Canadian Women in Cybersecurity 2024

Join us for breakfast with our Build Your Own Oatmeal & Yogurt Bar!

• Fresh fruit salad with berries
• Homemade oatmeal, plain and fruit yogurt
• Condiments include: brown sugar, raisins, dried cranberries, shredded coconut, wheat germ,
• toasted sliced almonds, maple roasted banana and dried apricots
• House-made pumpkin seed granola with quinoa and oats
• Selection of bagels with cream cheese, butter and fruit preserves

Join us for a powerful keynote to start the day!

Analyze current and emerging cyber threats discussing how the landscape is changing and strategies for staying ahead.

Explore the intersection of improving your health, leveraging technology, and protecting sensitive data. Join us to discover innovative approaches for gaining insights to improve your health while taking steps to safeguard your sensitive data.

Take a fueling break with snacks!

• Hummus, sweet potato hummus and olive tapenade with seasonal vegetables and mini pitas

Stay ahead of cyber threats with predictive foresight. Dive into threat casting and future casting methodologies to anticipate and mitigate emerging cyber threats, ensuring proactive defense and resilience.

Unlock the potential of tomorrow's cybersecurity leaders. Join us to delve into strategies for involving youth and dispelling preconceived notions surrounding the CISO role, nurturing diversity and innovation within the industry.

With 90% of organizations experiencing an identity-related incident in the last year, identity security is the critical line of defense to mitigate potentially existential threats to your business. Business value and trust increase when your organization is protected by a robust identity security program. But with more identities, systems, and threats to manage than ever, how do you get ahead of your security challenges?

Discover how data science and machine learning can help you build a robust identity security program that minimizes risk while accelerating your business. 

In this segment, we will take you on a brief journey based on statistics, industry stories and personal experiences regarding the demanding task of being a successful career woman, mother and admired industry leader while at the same time enjoying life to the maximum. Some practical advice and general guidance to navigating challenges, overcoming obstacles, and being happy despite it all.

This roundtable, "How Protected Are You?" explores the spectrum of professional protections—from termination rights and D&O insurance to compensation. The Chatham House Rule will be strictly enforced. Its guiding spirit is: share the information you receive, but do not reveal the identity of who said it. Participants can freely and openly share their experiences, and remarks made by any participant or speaker cannot be publicly or privately attributed to them.

Stretch your legs and take a deep breath! For a truly relaxing experience, visit our wellness zone where you can enjoy some quality time with the adorable companions from the St. Johns Ambulance Therapy Dog Program, or engage in the creative fun of building with Lego's in our wellness zone!

Elevate your security architecture from its foundational layers. Delve into advanced methodologies for integrating security into product and service design, encompassing secure coding practices, judicious use of libraries, and robust implementation of security protocols. Discover how these approaches fortify trustworthiness and resilience against a spectrum of cyber threats, ensuring comprehensive protection for your digital assets.

Strengthen your security and privacy posture. Explore the integration of cybersecurity, privacy, and data governance practices to enhance security and build trust with stakeholders.

This roundtable discussion delves into the intricacies of taking different types of leave—maternity, personal time off (PTO), caregiver, and vacation. Participants will discuss the processes, rights, and employer considerations involved in successfully planning and taking these leaves, ensuring compliance and mutual benefit.

The Chatham House Rule will be strictly enforced. Its guiding spirit is: share the information you receive, but do not reveal the identity of who said it. Participants can freely and openly share their experiences, and remarks made by any participant or speaker cannot be publicly or privately attributed to them.

Re-energize with a warm lunch!

• Caesar salad with crisp romaine, parmesan cheese, herb croutons and house-made Caesar dressing
• Red beet salad with Vidalia onions and house vinaigrette
• Portobello and cheese filled ravioli with sun-dried tomato pesto, broccolini and grilled zucchini
• Pasta with grilled chicken breast, cream sauce, sweet peppers and oven-dried grape tomatoes
• Mini tiramisu cups

Elevate your ESG reporting with cybersecurity insights. Discover how integrating cybersecurity considerations into ESG reports enhances corporate governance, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and responsible practices.

Join us for an interactive, open discussion with CSIS on the current threat landscape and the most pressing threats from hostile states facing the Canadian cybersecurity community and how government agencies can work collaboratively to better address and reduce these threats. 

Join us for a discussion about insights from the upcoming TELUS Canadian Cyber Insurance Study. Our panel of industry experts will explore how Canadian businesses are assessing their need and ability to procure cyber insurance, their experience with the claims process and how the evolution of cyber insurance over recent years is shaping the relationship between Canadian businesses and the cyber insurance industry.

This session titled "What to Do When..." provides a practical guide for handling unforeseen challenges and emergencies in professional environments. The Chatham House Rule will be strictly enforced. Its guiding spirit is: share the information you receive, but do not reveal the identity of who said it. Participants can freely and openly share their experiences, and remarks made by any participant or speaker cannot be publicly or privately attributed to them.

Stretch your legs and take a deep breath! For a truly relaxing experience, visit our wellness zone where you can enjoy some quality time with the adorable companions from the St. Johns Ambulance Therapy Dog Program, or engage in the creative fun of building with Lego's in our wellness zone!

Unleash the potential of women leaders in cybersecurity. Embark on a transformative journey to shatter barriers and cultivate success. Join us as we delve into empowering strategies, navigating stigmas, overcoming insecurities, and dismantling roadblocks. Together, let's foster an environment of inclusivity and diversity, propelling the field forward with unstoppable momentum.

Navigate regulatory complexities with confidence. Gain insights into cybersecurity regulatory compliance requirements across Canada, US, and UK, and discover best practices for achieving compliance.

Take a fueling break with snacks!

