[1 CPE] Outsmart Cybercrime: Protection Optimized with MDR

  Presented by Jesus Lopez, Solution Architect • ESET

With the rise of cyber threats and ongoing cyber talent shortage continuing unabated, many organizations are turning toward Managed Detection and Response (MDR). So how can this service enhance an organization’s overall security posture and improve incident response? This presentation explores combatting new threats, like multi-extortion ransomware with MDR how to leverage AI-powered threat detection and response, and human expertise, to prevent new ransomware variants the significance of a prevention-first, holistic cybersecurity strategy.

[1 CPE] Code to Cloud to SOC: The Next Evolution in Cloud Security

  Presented by JR Silverthorne, Partner Solutions Consultant, West • Palo Alto Networks

Cloud teams have become increasingly overwhelmed, and critical issues are left unresolved. The volume of Cloud-related alerts have been increasing as cloud-related threats increase in the SOC. The nature of threats and not new, with basic hygiene issues left unresolved. Why? Because neither the SOC nor the cloud team truly owns them. SOC teams lack deep cloud context. Cloud teams aren’t built for fast triage. What’s needed is a hybrid skillset—someone who thinks like a cloud engineer but responds like a SOC analyst. That talent doesn’t exist in most orgs.

What is needed are toolsets that merge Security Operations Platform with Cloud Security. A convergence that allows organizations to offer preventative and incident response within the same platform with prioritization and remediation to prevent breaches. This approach supports protection of the entire application lifecycle and dynamic runtime protection for Code to Cloud to SOC protection.

[1 CPE] AI Agents & Automation: How They’re Changing the Way We Work

  Presented by Abram Erickson, Lead Data & AI Engineer, and Hunter Helfgott, AI Solutions Consultant • Cerium Networks

AI-powered agents are generating a lot of buzz. But what do they actually do?

In this session, you will see how organizations are starting to use AI-powered agents to solve business challenges and create new opportunities. We’ll cover advanced tools like custom GPTs, Copilot Studio, and Azure AI Foundry and see how they can be leveraged to drive AI innovation and streamline workflows. This session offers a deep dive into automation’s role in simplifying complex processes, enhancing customer experiences, and improving productivity.

[1 CPE] Balancing Innovation & Security: Montana’s Journey to Secure AI Integration

  Presented by Chris Santucci • Chief Information Security Officer, State of Montana

The State of Montana has embraced a transformative approach to artificial intelligence (AI), shifting from a traditional “no-first” security mindset to one that enables business objectives while managing risk. This keynote will explore how Montana has strategically implemented AI to enhance efficiency and innovation, all while safeguarding citizen data and ensuring business continuity.

Key highlights include:

  • Empowering Users: Recognizing that AI is an inevitable tool for workers, the state has developed frameworks to ensure its secure use while recognizing the efficiencies gained for the average user.
  • AI Governance: Establishing an AI Acceptable Use Standard, mandatory training programs to educate users on critical evaluation and responsible usage, as well as establishing an AI Governance Committee and AI Community of Practice.
  • Secure Implementation: Vetting applications, setting guardrails, and partnering with vendors who meet stringent security requirements.

This presentation will also delve into why Montana has pursued this path – encouraging innovation while providing secure tools and clear direction in an era where not all AI is created equal. Attendees will leave with actionable insights into how to enable AI adoption responsibly, foster efficiency, and lead from the front in cybersecurity.

Chris Santucci is the State Chief Information Security Officer for Montana, with over five years of service to the state, including two years as State CISO. Chris leads Montana’s enterprise security strategy with a focus on proactive risk management, business partnership, and transparency. He is passionate about empowering users to interact with technology securely, ensuring both citizen data protection and business continuity. Chris holds an MBA in IT Management and is a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).

[1 CPE] From Back-End to Boardroom: Securing Your Seat at the Table

  Presented by INTERFACE Advisory Council

Decisions are made every day at your organization that will impact all employees. Budgets, policies procedures, and more are discussed in board rooms, on conference calls, or at a staff lunch. Who is a part of these discussions? Are you? So often Information Technology departments are not included in key decisions about the direction of an organization, and they should be.

