The Cybersecurity Meetup 2023: Executive Insights and Future-Proofing
The Cybersecurity Meetup 2023 successfully convened a focused group of security leaders and experts for a day of strategic discussion and networking. The event was held at the Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel & Suites, providing a dedicated environment for attendees to exchange insights on the evolving threat landscape and next-generation defense strategies.
Key Highlights and Themes
The Meetup focused heavily on practical leadership, cyber risk management, and the current security solutions landscape. Discussions were driven by the expertise of senior practitioners, likely covering critical topics such as:
Risk Strategy:
Sessions emphasized moving beyond technical defenses to establishing mature cyber risk frameworks, a topic central to the roles of the attending CISOs and consultants.
Cloud and Product Security:
With specialists from SAP, AWS, and CDW, the agenda featured key discussions on securing cloud environments and embedding security into product development lifecycles.
Executive Guidance:
The presence of the Chair of the CISO Forum Canada Advisory, David Mahdi, underscored the event’s emphasis on high-level governance and strategic direction for Canadian enterprises
Speakers and Sponsors
The event featured a potent mix of senior executives and technical architects, backed by a broad coalition of technology and service providers.
Speakers:
The panel of speakers offered deep expertise across various facets of cybersecurity. Notable speakers included:
Bil Harmer (Operating Partner & CISO at Craft Ventures), providing a venture capital perspective on security investment.
Julia Le (Senior Manager at Ontario’s Cyber Security Centre of Excellence), offering insights on public sector initiatives and regional defense.
Helen Oakley (Sr. Product Security Architect at SAP) and Karen Nemani (Professional Services Security Lead at AWS Canada), sharing crucial knowledge on software and cloud security best practices.
The discussions were rounded out by experienced CISO/vCISOs, including George Al-Koura, Olusola Ayodele, and Sarah Qureshi.
Sponsors:
The Meetup enjoyed significant support, reflecting the diverse partnerships essential to modern security. Prominent sponsors included key industry players like AWS, BELL, IBM, and JUNIPER NETWORKS, along with consulting and service specialists like MNP, ARCTIC WOLF, and siberXchange. The wide array of supporters—from regional government bodies like Durham Region and the Town of Ajax to technical defense providers like VEEAM, GUARDICORE, and PROOFPOINT—demonstrates a strong community commitment to enhancing Canadian cyber resilience.
