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- Tuesday, May 19, 20269:00 am[PLUS Course] Securing & Enabling AI: Transform Chaos into Competitive AdvantageAssociate Cyber Risk Analyst , Cyber Risk Opportunities LLCRegistration Level:
SecureWorld Plus
9:00 am - 3:00 pmYour CEO just asked about AI security. Do you have an answer?While you’re counting vulnerabilities, your competitors are deploying AI at scale.Every Monday, another department launches an AI tool. Marketing uses ChatGPT for campaigns. Sales deploys AI Sales Development Reps. Customer service automates with chatbots.And your cybersecurity team? Still writing policies nobody reads.In this interactive workshop, learn you how to secure AI while accelerating innovation—not blocking it. Transform from AI Firefighter to Strategic Business Enabler, with a 90-day roadmap for secure AI deployment in your organization.You’ll master:• The AIR-MAP Methodology™ — Your proven 90-day roadmap from AI chaos to governance• Executive Translation — Turn technical AI risks into boardroom language• NIST AI RMF Implementation — Practical application, not theory• The $12M Question — Secure against deepfake fraud and AI-enabled attacks• Shadow AI Discovery — Find and govern the AI already in your organization• Business-First Security — Protect value, not just systemsWho should attend:Perfect fit:• CISOs facing board questions about AI• Information Security Directors enabling digital transformation• IT VPs without dedicated security teams• Cybersecurity Consultants serving enterprise clients• Risk Managers governing AI initiatives• Aspiring decision makers and those reporting to oneWrong course:• Developers wanting to code AI models• Analysts seeking technical certifications• Anyone looking for hands-on hacking labsThis workshop is NOT about:• Prompt injection techniques• Model architecture security• Technical vulnerability scanning• Writing 200-page policiesThis workshop IS about:• Speaking profit-and-loss to executives• Enabling your AI transformations• Building cybersecurity into AI from day one• Becoming the trusted AI advisorYou’ll leave with:1. The Complete AIR-MAP Toolkit• 90-day implementation roadmap• Discovery templates and workflows• Risk scoring calculators• Executive presentation templates2. Ready-to-Deploy Policies• AI Acceptable Use Policy (customize in minutes)• Vendor assessment questionnaires• Incident Response playbooks3. 30-Minute Strategy SessionComplementary private consultation to apply AIR-MAP to your specific situation. - Wednesday, May 20, 20267:30 amRegistration openRegistration Level:
Open Sessions
7:30 am - 4:15 pmLocation / Room: Registration DeskCome to the Registration desk in the lobby to check-in and get your badge. SecureWorld staff will be available throughout the day if you have any questions.
8:00 amNetworking Hall openRegistration Level:
Open Sessions
8:00 am - 4:45 pmLocation / Room: Networking HallYour opportunity to visit our solution vendor partners, whose sponsorship makes SecureWorld possible, as well as association chapters! Booths have staff ready to answer your questions. Look for participating Dash For Prizes sponsors to be entered to win prizes.
Also, look for “Cyber Connect” discussions on select topics and join the conversation.
8:00 amAdvisory Council Roundtable Breakfast (VIP / Invite only)Registration Level:
VIP / Exclusive
8:00 am - 8:45 amModerated discussion for SecureWorld Advisory Council members. By invite only.
8:00 amAssociation Chapter MeetingsRegistration Level:
Open Sessions
8:00 am - 8:45 amParticipating professional associations and details to be announced.
8:00 amSimple Daily Habits to Strengthen Your Security PostureRegistration Level:
Open Sessions
8:00 am - 8:45 amSession details to come.
8:45 amNetworking BreakRegistration Level:
Open Sessions
8:45 am - 9:00 amLocation / Room: Networking HallVisit the Networking Hall to network with attendees and connect with our vendor sponsors and association partners.
9:00 am[Opening Keynote] The State of Cybersecurity in 2026: Threats, Trends, and What Comes NextRegistration Level:
Open Sessions
9:00 am - 9:45 amLocation / Room: Keynote TheaterSession details to come.
9:45 amNetworking Break & Cyber ConnectThe Human Element in CybersecurityRegistration Level:
Open Sessions
9:45 am - 10:15 amLocation / Room: Networking HallDespite all the tools and technology, people remain the most unpredictable variable in security. Whether insider threats, awareness training, or culture-building, human behavior is central to your cyber strategy.
Please join us in the Networking Hall to connect with peers over coffee and snacks and discuss how organizations are tackling the people side of cybersecurity.
