Five Can’t-Miss Sessions on Critical Infrastructure Protection at ISC East

ISC East 2024 is coming up Nov. 19-21 in New York City, and the Security Industry Association (SIA) and ISC East recently revealed full conference details for the SIA Education at ISC East program, including keynote presentations from top luminaries and over 70 sessions from top industry expert speakers on the most current business trends, technologies and industry developments.

Among the robust lineup of conference sessions are several dynamic presentations on essential topics related to protecting critical infrastructure. At ISC East, you’ll discover expert insights on commonly seen gaps in security programs, mitigating domestic violent extremism and more. Here are five sessions you won’t want to miss; make sure to add them to your ISC East calendar!

All Times EST

A Deep Dive Into OT Cybersecurity – Securing the World’s Critical Infrastructure

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 11:00-11:45 a.m.

This panel will cover a variety of topics surrounding cybersecurity in the future of protecting critical infrastructure. Focus will include dealing with artificial intelligence (AI), utilizing AI to protect, advanced uses for data from these critical systems and new and different approaches to solving old problems in the critical infrastructure cyber and physical security space. Panelists will include system designers, integrators, former utility employees and consultants who actively design and operate defenses in this space.

“I’m honored to be joined by a diverse panel of experts, including system designers, integrators, former utility employees and physical and cybersecurity professionals who are actively designing and operating defenses in this arena. Their insights will be invaluable as we navigate the current state and future direction of AI and operational technology cybersecurity. In our increasingly interconnected digital age, the security of these vital systems has never been more important. Together, we’ll discuss the complex landscape of OT cybersecurity, delving into cutting-edge topics of AI and how it is shaping the future of our field. We’ll be examining the dual role of artificial intelligence – both as a potential threat and as a powerful defensive tool. We’ll also discuss innovative ways to leverage data from critical systems and explore new strategies for tackling long-standing challenges in both cyber and physical security within this space. I’m looking forward to a rich and insightful discussion with our panelists and hope that our conversation will contribute to the ongoing effort of securing the vital systems that underpin our society.”

– Joey St. Jacques, CEO, Utility Intelligence International; chair, SIA Utilities Advisory Board

Speakers:

• Pierre M. Bourgeix, CEO and founder, ESI Convergent
• Adi Karisik, division vice president, global technology strategy and operations, Amentum
• Joey St. Jacques, Utility Intelligence International; chair, SIA Utilities Advisory Board
• Christopher Walcutt, chief security officer, DirectDefense

The Security Industry’s Role in Addressing Global Safety Challenges

Wednesday, Nov. 20, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Stay ahead of the curve by exploring the emerging threats and future trends in the cybersecurity landscape. This predictive session will provide invaluable insights into what the future holds for cybersecurity threats and innovations. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of evolving challenges and learn how to prepare and fortify your defenses effectively. By staying informed and proactive, you can ensure your organization remains resilient against the ever-changing cybersecurity threat landscape.

Speakers:

• Matt Barnette, CEO, PSA Network
• Christopher Grniet, global head of strategy, global security and safety, Visa
• John Petruzzi, CEO, Unlimited Technology
• Cathal Walsh, vice president of physical security and chief security officer, Guidepost Solutions

Consultants’ Perspective: Commonly Seen Gaps in Security Programs

Thursday, Nov. 21, 9:30-10:15 a.m.

Familiarity breeds blind-spots, it becomes very easy for the security practitioner to fail to recognize gaps in their own security program when they spend all day every day expending all their effort on using organization influence to work to apply effective mitigations to the risks that they are already aware of. The panel of well-respected security consultants and industry experts with experience leading, assessing and opining as expert witnesses on security programs across a wide variety of industries will discuss common gaps that they see in their clients’ security programs, and how security professionals can leverage a mix of management skills, basic security principles and cutting-edge technology to ensure that these gaps are identified and addressed in their organizations’, or their clients’ organizations’, security programs.

“Security consultants are in the unique position of having visibility into the inside workings of dozens, if not hundreds, of organizations’ security programs each year, this give us the opportunity to identify best and promising practices that may be able to be replicated at other organizations. We look forward to a conversation at ISC East that will allow attendees to tap into this experience and take away examples of best and promising practices, or conversely, practices that may appear promising on paper but typically fail on execution.”

– Drew Neckar, principal consultant, COSECURE

Speakers:

• Terry Conlon, director and board member, RFC Group
• Drew Neckar, principal consultant, COSECURE
• Daniel Pascale, CEO, COSECURE

Keeping the Skies of NYC Safe: Critical Infrastructure Sites Collaborate With NYPD

Thursday, Nov. 21, 1:00-1:45 p.m.

New York City has strict drone permitting regulations — developed in response to a growing number of drone incidents in areas like Hudson Yards (not far from the Javits Center) and near Con Edison facilities. While the New York City Police Department (NYPD) handles enforcement, private entities also recognize the risks of illegal drones. This session, featuring public and private representatives, will use NYC as a case study to show how different organizations collaborate to create effective counter-drone security protocols and aid in apprehensions.

“I’m excited to take the stage with two of our premier customers and key New York City stakeholders, NYPD and ConEdison, to dive into how public and private sectors can work together to address the rising challenge of unauthorized drones in densely populated areas like New York City. Attendees will hear firsthand how organizations like police departments and critical infrastructure providers across the country are collaborating to create robust counter-drone security measures that prevent incidents and support swift apprehension when necessary. It’s a vital conversation for any entity focused on protecting urban airspaces.”

– Jackson Markey, director, U.S. commercial sales, Dedrone

Speakers:

• Scott Gross, facility security officer, Con Edison
• Jackson Markey, director, U.S. commercial sales, Dedrone
• James Reilly, lieutenant, Counterterrorism Division, NYPD

Ensuring Resilience: Mitigating Domestic Violent Extremism and Safeguarding Critical Infrastructure

Thursday, Nov. 21, 1:00-1:45 p.m.

Domestic violent extremism is one of the most significant terrorism-related threats to the United States. In recognition of the gravity of the threat, this session will detail how the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) works with law enforcement and the critical infrastructure community to ensure that our nation remains resilient against this complex threat. By unpacking the evolving tactics of extremists and analyzing vulnerabilities in our nation’s critical infrastructure and soft targets, this session will provide attendees with actionable insights into fortifying defenses and fostering resilience.

“I’m looking forward to participating in ISC East, where I will address the urgent need to ensure resilience in our critical infrastructure. As domestic violent extremism grows more complex and persistent, we must be proactive in mitigating these evolving threats. Our focus will be on building collaborative defense strategies and advancing the security measures that will safeguard both the physical and digital realms of our nation’s most vital systems and assets.”

– Dr. David Mussington, executive assistant director for infrastructure security, CISA

Presenter:

• David Mussington, executive assistant director for infrastructure security, CISA

You can access the full SIA Education at ISC conference program for only $130 by registering for a SIA Education at ISC Passport. Even better, use SIA’s free registration link to sign up for the ISC East trade show and save 20% on your conference pass!

Please Note: Any manufacturer or distributor attending ISC East will either need to purchase an expo hall pass or be a booth exhibitor or hold meeting room space. The expo hall pass fee for nonexhibiting manufacturers and distributors is $1,095 per pass. SIA’s complimentary registration for the expo hall pass does not apply to nonexhibiting manufacturers or distributors. Manufacturers and distributors interested in exhibiting or taking meeting space at ISC East are encouraged to contact the ISC East team.

The views and opinions expressed in guest posts and/or profiles are those of the authors or sources and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Security Industry Association (SIA).