Topic: Infrastructure

Seminar Topics

[1 CPE] Building a Fortress: Why Allowlisting Traffic is Key to Secure Networks

  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.

[1 CPE] Safeguarding Kansas: A Strategic Update on Cybersecurity and Resilience

  Presented by John Godfrey • Chief Information Security Officer, State of Kansas

Join Kansas State CISO, John Godfrey, for an in-depth look at Kansas’ cybersecurity landscape, key threats, and ongoing initiatives to strengthen cyber resilience. This session will highlight recent advancements in security frameworks, interagency collaboration, and strategies to combat emerging risks, such as deepfakes and social engineering. Attendees will gain insights into policy updates, incident response improvements, and future priorities aimed at safeguarding Kansas’ digital infrastructure.

A seasoned cybersecurity executive and entrepreneurial dynamo with 18 years of rich experience, John Godfrey excels in delivering cutting-edge technology and information security strategies. Godfrey has a knack for transforming organizations through modern digital solutions, spurring business enablement, and fostering talent elevation. His unique blend of action-oriented leadership and influential communication has consistently steered executives and boards through periods of organizational metamorphosis.

Demystifying complex technology and making it comprehensible is one of his key strengths. Known for my fervor and transformative leadership, he has spoken at numerous local and national conferences, moderated sessions, featured as a podcast guest, and contributed articles to various magazines and publications.

Presently, he holds pivotal roles as a board member and advisor to boards of directors. Godfrey is actively engaged with the information security community, holding memberships in premier organizations like ISC2, ISSA, ISACA, InfraGard, and more. His academic arsenal includes several industry certifications and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Cybersecurity with a focus on executive leadership.

[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] 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] Empowering the Future: Unlocking the Potential of Microsoft Solutions

  Presented by High Point Networks

Join us for an engaging and informative breakout session exploring the latest in Microsoft products and solutions. We’ll dive into key topics like Exchange and Windows 11 End-of-Life, Entra ID best practices, and essential settings to enhance security and identity management. Discover how CoPilot and CoPilot+ PCs are revolutionizing productivity with AI, simplifying complex tasks, and empowering users to work smarter. Plus, learn how Microsoft Server ensures reliable operations in today’s fast-paced tech landscape. These groundbreaking innovations are transforming the way we work and live—don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve!

[1 CPE] Role of Network Heartbeat Services in Hybrid Multi-Cloud Transformation

  Presented by Faraz Aladin, Vice President, Technical Marketing • Infoblox

As organizations embrace hybrid multi-cloud strategies, managing core network heartbeat services—DNS, DHCP, and IP Address Management (DDI)—becomes increasingly complex. Traditional approaches to DDI often struggle with the scale, agility, and security demands of modern cloud architectures. In this session, we will explore how a cloud-first, automated, and secure DDI solution can enhance network visibility, simplify operations, and improve performance across on-premises and cloud environments.

[1 CPE] The Current State of Virtualization in 2025

  Presented by Dave Fetters, Field CTO • EVOTEK

In 2025, the landscape of alternative hypervisors continues to evolve as organizations seek lightweight, secure, and high-performance virtualization solutions beyond traditional players like VMware and Hyper-V. Emerging hypervisors such as KVM, Xen, and newer options like Nutanix AHV, Firecracker, Proxmox and Opoenshift are gaining traction due to their minimal overhead and suitability for modern workloads, including microservices and serverless computing. The discussion around these alternatives highlights key considerations such as open-source flexibility, integration with container ecosystems, improved security through microVM architectures, and support for edge and cloud-native deployments. As enterprises prioritize efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. Alternative hypervisors are playing a vital role in reshaping virtualization strategies in both public and private cloud environments.

[1 CPE] Architecture Matters: What You Need to Know When Evaluating SASE & SSE Solutions

  Presented by Jason Bellmont, Platform Solutions Architect • Netskope

SASE and SSE are more than just buzzwords; they represent the future of network and security. But before you entrust all your critical traffic to these cloud solutions, a deeper dive into their underlying architecture is essential. Not all clouds are created equal, and understanding the nuances of these solutions, which are built on the global internet, is paramount for success.

This session will empower attendees with the crucial architectural questions to ask your SASE/SSE providers, ensuring you make an informed decision. We’ll explore:

  • Public vs. Private Cloud: What are the implications for your data and performance?
  • Server Locations: Where are security services hosted, and why does proximity matter?
  • Network Architecture: How is the provider’s network built and managed for optimal reliability and speed?
  • Capacity Management: How do they scale to meet your evolving demands and ensure consistent performance?
  • Performance Measurement: What metrics should you track, and how do providers guarantee their SLAs?
  • Incident Response: What happens when something breaks, and how quickly can services be restored?

Arm yourself with the right questions to build a secure and high-performing SASE/SSE future.

[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.