Today is the last day of CyberMaryland 2015. And, it looks like it’s going to end in great style. We interviewed David Powell of the Federal Business Council. He’s the co-chair of the conference, and he gives us his thoughts on what people can expect when attending. There’s one day left. So, if you can make it, it’ll be worth the visit.
Q: Can you tell us about CyberMaryland 2015?
A: The annual CyberMaryland Conference, now in its fifth year, addresses the different security challenges facing our nation’s digital infrastructure. It’s driven by a public-private partnership that is guided by a volunteer Industry Advisory Board, including business leaders, top academia and public sector representatives.
This year’s conference is on Oct. 28 and 29 at the Baltimore Convention Center.
Q: What excites you about this year’s conference?
A: The NSA is premiering NSA Day of Cyber. It’s a new and free online program that the NSA and industry partner, LifeJourney, will discuss during the 8 a.m. session on Thursday, Oct. 29. The program—developed for schools, universities and organizations—enables students from any background to understand and explore one of the fastest growing STEM career fields in the country. Students across America will be able to “test drive” future careers online by living a day in the life of six NSA cyber professionals.
On Thursday evening, Oct. 29, the National Cyber Security Hall of Fame awards ceremony will honor five cyber innovators. The Hall of Fame inductees represent leaders from the federal government, academia and industry. The ceremony’s keynote speaker is Alex Stamos, CSO of Facebook.
Q: What can people expect from CyberMaryland 2015?
A: The theme of this year’s conference is, “Leading the Cyber Generation.” We’ve put together an event that truly captures this theme. Event attendees will hear from top cyber professionals in areas including cyber education and workforce development, innovation, policy and threat intelligence. Each track offers 10 or more sessions per day, and is led by keynote speakers, panelists and abstract presenters.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
A: CyberMaryland addresses the security challenges facing our nation’s digital infrastructure, while reinforcing Maryland’s position as the epicenter of cybersecurity. This conference helps fulfill Maryland’s responsibility to support America’s cybersecurity mission. After all, Maryland is home to the NSA, DISA, the U.S. Cyber Command and the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence.