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
Mark Petersen, Board President - ISSA Puget Sound Chapter
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
In this presentation Iain explores the critical importance of practicing your cybersecurity incident response plan before you need it. Using Douglas Adams' timeless advice as a framework, we'll examine why most IR plans fall apart under real pressure and how regular, realistic practice builds the muscle memory teams need when systems are under attack...read more
Combating Social Engineering Attacks
Oct. 8, 2025: 1 - 2 p.m.
RJ Niesen, Cybersecurity State Coordinator - CISA
Social engineering remains one of the most effective tactics cybercriminals use to exploit human trust. In this session CISA State Coordinator RJ Niesen explores common attack methods and practical steps you can take to recognize and defend against them...read more
Responsible AI in Washington State
Oct. 9, 2025: 11 a.m. - Noon
Katy Ruckle, State Chief Privacy Officer - WaTech
Generative AI is moving fast—and so are regulators... read more
Cloud Security Challenges and Solutions: An Overview of the Approach Oregon Takes
Oct. 13, 2025: 12 p.m. - Noon
Sean McSpaden, Principal Legislative IT Analyst - Oregon's Legislative Fiscal Office
Cloud adoption brings unique security challenges that require thoughtful planning and strong safeguards. This session provides an overview of Oregon’s approach to cloud security, highlighting key risks, solutions, and best practices that help protect critical systems and data....read more
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
As remote and hybrid work become the norm, securing access from anywhere is more critical than ever. This session explores best practices, tools, and strategies to keep your workforce connected and protected without compromising productivity...read more
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
Identifying Security Risks: Threat Hunting & Incident Response
Oct. 21, 2025: 11 a.m. - noon
Mauriella DiTommaso, Network Forensics Chief -WaTech
Cody Wilson
Effective cybersecurity means not just reacting to attacks, but actively searching for hidden threats before they cause damage...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
Zero Trust is a modern approach to cybersecurity that assumes no user, device, or system should be trusted by default. Instead, everything must be verified before access is granted. In this session, you’ll learn how Zero Trust strengthens protection of state systems, enables secure remote work, and supports our broader enterprise IT goals...read more
How to apply CISA guidance, services, tools, and more...
Oct. 29, 2025: 11 a.m. - Noon
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
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