The state of cybersecurity is constantly evolving and growing in sophistication. Shouldn’t discussions about it be similarly innovative?
If you’re looking for something different in your cybersecurity education and some fresh voices outside of the tech echo chamber, then you’ll be excited to learn about the 2015 Symantec Government Symposium – Secure Government: Manage, Mitigate, Mobilize – on Wednesday, April 15, 2015.
The premier IT security and management conference, the full-day symposium is designed to facilitate peer-to-peer dialogue and cross-pollination of best practices. There will be multiple sessions and tons of great speakers to hear from. But what’s really exciting will occur later in the day.
Walk the Walk, TECH the Talk
During the afternoon plenary session, attendees will get to experience a new addition to the program: TECH Talks, moderated by Jason Miller, Executive Editor, Federal News Radio. These powerful and energetic 15-minute remarks will focus on an “Aha!” or “Wow!” moment in government cyber (Think TED talks except even cooler). Afterwards, a rapid fire Q&A will take place.
Attendees will get to hear from Suzanne Vautrinot, Major General, U.S. Air Force (Ret). Formerly a leader in government cyber, she now represents a voice of the private sector. Her remarks, titled “Cybersecurity Isn’t About Your Email, It’s About Your Life,” will focus on how increasing digitization and interconnectedness make cybersecurity a pervasive, everyday concern. With this rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape, how should government respond?
To find out, the symposium welcomes John Carlin, Assistant Attorney General, National Security Division, Department of Justice. Carlin will speak about the DOJ’s proactive approach to cyber that revolves around detection, disruption, and deterrence. And with the Department’s investigation of the recent high-profile Sony hack, attendees definitely won’t want to miss Carlin’s valuable insight and learn how this new mainstream attention on cyber has spurred changes in the field.
Finally, attendees will hear from Lt. Gen. Kevin McLaughlin, Deputy Commander, United States Cyber Command, U.S. Air Force. Cyber Command is ramping up as one of the main defenders of our government in cyberspace. With increasing visibility across government, how is Cyber Command evolving to meet the changing direction of cybersecurity? McLaughlin will be able to fill attendees in on these pressing matters.
I Dub Thee a Cyber Award Winner
Prior to the TECH talks, as symposium attendees enjoy their lunch, Symantec will also honor eight govies who exemplify excellence in government cybersecurity through individual contributions to programs that protect critical data and systems. The Cyber Awards will also recognize thought leaders who have developed and operationalized innovative strategies or programs to address government cybersecurity challenges.
What’s more, Senator John Thune (SD), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and Terry Halvorson, Chief Information Officer, Department of Defense, will share brief remarks at this time.
So, What?
If you’re tired of the same old conferences around town, check out the 2015 Symantec Government Symposium. If you want to be energized and motivated and hear some novel voices in the realm of cybersecurity, this event is right for you. Plus, it’s not everyday you get a chance to hear from top government leadership and learn what is driving their strategies.
Everyday, we’re all dealing with new cybersecurity issues. So, let’s start talking about them in new ways.
Symantec protects the world’s information and is the global leader in security, backup and availability solutions. Their innovative products and services protect people and information in any environment – from the smallest mobile device, to the enterprise data center, to cloud-based systems. Their industry-leading expertise in protecting data, identities and interactions gives their government customers confidence in a connected world. More information is available on Symantec’s GovLoop Page.