networking Deep Dive: Moving Beyond 192.16

  Presented by Pine Cove Consulting

In the world of networking, where devices and vendors multiply, IT specialists face the challenge of supporting and troubleshooting a wide array of equipment. To provide IT professionals with a comprehensive understanding of network complexities and best practices, this presentation will:

  • Highlight the impact of broadcast and multicast on network performance and strategies for efficient management
  • Discuss VLAN best practices, emphasizing the importance of segregating network traffic to enhance security and optimize performance
  • Explore the growing demand for and challenges associated with Power over Ethernet (PoE) and provide insights into effectively managing power requirements
  • Review the advantages and disadvantages of wireless connectivity compared to wired connections for specific devices and scenarios
  • Emphasize the importance of DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) in network management, as well as the role of ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) and MAC-address tables in troubleshooting network issues
  • Examine vendor remote access as a critical aspect of network administration, addressing the challenges and best practices associated with granting remote access to external vendors for troubleshooting and support
  • Explain LLDP (Link Layer Discovery Protocol), CDP (Cisco Discovery Protocol), and LLDP-MED (Link Layer Discovery Protocol-Media Endpoint Discovery) policies, highlighting their significance in network discovery and device configuration
  • Explore the uses of SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), focusing on its role in network monitoring, performance management, and device configuration
  • Discuss Syslog, both local and remote, as a valuable tool for collecting and analyzing network event logs, aiding in troubleshooting and security investigations
  • Examine the placement of cameras and access control systems on the network, and the considerations for parallel networks, to ensure optimal security and performance
  • Acknowledge the challenges of implementing Voice over IP (VoIP) systems, highlighting the complexities, and emphasizing the importance of proper planning and configuration

By delving into these topics, this presentation equips IT professionals with valuable insights and practical knowledge for managing and troubleshooting complex networks. It aims to deepen their understanding of network intricacies, empowering them to make informed decisions and optimize network performance and security.

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Advisory Council

HOW TO BE AN ADVISOR

Advisor-approved content is the foundation upon which INTERFACE was developed. Each conference is guided by an Advisory Council of IT executives and senior managers. Advisor members represent both private and public sector organizations. The council contributes its insight into proposed educational topics and recommends local exhibitors and associations for participation.

EXPAND TO VIEW LIST

Mike Bousliman
Chief Information Officer
MT Dept of Transportation

Brett Bratland
Sr Manager, IT Service Management
First Interstate Bank

Tim Capps
Manager, Systems Administration
Montana State University

Jeremy Champion
Manager, Information Technology
Simkins-Hallin

Bill Day
Manager, IT Infrastructure
Washington Corporations

Jason Emery
Chief Information Officer
Missoula County, MT

Kevin Gilbertson
Chief Information Officer
State of Montana

Mark Hinman
Director, Infrastructure
Town Pump

Adrian Irish
Information Security Officer
University Of Montana

Margaret Kauska
Chief Security Officer
MT Dept of Revenue

Shane Kolwyck
Director, Information Technology
Torgerson’s LLC

Ken Marshall
Manager, Application & Development
Missoula County, MT

Peter Martinson
Managing Director, Strategic IT
Montana State University

Andy Metroka
Chief Information Officer
Kampgrounds of America, Inc.

Paul Morton
Manager, Data Center & Disaster Recovery
Washington Corporations

Anthony Petzold
Manager, Information Technology
Mountain View Coop

Jerry Rapp
Chief Information Officer
Town Pump

Kyle Rholl
Vice President, Information Technology
Clearwater Credit Union

Zach Rossmiller
AVP/Chief Information Officer
University Of Montana

Ryan Schoppe
Director, Information Technology
One Health

Mark Van Alstyne
IT Business Operations Bureau Chief
MT Dept of Transportation

Brett Weisz
Chief Information Officer
Montana State University Billings

Fred Wiegand
Director, Information Security
Stockman Bank of Montana

Tyler Webb
Technical Lead
Freddie Mac

Sponsors

HOW TO BE A SPONSOR

Participating exhibitors at INTERFACE achieve a greater return on their investment from this series of IT events than any other face-to-face medium available today. This success is achieved through a time-efficient and cost-effective presence for a pre-qualified audience. This simple formula leads to higher levels of business development opportunity at each event.

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Montana

Montana State University
Strand Union Building
751 W. Grant Street
Bozeman, MT 59715

Directions & Parking