• Cajun and sea salt flavored chips, nachos with salsa, and caramel popcorn

With unique terminology and a high barrier to entry, the insurance industry shares more with cyber security than one might think. Learn about the Canadian cyber insurance industry, what risk transfer means for your organization, and how you can be a strong voice during insurance conversations.

Are you an organization focused on attracting and retaining top cybersecurity talent? Explore our innovative Digital Technologies (BASc) program at Lassonde School of Engineering, York University, Markham Campus. The first-of-its-kind in Canada, this fully work-integrated degree program prepares students with four years of paid industry experience, ready to tackle the challenges of the tech labour shortage. We invite employers to partner with Lassonde to increase employee access to the latest expertise, knowledge and resources a university provides.

For tech-savvy students looking for a comprehensive learning experience that includes hands-on, online, and in-person education, this program offers an exceptional opportunity to jumpstart your career and earn while you learn.

Elevate your cybersecurity governance. Gain practical insights and lessons learned for enhancing the NIST Framework with governance integration, ensuring effective risk management and compliance.

Discuss the importance of public-private partnerships in enhancing cybersecurity resilience, with a focus on collaboration between government agencies and private sector organizations. This session will explore strategies for fostering trust, sharing threat intelligence, and collaborating on cybersecurity initiatives to address evolving cyber threats effectively.

Navigating Your Pathway Into the Cyber Industry. 

New Age of Hiring: Closing the Cyber Talent Gap With Diversity.

Harnessing AI to Bolster Public Sector Cyber. 

Rethinking the Weakest Link. 

The Future of Third-Party Vendor Management.

This workshop will delve into common workplace challenges faced by women including: Imposter Syndrome and qualifications, undermining, marginalization and credit theft. Participants will learn practical strategies and how to engage in courageous conversations that drive positive shifts in workplace dynamics.

In a world dominated by mobile internet traffic, the security of mobile applications is a critical but often overlooked concern. Join us in this immersive and hands-on workshop where we delve into the realm of mobile security, debunking myths and unraveling the common vulnerabilities that lurk beneath the surface during real-world engagements.

Participants will need to come prepped with the following:

- Laptop

- Python (min version 3.4) and Pip

Don't miss the Emerging Leaders CanHack (ELCH) finals, where up-and-coming cybersecurity professionals present their solutions to top industry executives. This dynamic hackathon not only showcases their ability to tackle real-world cyber threats but also provides a platform for potential employers to discover fresh talent. Attendees will gain unique insights into innovative cybersecurity strategies, network with industry leaders, and contribute to strengthening Canada’s digital defenses. Join us to support the next generation of cybersecurity experts shaping a secure future for Canada.

Join us for 'Elevate Your Cyber Brand by Empowering Your Professional Identity.' Learn how to combat imposter syndrome and strategically integrate your personal brand into your cybersecurity endeavors, including resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and interviews. You will also learn how to prioritize authenticity in your branding efforts

Learn how to unlock the power of LinkedIn and your personal brand. Discover how to create a strategic personal branding plan and tactics to leverage LinkedIn and networking. Whether you are a job seeker or currently in a role, be intentional about your personal brand and watch the opportunities flood in.

This panel will spotlight women leaders who will share how their experiences, challenges and triumphs in male-dominated fields have shaped them into the cybersecurity leaders they are today.

Creamy parsnip and celeriac soup with apple garnish.

In her keynote address, Sherry will share her inspiring journey through the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, highlighting the crucial moments of self-accountability and the pivotal decisions that helped her overcome hurdles and step out of her comfort zone. She will discuss the internal debates that guided her to realize when strategies needed change and how she navigated the highs and lows of her career with resilience and strategic thinking. This presentation is not just a recount of challenges but a roadmap full of actionable advice, aimed at illuminating the exciting future of cybersecurity. Sherry will touch upon emerging trends, her take on the future of cyber, and the continuous passion that drives professionals in the field. Additionally, she will offer insights into why now is an opportune time to enter this field and how emerging leaders can shape the future of cybersecurity leadership through 2025 and beyond. This keynote is designed to inspire, educate, and motivate current and future cybersecurity professionals.

Breast of chicken topped with wild mushroom, truffles, and natural juices.

Presentation of the Canadian Women in Cybersecurity awards, honouring outstanding individuals in five categories: Lifetime Achievement, Woman in Leadership, Ally in Action, and Lift as you Climb awards.. Be part of this inspiring event as we recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions and achievements of women in the cybersecurity field.

Dessert Tasting Trio; Tiramisu mousse, Strawberry Cheesecake, Key lime pie with graham crumbs, whipped cream and lime candy.

Join us for interactive demos and immersive workshops:

• Master Lock Picking techniques
• Explore the world of Web App Testing
• Learn to exploit APIs like a pro
• Book Signing: Meet Nick Aleks, Chief Hacking Officer & Founder, ASEC, in person and get your books signed at the event!

Join us for an exhilarating Capture the Flag (CTF) competition, designed to welcome students from all backgrounds. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned enthusiast, this beginner-friendly challenge promises an exciting journey into the world of cybersecurity.

Registered on-site, it's first-come, first-served, so be sure to secure your spot early!

Scheduled twice at 11 AM and 2 PM

Bring your laptop and join us for a fun and friendly competition with prizes for top performers!

Join us for an exhilarating Capture the Flag (CTF) competition, designed to welcome students from all backgrounds. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned enthusiast, this beginner-friendly challenge promises an exciting journey into the world of cybersecurity.

Registered on-site, it's first-come, first-served, so be sure to secure your spot early!

Scheduled twice at 11 AM and 2 PM

Bring your laptop and join us for a fun and friendly competition with prizes for top performers!