Join the INTERFACE Advisory Council for an open discussion about securing your “seat at the table.” IT performs so many crucial services that help all aspects of a business, it makes sense that you are offering up the needed insight into technology’s role in key decisions. Join this panel discussion to hear from your peers about how you can accomplish this tough task.

Moderator: Brad Somers, Manager, Information Technology, Livingston HealthCare

Panelists:

  • JJ Bestgen, Sr Identity Management Administrator, Town Pump
  • Kelly Ferriter, Manager, Network Services, NorthWestern Energy
  • Ryan Knutson, CIO, Vice President, Information Technology, Montana State University
  • Peter Martinson, Managing Director, Strategic IT, Montana State University

[1 CPE] Securing the Future of Cybersecurity Protection in an AI-Driven Digital Landscape

  Presented by Ben Kahlon, Enterprise Account Executive • ESET

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity risk insurance and AI advancements are reshaping business security strategies. Cybersecurity insurance is crucial for mitigating the financial impacts of cyber threats, while AI offers both enhanced protection and new challenges. This presentation explores the evolving cyber insurance landscape and the transformative role of AI in cybersecurity. By integrating these insights, businesses can better navigate modern cybersecurity complexities. Leveraging cyber insurance and AI innovations, organizations can safeguard their digital assets in an interconnected world.

[1 CPE] Cybersecurity and Compliance For 2025

  Presented by Chris Green, Manager of Penetration Testing • Structured

The cybersecurity regulatory compliance landscape has never been more complicated, and this presentation will provide information and updates to CMMC, GLBA, PCI, TSA, generative AI, and security best practices. Presented by Chris Green, Manager of Penetration Testing at Structured, this discussion will focus on security solutions to these challenges, including penetration testing and zero-trust implementations.

[1 CPE] A History of DNS Security

  Presented by Cricket Liu, Executive Vice President, Chief Evangelist • Infoblox

Over their 40-year history on the Internet, DNS servers have long been the targets of attacks: from cache poisoning to DDoS attacks. But in the last several years, we’ve begun turning DNS servers into security tools, helping us combat the scourges of malware, phishing, and more. This talk describes both the history of DNS and the technologies that allow us to turn DNS servers into effective security tools, Response Policy Zones, and Passive DNS.

[1 CPE] 2025 State of Infosec: Incident Response Stories and Useful Findings

  Presented by Oscar Minks, President • FRSecure

The result of over 125 incident cases handled by the FRSecure response team in the last two years and nearly 400 validated Risk Assessments, President Oscar Minks will dive into the latest threats and response techniques you need to know—and what you can do to minimize the risk and impact of similar events. The breakdown will cover Business Email Compromise, Ransomware, and Internal Compromise.

Oscar Minks is a seasoned security and ethical hacking expert with over two decades of technical experience. To Oscar, our focus on fixing a broken industry is key. Leading by example and demonstrating the importance of doing things correctly, not just conveniently, remains a major focus in his position among FRSecure’s leadership today. Oscar is the author of FRSecure’s Annual State of InfoSec Report and a leading voice in the security world.

[1 CPE] Cloud AI Ops: Changing the Network Management Paradigm

  Presented by Brian Matthews, Director, Sales Engineering  • Juniper Networks

Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to transform every aspect of our lives, from agriculture to healthcare, autonomous vehicles and mobile internet. But, how is AI changing the way we design, operate, and manage networks?

In this session, we will explore the future of AI with a focus on networking applications. We will share the Mist journey to cloud AI, and how we leveraged machine learning and deep learning to create a cloud AIOp solution that simplifies and automates network operations, improves user experience, and reduces costs. We will also discuss the fundamental elements of a networking cloud AIOp solution, such as data collection, processing, analysis, and action. Finally, we will examine the impact of AI on networking IT and the broader economy, and how AI can create new opportunities and challenges for network professionals.

Join us for this exciting and informative keynote and learn how AI can help you take your network to the next level.