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As a technical advocate targeted on cybersecurity in Learn with Cisco, my mission is to empower our group with the data and instruments to thrive in right now’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 desirous to immerse myself within the newest developments shaping our discipline.
What is Black Hat?
If you’re new to the cybersecurity convention circuit, Black Hat is a globally acknowledged occasion collection 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 Convention Center 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 gives 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 achieve firsthand insights into the newest threats and defenses, discover the dynamic interaction between offense and protection, and produce actionable data again to the Cisco group to boost our collective safety. It’s additionally a improbable venue for connecting with friends and thought leaders, fueling the continual studying mindset that’s important in our discipline.
What I look ahead to most at Black Hat USA
There’s no scarcity of issues to see and do at Black Hat USA. Here are a couple of highlights I’m particularly enthusiastic about.
Strategic cybersecurity insights from the principle stage
The predominant stage keynotes all the time set the tone, providing high-level views on the present and future state of cybersecurity. This 12 months, I’m significantly focused on Beyond the Limits: Transforming the SOC to Tackle Modern Challenges, that includes Tony Paterra, Vice President, Product Management – Security Products at Splunk, on Thursday, August 7.
Security Operations Centers (SOCs) face important challenges—fragmented instruments, restricted visibility, and a persistent abilities hole, to call a couple 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 abilities hole, I worth any alternative to find out how we will higher help SOC groups.
Cutting-edge risk briefings
The technical coronary heart of Black Hat lies in its briefings. This is the place main researchers reveal the newest vulnerabilities, assault strategies, and defensive ways. I’m particularly focused on classes overlaying AI in cyber protection and offense, provide chain safety, and cloud vulnerabilities.
One standout is the Cisco Talos briefing, GenAI: How it’s Being Used as a Lure, a Tool, and a Weapon, introduced by Nick Biasini, Head of Outreach, Cisco Talos, on Wednesday, August 6. Generative AI is quickly reshaping our trade, and it’s important to grasp how risk actors leverage it. Hearing 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. Live demos, direct interactions with builders—it’s hands-on studying you’ll be able to’t get anyplace else. I’m all the time looking out for brand new open-source instruments that simplify complicated duties and increase automation, particularly these aligned with DevNet rules.
That’s why I’m significantly wanting 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 programs to their limits. This wargame’s format, defending your chatbot’s secrets and techniques whereas probing others for theirs, gives a dynamic strategy to expertise AI safety challenges firsthand.
Connecting within the enterprise corridor and past
While the technical content material is excellent, the networking alternatives are simply as priceless. Black Hat gathers a vibrant and influential group, and casual occasions typically spark probably the most significant conversations. I’m wanting ahead to participating with prospects, 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 Contrast Security on August 6 at Allegiant Stadium. With unique stadium entry, refreshments, and the prospect to fulfill Splunk safety leaders and friends, it’s the right setting to construct connections. The “Threat Hunter’s Cookbook” e-book signing by Splunk’s SURGe workforce is a superb 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 often to attach with attendees. If you’re attending Black Hat USA 2025, I’d love to fulfill you! I’m all the time keen to listen to about your newest challenges and successes and to chart the course for the way forward for cybersecurity collectively.
Feel free to attain out to me on LinkedIn to arrange a time to attach in Las Vegas.
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