Presented by Zach Feingold, Engineering Manager, & Susan Anderson, Vice President of Sales • Cerium Networks

In today’s digital era, AI is not just a buzzword but a robust toolset that, when wielded with precision, can unlock unprecedented value and competitive advantage. As we embark on this journey, we must anchor our strategies in the bedrock of security, ensuring that our AI systems not only enhance our capabilities but also safeguard our assets. This presentation explores practical steps to weave AI into our business fabric, turning challenges into a springboard for growth and innovation. Our goal is to present you with concepts and avenues to consider as you learn to navigate your adoption. Let’s embark on this journey to harness AI’s potential responsibly and effectively.

  Presented by Jamie Maguire, Sr Security Engineer • High Point Networks

Penetration testing, often referred to as pen testing, is the practice of testing a computer system, network, or web application to find vulnerabilities that an attacker could exploit. It involves simulating cyberattacks to identify and fix security issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors. In this session, we will review penetration tests performed by High Point Networks and discuss the specific vulnerabilities exploited, and how to remediate them.

  Presented by Tanner Harrison, Systems Engineer • Fortinet

Today's ever-changing threat landscape challenges traditional security models. The emergence of the Zero Trust model represents a transformative approach, reshaping how organizations protect their assets. This presentation aims to demystify Zero Trust, offering a comprehensive understanding that goes beyond buzzwords. We will explore the foundational concepts of Zero Trust, emphasizing the "never trust, always verify" philosophy. By the end of this session, attendees will be equipped with the knowledge to begin their Zero Trust journey, enhancing their security posture, and protecting critical data and systems from modern threats. Whether you are a security professional, IT manager, or organizational leader, this discussion will empower you to take decisive action toward a more secure future.

  Presented by John Harmon, Chief Executive Officer • FRSecure

FRSecure (an Information Security company located in Edina, MN) took the results of +/- 400 Validated Information Security Assessments and 55 Incident Response Engagements conducted in 2022 and created an anonymized report from the data called: The State of Information Security. Full details and access to the report are available here: https://frsecure.com/2023-annual-infosec-report/

In this presentation, FRSecure Information Security Consultant Dave Tuckman will highlight key findings in the report, and what we can learn from it.

Understand how you can mitigate risk going forward to protect your business and clients in an ever-changing threat landscape. Dave will provide additional perspective on how you can leverage this information for a better understanding of your third-party (supply, vendor, contractor) relationships.

Topics include:

• FRSecure’s Annual State of InfoSec Report, informed by over 400 validated security assessments
• Where organizations are getting it right vs. falling behind
• How you can use this report to inform your own business’s security decisions
• How you can use this report to inform your business’s Third-Party Risk Management

  Presented by INTERFACE Advisory Council

Building a good team culture presents a multitude of challenges for any manager to navigate in the traditional office work environment. Different personalities can impact many elements of the day-to-day dynamic and bring both positive and negative changes to your culture. Some team members welcome praise for a job well done, while others prefer to not be recognized publicly. These hurdles were all in place well before remote working became prevalent.

With so many IT departments dealing with hybrid or fully remote workforces, how do you build bonds among your team members today? Has your company’s vision been set? Are expectations clear? Answering some of these basic questions can help build a good culture. However, more is needed to have a truly effective team.

Join the INTERFACE Montana Advisory Council for an open discussion about how to improve communication in your company. We will offer advice on what has worked well and what didn’t go as expected. We welcome your questions on how to create a positive work environment, no matter where your team members work from each day.

Speakers:

• Jason Emery, Director of Cyber Security Advisory Services, Center for Internet Security
• Ryan Knutson, Chief Information Officer, VP, IT, Montana State University
• Peter Martinson, Strategic IT Managing Director, Montana State University
• Andy Metroka, Chief Information Officer, Kampgrounds of America, Inc.