Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, quantum computing and blockchain all have the potential to drive significant disruption in the next few years. Future-proofing cybersecurity against the risks of new technology, whilst taking advantage of the potential it offers, is central to the conference agenda at this year’s Infosecurity Europe, Europe’s number one information security event (4-6th June 2019 at Olympia, London).
Every year, new technology trends come to the fore, and security is often an afterthought – the Internet of Things (IoT) is a prime example of this. Only now are we seeing organisations investing in the security of IoT, despite findings from Gartner last year that revealed nearly 20 per cent of organisations observed at least one IoT-based attack in the past three years.
On the first day, Tuesday 4th June (15:15-16:15) Infosecurity Europe will bring together experts and thought leaders on the Keynote Stage to share knowledge of the latest tech developments and the potential impact on information security. They will examine if they are just hype, or if there is substance behind the claims that they will be transformational. The session will provide thoughts on how real the risks posed by these technologies are, along with practical guidance on how information security professionals should prepare for the next tech frontier.
The discussion with both Tom Cignarella, Director, Security Coordination Center, Adobe, and Paul McKay, Moderator, Senior Analyst at Forrester Research, will include lightening talks on The Rise of the Machines: AI, Machine Learning & Cybersecurity; Quantum Computing: The End of Encryption; and Blockchain & Crypto: Real Life Use Cases.
Paul McKay, Senior Analyst at Forrester Research commented: “I usually have two pieces of advice for businesses questioning how to deal with future technology. First is to task someone within your security team to be responsible for horizon scanning for future technologies and the impact that it could potentially have on your security program. This is a vital part of any enterprise security architecture function.
The second, is that the hype cycles and buzzwords abound in the industry lack credibility unless they are associated with very specific engineering use cases that show how that technology would be used in a practical situation. Without this specificity it’s hard to take future technology and doomsayers seriously and you can largely dismiss it as marketing and hype generated to lighten your wallet and open up the organisation’s cheque book. If this specificity exists then you can start to have sensible discussions with the business on how you can help them use these technologies with security built in from the off-set.”
Technology is advancing at breakneck speed, and security needs to keep pace as the connected, intelligent and autonomous enterprise comes with an overwhelming cybersecurity risk. The number of enterprises implementing AI for instance, grew 270 per cent in the past four years and tripled in the past year, according to the Gartner’s 2019 CIO Survey. This growth comes as businesses recognise the need for digital transformation and the transformative technologies that ensue.
Victoria Windsor, Group Content Manager at Infosecurity Group, says: “Businesses need to build pervasive cyber resilience, incorporating cybersecurity into everything they do, across all tools, functions, people and processes, including any future tech deployments. Future proofing cybersecurity should be a priority for all organisations and they must plan for the risks that digital transformation poses. They must prioritise risks, and be prepared to mitigate against, and respond to, any new vulnerabilities and threats future technology brings with it.”
Various theatres, including Tech Talks, Strategy Talks, Geek Street, Information Security Exchange and Technology Showcase, at this year’s event will incorporate future technology in its sessions, examples include:
Keynote Stage – Shawn Scott, Head of Information Security, Thames Water – Tuesday 4th Jun: 16:30 – 17:25 Cyber-Physical Security: Cyber Risk Management Strategies for Connected OT & IT Networks
Geek Street – David Edwards, Head of Information Security, Independent Researcher -Wednesday 5th Jun: 10:30 – 11:15 – Deep Dive: Using Artificial Intelligence to Impersonate a Human & Undertake Vishing Attacks
Tech Talks – Nicola Whiting, Chief Strategy Officer, Titania – Tuesday 4th Jun: 10:40 – 11:05 – AI: Past Failures, Current Capability & the Future of “Nation State” Defence
Tech Talks – William Malik, VP Infrastructure Strategies, Trend Micro – Tuesday 6th Jun: 10:00 – 10:25 – Securing Smarter Cities: Practical Protocol & Policy
Infosecurity Europe, now in its 24th year, takes place at Olympia, Hammersmith, London, from 4-6 June 2019. It attracts over 19,500 unique information security professionals attending from every segment of the industry, including 400+ exhibitors showcasing their products and services, industry analysts, worldwide press and policy experts, and over 200 industry speakers are lined up to take part in the free-to-attend conference, seminar and workshop programme – https://www.infosecurityeurope.com
