The CyberCon event, which focuses on cybersecurity and critical infrastructure, has become an important platform for professionals in the field to collaborate and learn from one another. Recently, Dave Bittner had the opportunity to attend the CyberCon 2023 event at Bismarck State College in North Dakota. During his time there, he interviewed four members of the conference planning committee to gain insight into the history and evolution of the event.
Troy Walker, the Director of Sales and Marketing at Dakota Carrier Network and the conference chair for 2023, shared the origins of CyberCon and its unique emphasis on critical infrastructure and cybersecurity. He explained that the event was established in 2018 to create a space where professionals from various sectors could come together to discuss and address the growing cybersecurity threats to critical infrastructure. Walker highlighted the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in the field, stressing that cybersecurity is a collective responsibility that should be taken seriously by all.
Next, Dave Bittner spoke with Tony Aukland, the Technology Outreach Manager for the State of North Dakota IT and a previous conference chair. Aukland shed light on the origin story of CyberCon, emphasizing the need for a dedicated event that specifically focuses on the intersection of critical infrastructure and cybersecurity. He explained that as our reliance on technology continues to increase, protecting our critical infrastructure from cyber threats has become a pressing concern. CyberCon was created to address this issue and provide a platform for experts to share their insights and best practices.
Bill Heinzen, the Information Security Team Lead at National Information Solutions Cooperative and a previous event chair, discussed the importance of developing a strong cybersecurity candidate pool in North Dakota. He highlighted the challenges faced by the state in terms of cybersecurity talent shortage and the efforts being made to address this issue. Heinzen emphasized the significance of training and education programs to equip individuals with the necessary skills to protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
Finally, Dave Bittner spoke with John Nagel, the CEO and Founder of CYBERNET SECURITY and a past event chair. Nagel focused on the sustainability of CyberCon and its continued focus on critical infrastructure. He highlighted the evolving nature of cyber threats, stressing the need for ongoing collaboration and innovation in the field. Nagel expressed his belief that CyberCon plays a crucial role in fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness and preparedness.
Overall, the interviews provided valuable insights into the history and evolution of CyberCon, its unique focus on critical infrastructure and cybersecurity, and the challenges faced by professionals in the field. The event serves as a significant platform for knowledge-sharing and collaboration among cybersecurity and critical infrastructure experts. As we continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of technology, events like CyberCon play a vital role in ensuring the security and resilience of our critical infrastructure.