As a technical advocate targeted on cybersecurity in Be taught with Cisco, my mission is to empower our group with the data and instruments to thrive in right this moment’s ever-evolving panorama. Few cybersecurity occasions embody the spirit of innovation and studying fairly like Black Hat USA. I’m extremely excited to share that I will likely be attending this 12 months’s occasion in Las Vegas this August, and I’m desperate to immerse myself within the newest developments shaping our area.
What’s Black Hat?
In case you’re new to the cybersecurity convention circuit, Black Hat is a globally acknowledged occasion sequence famend for its deep technical and vendor-neutral focus. It attracts a various viewers—safety researchers, hackers, company and authorities professionals, executives, and even these simply starting their cybersecurity journey. Black Hat USA 2025 will happen August 2-7 on the Mandalay Bay Conference Middle in Las Vegas.


Why I’m attending Black Hat this 12 months
At Cisco, my function facilities on championing safety options and equipping our group with related data. Black Hat provides a singular alternative to remain on the forefront of cybersecurity innovation. It’s the place the trade’s brightest minds current breakthrough analysis, new instruments, and rising methods.
I’m attending to realize firsthand insights into the newest threats and defenses, discover the dynamic interaction between offense and protection, and convey actionable data again to the Cisco group to boost our collective safety. It’s additionally a incredible venue for connecting with friends and thought leaders, fueling the continual studying mindset that’s important in our area.
What I stay up for most at Black Hat USA
There’s no scarcity of issues to see and do at Black Hat USA. Listed below are a number of highlights I’m particularly enthusiastic about.
Strategic cybersecurity insights from the principle stage
The primary stage keynotes at all times set the tone, providing high-level views on the present and future state of cybersecurity. This 12 months, I’m notably taken with Past the Limits: Remodeling the SOC to Sort out Fashionable Challenges, that includes Tony Paterra, Vice President, Product Administration – Safety Merchandise at Splunk, on Thursday, August 7.
Safety Operations Facilities (SOCs) face vital challenges—fragmented instruments, restricted visibility, and a persistent expertise hole, to call a number of. I’m keen to listen to Tony’s imaginative and prescient for constructing extra unified and adaptable SOCs and discover how these concepts align with Cisco’s cybersecurity certifications. As somebody devoted to bridging the cybersecurity expertise hole, I worth any alternative to learn the way we are able to higher help SOC groups.
Chopping-edge risk briefings
The technical coronary heart of Black Hat lies in its briefings. That is the place main researchers reveal the newest vulnerabilities, assault strategies, and defensive ways. I’m particularly taken with classes masking AI in cyber protection and offense, provide chain safety, and cloud vulnerabilities.
One standout is the Cisco Talos briefing, GenAI: The way it’s Being Used as a Lure, a Instrument, and a Weapon, offered by Nick Biasini, Head of Outreach, Cisco Talos, on Wednesday, August 6. Generative AI is quickly reshaping our trade, and it’s important to know how risk actors leverage it. Listening to straight from Cisco Talos about real-world GenAI threats and defenses is invaluable for my function in advising and educating our group.
Exploring the arsenal
The arsenal is the place innovation comes alive. Stay demos, direct interactions with builders—it’s hands-on studying you’ll be able to’t get wherever else. I’m at all times looking out for brand new open-source instruments that simplify advanced duties and increase automation, particularly these aligned with DevNet ideas.
That’s why I’m notably trying ahead to the AI Wargame on August 6 and seven. It’s a enjoyable, instructional attack-and-defense simulation. As it’s possible you’ll know from my latest tutorial on AI vulnerabilities, I really like pushing AI techniques to their limits. This wargame’s format, defending your chatbot’s secrets and techniques whereas probing others for theirs, offers a dynamic strategy to expertise AI safety challenges firsthand.
Connecting within the enterprise corridor and past
Whereas the technical content material is excellent, the networking alternatives are simply as invaluable. Black Hat gathers a vibrant and influential group, and casual occasions usually spark essentially the most significant conversations. I’m trying ahead to partaking with clients, studying about their experiences, and gathering suggestions that helps form Cisco’s options.
A can’t-miss occasion for me is the Splunk AfterParty with Cisco and Distinction Safety on August 6 at Allegiant Stadium. With unique stadium entry, refreshments, and the prospect to fulfill Splunk safety leaders and friends, it’s the proper setting to construct connections. The “Menace Hunter’s Cookbook” guide signing by Splunk’s SURGe crew is a good bonus!
Let’s join at Black Hat USA
I’ll be actively concerned in Black Hat all through the week, stopping by the Cisco sales space usually to attach with attendees. In case you’re attending Black Hat USA 2025, I’d love to fulfill you! I’m at all times keen to listen to about your newest challenges and successes and to chart the course for the way forward for cybersecurity collectively.
Be at liberty to attain out to me on LinkedIn to arrange a time to attach in Las Vegas.
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