10:15 amQuantum Readiness: Preparing Your Organization for a Post-Quantum FutureRegistration Level:
Conference Pass
10:15 am - 10:50 amSession details to come.
10:15 amIdentity Security Beyond MFA: Continuous Verification and Risk-Based ControlsRegistration Level:
Conference Pass
10:15 am - 10:50 amSession details to come.
10:15 amModern Ransomware: Double Extortion, Data Destruction, and Targeted CampaignsRegistration Level:
Open Sessions
10:15 am - 10:50 amSession details to come.
10:50 amNetworking Break & Cyber ConnectAI in Cybersecurity: Game-Changer or Growing Threat?Registration Level:
Open Sessions
10:50 am - 11:10 amLocation / Room: Networking HallArtificial intelligence rapidly redefines how we defend our networks—and how attackers target them. From threat detection to deepfakes, explore the double-edged nature of AI in cybersecurity and how it’s impacting your daily work.
Please join us in the Networking Hall to connect with peers over coffee and snacks and share real-world experiences, strategies, and concerns around AI’s growing role in security.
11:10 amSecuring Cloud-Native Environments: Containers, Kubernetes, and ServerlessRegistration Level:
Conference Pass
11:10 am - 11:45 amSession details to come.
11:10 amThe Rise of AI Assistants: New Insider Threat and Data Exposure ChallengesRegistration Level:
Conference Pass
11:10 am - 11:45 amSession details to come.
11:10 am[Panel] Navigating the Evolving Digital BattlefieldFocus Areas: Identity-First Security; Attack Surface Management; Supply Chain & Fourth-Party RiskRegistration Level:
Open Sessions
11:10 am - 11:45 amAs organizational footprints expand across cloud, SaaS, OT/IoT, and dispersed workforces, defenders face a more complex and interconnected digital battlefield. This panel brings together experts to explore how today’s threat actors combine automation, social engineering, identity breaches, and software supply-chain attacks into highly coordinated assaults.
Panelists will examine the expanding importance of identity in the modern SOC, the emergence of AI-driven threats such as automated reconnaissance and deepfake-assisted breaches, and how fourth-party dependencies are changing risk visibility. The discussion also connects these trends to organizational resilience—showing how teams can improve detection, response, and business continuity across an evolving attack surface. This comprehensive session provides practical insights for any security leader seeking clarity amid converging threats.
11:45 amNetworking BreakRegistration Level:
Open Sessions
11:45 am - 12:00 pmLocation / Room: Networking HallVisit the Networking Hall to network with attendees and connect with our vendor sponsors and association partners.
12:00 pm[Lunch Keynote] AI-Accelerated Attacks and Defenses: Preparing for Machine-Speed ThreatsRegistration Level:
Open Sessions
12:00 pm - 12:45 pmLocation / Room: Keynote TheaterSession details to come.
12:00 pmAdvisory Council Roundtable Lunch (VIP / Invite Only)CISO, SemperisRegistration Level:
VIP / Exclusive
12:00 pm - 12:45 pmModerated discussion for SecureWorld Advisory Council members. By invite only.
12:45 pmNetworking Break & Cyber ConnectProactive by Design: Anticipating Threats Before They StrikeRegistration Level:
Open Sessions
12:45 pm - 1:15 pmLocation / Room: Networking HallThe days of reacting to alerts are over. From continuous monitoring to threat hunting, organizations are shifting to proactive security models that anticipate and prevent incidents before they happen.
Please join us in the Networking Hall to connect with peers over coffee and snacks and explore how to make proactive security a reality in your environment.
1:15 pmZero Trust in Practice: What Real-World Implementations Look Like NowRegistration Level:
Conference Pass
1:15 pm - 1:50 pmSession details to come.
1:15 pmBurnout in Cybersecurity: Recognizing, Preventing, and Managing Team FatigueRegistration Level:
Conference Pass
1:15 pm - 1:50 pmSession details to come.
1:15 pm[Panel] The Double-Edged Sword of AI in Cyber DefenseFocus Areas: AI-Powered SecOps; Adversarial AI & Synthetic Media; AI Governance & AssuranceRegistration Level:
Open Sessions
1:15 pm - 1:50 pmAI is revolutionizing cybersecurity at all levels, speeding up detection and enabling automated attacks on an unprecedented scale. This session examines AI’s dual role as both a powerful defensive tool and a new threat vector for attackers. Panelists will discuss how AI copilots enhance analyst workflows, triage, and anomaly detection, while also addressing emerging risks such as LLM data leakage, prompt injection, model poisoning, and hallucinations within high-trust SOC processes.
The discussion will cover AI governance and assurance frameworks, evolving regulatory expectations, and the impact of synthetic content—including deepfakes, audio spoofing, and hyper-personalized phishing—on social engineering defenses. Attendees will leave with a solid understanding of AI’s potential, the safety measures needed for responsible deployment, and practical steps for preparing teams and pipelines for an AI-driven threat environment.
1:50 pmNetworking Break & Cyber ConnectWhat’s Keeping You Up at Night?Registration Level:
Open Sessions
1:50 pm - 2:10 pmLocation / Room: Networking HallHead to the Networking Lounge to connect with peers and sponsors. This open-ended discussion theme invites you to share what’s top of mind in your role—whether it’s emerging threats, resource challenges, or the next big project on your plate. Compare perspectives, swap strategies, and see how others in the community are tackling the same late-night concerns.
2:10 pmAPI Security: Managing the Fastest-Growing Attack SurfaceRegistration Level:
Conference Pass
2:10 pm - 2:45 pmSession details to come.
2:10 pmBuilding Incident Response Plans for Highly Distributed WorkforcesRegistration Level:
Conference Pass
2:10 pm - 2:45 pmSession details to come.
2:10 pm[Panel] Cloud Security & Multi-Cloud Defense: Securing the Modern EnterpriseFocus Areas: Multi-Cloud & SaaS Governance; Workload & Data Protection; Zero Trust & Edge SecurityRegistration Level:
Open Sessions
2:10 pm - 2:45 pmModern enterprises rely on a complex mix of cloud providers, SaaS platforms, APIs, and distributed identities—offering agility but also creating new control gaps. This panel gathers leaders in CSPM, workload protection, cloud identity, API security, and SaaS governance to explore the challenges of securing multi-cloud environments at scale.
Panelists will discuss AI-driven misconfigurations, rapid SaaS sprawl, and the persistent risk of API-related breaches, as well as how zero trust principles are applied to cloud entitlements and data flows. The conversation also covers DSPM-led visibility, cross-cloud identity governance, and the convergence of network and cloud security through SASE/SSE. Whether you’re cloud-mature or still early in the journey, this session provides strategies for protecting cloud workloads, identities, and data in environments where every misconfiguration can become a breach.
2:45 pmNetworking Break & Cyber ConnectFinal Entries for Dash for Prizes and PassportRegistration Level:
Open Sessions
2:45 pm - 3:00 pmLocation / Room: Networking HallThis is your final chance to visit the Networking Hall and get scanned by our participating partners for our Dash for Prizes. You can also turn in your Passport cards at the Registration Desk before we announce our winner!
3:00 pm[Closing Keynote] Building High-Trust Security Cultures in an Era of Constant DisruptionRegistration Level:
Open Sessions
3:00 pm - 3:45 pmLocation / Room: Keynote TheaterSession details to come.
3:45 pmHappy Hour & Dash for PrizesRegistration Level:
Open Sessions
3:45 pm - 4:45 pmLocation / Room: Networking HallJoin your peers for conversation and complimentary beverages. This is a great opportunity to network with other security professionals from the area and discuss the hot topics from the day.
Participating sponsors will announce their Dash for Prizes winners. Must be present to win.
- Canary TrapBooth: TBD
Canary Trap is a recognized industry leader in offensive security, security advisory and assessment services. Founded by ethical hackers and certified security experts who share in the common goal of protecting organizations from becoming a victim of the next cyber-attack.
Canary Trap combines human expertise with sophisticated tools and, where appropriate, threat intelligence to ensure a thorough, in-depth approach to all security testing and assessments.
- Chicago CISO of the YearBooth: TBD
The current business climate has seen an unprecedented number of cybersecurity related headlines. Hackers to Nation State actors have been shown to be constantly probing Organizations defenses with the intent to break in, disrupt operations, monetize information, and steal intellectual property. Between these threats and the increasing regulatory climate, never has the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) been asked to navigate more difficult terrain.
Originally patterned after the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Year Award sponsored by the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP Chicago), SIM-Chicago and the Executive Club of Chicago, this program seeks to recognize outstanding CISOs for the contributions they make to their organizations, the Information Security profession and the local community. The award process is overseen by the Chicago CISO of the Year Program, which is a not-for-profit affiliated with AITP Chicago and managed by local area security leader volunteers.
