Presentations will feature leading experts in cybersecurity and privacy, offering insights on diverse topics. More presentations will be announced soon.
Kick-off presentation
Oct. 1, 2025: Noon - 1 p.m.
Ralph Johnson, Chief Information Security Officer - WaTech
Bill Kehoe, Chief Information Officer - WaTech
Cybersecurity Awareness Month, launched in 2004 by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance, is an annual campaign held every October to educate individuals and organizations about the importance of online safety. Over the years, it has evolved to address modern cyber threats, from phishing attacks to ransomware...read more
Building a Cyber-Resilient Community Through Professional Engagement
Oct. 2, 2025: 11 a.m. - Noon
Dan Leiter, Outreach Director - ISSA Rainier
This session will highlight how involvement in professional organizations like Information Systems Security Association (ISSA)-Rainier Chapter empowers individuals and teams to stay ahead of emerging cybersecurity threats. It will explore how community engagement, continuous learning, and peer collaboration directly support the development of smart habits, technical skills, and strategic awareness across all cybersecurity domains...read more
"Don’t Panic!” A Hitchhikers Guide to Incident Response
Oct. 7, 2025: 11 a.m. - Noon
Iain Sloan, Chief Information Security Officer - Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board
Artificial Intelligence Presentation (Title TBD)
Oct. 9, 2025: 11 a.m. - Noon
Katy Ruckle, State Chief Privacy Officer - WaTech
Make Risk Matter: From Wasted Time to Better Decisions Under Uncertainty
Oct. 14, 2025: 1 - 2 p.m.
Ralph Hogaboom, Chief Information Security Officer - Department of Natural Resources
Most cybersecurity risk processes spend more time writing reports than influencing decisions. Leaders skim the summaries, nod at the heat maps and charts, and move on—while critical decision making happens without any awareness of uncertainty...read more
Work From Anywhere, Securely
Oct. 15, 2025: 11 a.m. - Noon
Mike Hamilton, Founder and Chair - Pisces
Preparing for FIFA World Cup 2026
Oct. 16, 2025: 1 - 2 p.m.
Tristan Allen, Infrastructure and Industry Section Manager -Washington Emergency Management Division
Jon Lee, Statewide Interoperability Coordinator -Washington State Emergency Management Division
Caroline Byrd, State FIFA World Cup Planner - Washington State Emergency Management Division
This presentation will provide an overview of Washington State’s preparedness planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup...read more
Life of a Chief Information Security Officer
Oct. 22, 2025: 1 - 2 p.m.
Ralph Johnson, Chief Information Security Officer -WaTech
Jeanie Larson, Chief Information Security Officer - Department of Agriculture
John Weeks, Chief Information Security Officer - Department of Health
Ever wonder what it’s really like to sit in the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) chair...read more
Agentic AI: The promise and perils of increased autonomy
Oct. 23, 2025: Noon - 1 pm
Matt Bellio, Senior Managing Consultant - IBM
Agentic AI is arriving fast - and increasing autonomy comes with new and amplified risks. In this session we'll demystify what makes agents different, show real failure modes, and lay out a practical governance playbook: layered controls, rigorous red-teaming, continuous monitoring and clear human accountability. ...read more
Zero Trust Essentials
Oct. 28, 2025: 1 - 2 p.m.
Ralph Johnson Chief Information Security Officer - WaTech
How to apply CISA guidance, services, tools, and more...
Oct. 29, 2025: Noon - 1 p.m.
Cindy Munoz, Cybersecurity Analyst - CISA
CISA puts out a lot of great cybersecurity advice - but sometimes it can be a lot. What's what and who's who? In this session, we will break down CISA's guidance, services, tools, and more into plain language and how to turn them into more actionable steps to help make the organization safer and more resilient...read more
Combating Social Engineering Attacks
Oct. 30, 2025: 1 - 2 p.m.
RJ Neilson, Cybersecurity State Coordinator - CISA
Closing remarks
Nov. 4, 2025: Noon - 1 p.m.
Ralph Johnson Chief Information Security Officer - WaTech
Throughout the month, we've been inspired by informative presentations and engaging events that armed us with the tools and knowledge to stay safe online. Join Ralph Johnson as he walks us through the key takeaways, memorable moments, and important lessons that will help us continue our cybersecurity journey...read more