2024 TECH VALLEY CYBERSECURITY SYMPOSIUM
Presented by LogicalNet10.08.24 | RIVERS CASINO
Are you prepared?
EVENT SCHEDULE
TUESDAY OCT 8, 2024
8:00-8:45am Breakfast and Networking
8:50-9:00am Welcoming Remarks: Tush Nikollaj, CEO | LogicalNet
9:00–9:40am Keynote Speaker: Sean Atkinson, CISO | CIS Security Security | Topic: Zero Trust Security and Ransomware Defense in the Age of AI
9:40am–10:20am Anna Mercado Clark, CISO | Phillips Lytle | Topic: From Bait to Breach: The Modern Evolution of Phishing Attacks
10:20am–10:40am Break
10:40am–11:20am Panel Session | Moderator: Sean Atkinson | Panelists: Kevin Conine, Special Agent FBI; James Lippi, CEO, SaaS Alerts; Jim Peterson, Principal Solution Advisor, ConnectWise; C.Ariel Pinto, Chair of Cybersecurity Department, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity; Jim Lippie, Cyber Task Force, SaaS Alert
11:20am–12pm Dr Erdal Ozkaya, CISO | Xcitium | Topic: Learning from the Breach: Turning Cybersecurity Incidents into Actionable Insights
12pm-1pm Lunch
12:15pm-12:45pm Chant Vartanian, CEO/Chairman | M-Theory Group
12:45pm-12:50pm Closing Remarks
12:50pm–1:00pm – Break
1:00pm–3:00pm – Breakout Sessions & Table Top Discussions
3:00pm – Symposium Ends
RIVERS CASINO & RESORT
1 RUSH STREET, SCHENECTADY, NY 12305
Discounted Rates: Use Group Code LOG1024 for special Symposium rates
Book Here: https://thelandinghotelny.com/
2024 Cyber Symposium
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
& PANEL MODERATOR
Prior to GLOBALFOUNDRIES, Sean led the security implementation for the New York State Statewide Financial System (SFS) implementation from 2007 to 2014 and his last role and responsibility was as the Internal Control, Risk and Information Security Manager.
Sean was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. and lived in England for 18 years, graduating Sheffield Hallam University in 2000. After moving back to the United States, Sean has pursued multiple degrees and certification in the IT arena.
2024 Cyber Symposium
PRESENTERS
Anna Mercado Clark, Partner, Chief Information Security Officer | Phillips Lytle
Anna Mercado Clark, Partner, Chief Information Security Office at Phillips Lytle is a proven problem-solver who leverages emerging technology, innovative and customized e-discovery and forensic investigation workflows, and careful reading of the laws and regulations to resolve client problems using solutions that are right-sized, tailored and are sensitive to their particular industry, needs, limitations and concerns.
As leader of Phillips Lytle’s Data Privacy and Cybersecurity and e-Discovery Practice Teams and co-leader of the firm’s Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Team, Anna focuses on complex e-discovery and digital forensics, cybersecurity and data privacy, and complex commercial litigation. As a former assistant district attorney, she also handles white collar criminal matters and investigations.
![ErdalHeadshot](https://logical.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ErdalHeadshot.jpg)
Dr. Erdal Ozkaya, Chief Information Security Officer | Xcitium
Dr. Erdal Ozkaya is a global cybersecurity leader and strategist with over 25 years of experience in the IT and security fields. He is the Chief Cybersecurity Strategist and CISO at Xcitium, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions and services, where he is responsible for building the cybersecurity strategy and the information security risk management program, as well as raising cybersecurity awareness and training for internal teams, customers, and partners.
He holds a doctorate degree in information technology and multiple industry certifications, such as CCISO and MCSE. He is also a board member, advisor, lecturer, and author in various cybersecurity organizations and institutions, such as the National Cyber Group, Binalyze, Global CISO Forum, Charles Sturt University, and Australian Institute of ICT.
He has been recognized as a top 50 technology leader by IDC and CIO Online, and a global cybersecurity leader of the year by InfoSec Awards. His mission is to solve cybersecurity issues and enable digital transformation for businesses and society.