- Concentric AIBooth: TBD
Concentric AI delivers data risk assessment, monitoring, and protection for corporate data.
- InfraGard ChicagoBooth: TBD
All InfraGard participants are committed to the proposition that a robust exchange of information about threats to and actual attacks on these critical infrastructures is an important element for successful infrastructure protection efforts. This chapter is governed by our local bylaws.
The goal of InfraGard is to enable the flow of information so that the owners and operators of infrastructure assets can better protect themselves and so that the United States government can better discharge its law enforcement and national security responsibilities.
- ISACA Chicago ChapterBooth: TBD
Our aim is to sponsor local educational seminars and workshops, conduct regular chapter meetings, and help to further promote and elevate the visibility of the IS audit, control and security profession throughout the metro Chicago area.
Chapter meetings are generally held the third Thursday of each month at The Conference Center at One North Wacker (1 N. Wacker Drive, 2nd Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60606)
Please check our web site from time to time for the most up-to-date listing of chapter related events and training opportunities.
- ISSA Chicago ChapterBooth: TBD
The Chicago Chapter of the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) has a mission to offer a stimulating combination of discussion forums, hands-on learning, CISSP certification training, conferences, and other events which are designed to enhance understanding and awareness of information security issues for information security professionals.
Whether you are exploring a career in cybersecurity, honing your technical expertise or an established security executive, the ISSA offers you a network of 10,000 colleagues worldwide to support you in managing technology risk and protecting critical information and infrastructure. Enhance your professional stature, expand your peer network and achieve your personal career goals. Your local chapter and ISSA International will provide you with a wealth of resources to keep you current with industry trends and developments in our ever-evolving field.
- SemperisBooth: TBD
For security teams charged with defending hybrid and multi-cloud environments, Semperis ensures the integrity and availability of critical enterprise directory services at every step in the cyber kill chain and cuts recovery time by 90%. Purpose-built for securing hybrid Active Directory environments, Semperis’ patented technology protects more than 50 million identities from cyberattacks, data breaches, and operational errors. The world’s leading organizations trust Semperis to spot directory vulnerabilities, intercept cyberattacks in progress, and quickly recover from ransomware and other data integrity emergencies.
As part of its mission is to be a force for good, Semperis offers a variety of cyber community resources, including the award-winning Hybrid Identity Protection (HIP) Conference, HIP Podcast and free identity security tools Purple Knight and Forest Druid.
- Splunk, a Cisco CompanyBooth: TBD
Splunk helps build a safer and more resilient digital world. Organizations trust Splunk to prevent security, infrastructure and application incidents from becoming major issues, absorb shocks from digital disruptions and accelerate digital transformation.
- WiCyS Chicago AffiliateBooth: TBD
WiCyS is a global community of over 11,000 women and allies dedicated to recruit, retain, and advance women in cybersecurity. We have 72 professional affiliates and over 300 student chapters in over 100 countries. WiCyS stands as the nonprofit organization that creates accessibility and opportunities for the cybersecurity workforce. With many initiatives and programming efforts, we continue to pave paths for many to get into cybersecurity and advance because of it. Our strategic partners, philanthropic funders, and conference sponsors are the foundation for making this happen.
Ahanu Boyle, InstructorAssociate Cyber Risk Analyst , Cyber Risk Opportunities LLCAhanu is a cyber risk analyst with Cyber Risk Opportunities who brings years of hands-on information security experience to the enterprise AI challenge. They lead cyber risk management initiatives for organizations of all sizes, translating complex security concepts into actionable strategies that business leaders can implement.
Since the emergence of generative AI, Ahanu has been at the forefront of enterprise AI security helping organizations safely integrate LLMs into their operations without sacrificing productivity or innovation. Their specialty lies in building secure AI workflows that actually work in practice, bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and real-world business needs.
Ahanu’s approach centers on a core belief: effective security enables innovation rather than blocking it.
Panel Discussion
Jim Doggett, ModeratorCISO, SemperisJames (Jim) is a veteran in the information security and risk space. He previously served as partner at Ernst & Young, where he helped build the company’s cybersecurity practice during his 27-year tenure. Most recently, Jim worked as CISO and head of US operations at Panaseer. He has also held positions as CTRO at AIG, CSO and CTRO at Kaiser Permanente, and managing director at JP Morgan Chase, where he was global leader of Information Risk and Resiliency, Treasury and Security Services.
Panel Discussion
Panel Discussion
Panel Discussion
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