![Chant Round](https://logical.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Chant-Round.jpg)
Chant Vartanian, CEO/Chairman | M-Theory Group
Chant Vartanian is the visionary Founder and CEO of M-Theory, a leading IT and Cybersecurity services firm recognized for its innovative solutions and strategic leadership. He began his journey in the tech industry in 1996, launching his first dotcom company, which evolved into M-Theory, a top-tier provider for Fortune 500 clients. In 2007, Vartanian introduced the CapEx-as-a-Service™ model, revolutionizing IT by transforming traditional hardware into scalable, service-based solutions, setting a new industry standard. Under his leadership, M-Theory has expanded into a multifaceted organization with specialized business units covering IT infrastructure, collaboration, Data Science, AI, Managed Services, Unified Communications, and more. This comprehensive structure allows M-Theory to deliver cutting-edge solutions tailored to the complex needs of modern enterprises. As CEO, Vartanian continues to drive product innovation, shape the company’s strategic vision, and influence the future of the tech industry with his pioneering approach.
PANELISTS
![C.ariel Jim Lippie](https://logical.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/C.ariel_.png)
C.Ariel Pinto | Chair of Cybersecurity Department | Homeland Security and Cybersecurity
Ariel Pinto is the Chair and Professor of Cybersecurity, CEHC, UALbany SUNY. He has held academic and research positions at Old Dominion University, FM Global, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of Virginia. With a doctorate in Systems and Information Engineering from the University of Virginia and degrees in Industrial Engineering from the University of the Philippines, Ariel has contributed extensively to the field through textbooks, journal articles, and numerous presentations. His expertise spans Cyber Risks, Project Risk Management, Decision-Making Under Uncertainty, and Extreme-Event Risk Analysis, bridging the gap between research and practical application.
![Conine Round Jim Lippie](https://logical.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Conine-Round.jpg)
Kevin Conine | Special Agent FBI, Cyber Task Force
Kevin Conine has been a Special Agent with the FBI for over 8 years. He started his career assigned to the Safe Streets and Violent Crime Task Force in Newark, NY, conducting enterprise investigations against gangs and working towards reducing violence in Northern New Jersey. After that he was assigned to the Protective Operations Unit in Washington, DC, traveling the world providing dignitary protection. He is currently assigned to the Cyber Task Force in Albany, NY investigating computer intrusions against criminal groups and nation-state actors. Kevin also holds collateral duties as a firearms instructor and a SWAT Operator and Sniper.
![Jim_Lippie_CEO-SaaS-Alerts Jim Lippie](https://logical.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Jim_Lippie_CEO-SaaS-Alerts.jpg)
James Lippe, CEO – SaaS Alert
Jim Lippie is the CEO of SaaS Alerts, a cybersecurity company that helps protect customers' SaaS applications. He was the CEO of Thrive Networks, a Boston-based MSP, where he led the company through exponential growth, culminating in its acquisition by Staples in 2006, marking the first major MSP acquisition in the industry. As President of IndependenceIT, he propelled the company to become one of the fastest-growing cloud desktop companies globally (later acquired by CloudJumper). Jim also founded Clarity Channel Advisors, helping hundreds of MSPs increase sales and profits through a cloud-first strategy. As GM and Senior Vice President at Kaseya, he oversaw the global MSP community and partner development.
![Frank Jim Lippie](https://logical.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Frank.png)
Jim Peterson | Principal Solution Advisor - ConnectWise
Jim Peterson brings more than 25 years of IT industry experience focused on supporting and protecting the SMB market through education, assessment, remediation, and alignment to compliance standards such as PCI, CMMC, and SOC2 Type 1 & 2.
Jim's IT career began with delivering technical support and design for industry giants like Honeywell, IBM, and Moody’s. This experience with such reputable companies reassures his competence and reliability.
Jim holds a bachelor's degree in information systems management and supports ConnectWise as an advanced certified trainer and ConnectWise IT Nation Evolve facilitator.
Excellent industry speakers! Wes and the panel were an amazing resource.