Glimpse into Tomorrow: Key Takeaways from RSA 2023 Day 2

Day 2 of RSA 2023 showcased a variety of engaging presentations that explored the current state and future of cybersecurity. From the importance of embracing the SecOps revolution to the optimism surrounding emerging technologies, attendees were treated to a rich assortment of insights and perspectives.

The RSA Conference 2023 brought together an impressive array of experts, thought leaders, and visionaries to discuss the most pressing issues and exciting innovations in the world of cybersecurity. Day 2 of the conference was no exception, featuring captivating talks on a diverse range of topics, from the intersection of AI and security to the role of questioning in scientific discovery. This blog post highlights the key takeaways from these talks, providing readers with a comprehensive summary of the thought-provoking and inspiring presentations delivered on Day 2 of RSA 2023.

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Security as Part of Responsible AI: At Home or At Odds?

The speakers from Bias Buccaneers, Deep Mind, NVIDIA, and Microsoft explored the complex connections between AI security and responsible AI, and how these two domains can work together. We particularly appreciated the insights from Dr. Rumman Chowdhury, who emphasized the importance of securing AI systems as a vital part of responsible AI practices. It was fascinating to see the perspectives of different organizations on this matter, and felt reassured knowing that experts from various industries are actively working on harmonizing AI security and responsible AI efforts.

The speakers for this session were:

  • Daniel Rohrer - VP Software Product Security, NVIDIA
  • Ram Shankar Siva Kumar - Data Cowboy, Microsoft; Harvard
  • Dr. Rumman Chowdhury - Founder, Bias Buccaneers
  • Vijay Bolina - CISO, Deep Mind

Cybersecurity Thinking to Reinvent Democracy

Bruce Schneier's talk on applying cybersecurity thinking to the design of democratic systems was truly thought-provoking. Schneier discussed the vulnerabilities of our current democratic systems and how our community's expertise in securing complex systems could contribute to their improvement. We enjoyed the way Schneier emphasized the importance of considering the socio-technical aspects of democracy in the age of data collection, ubiquitous computing, and AI. The idea of leveraging cybersecurity knowledge to reinvent democracy resonated with us, and we believe it has the potential to make a significant impact on our society.

The speaker for this session was:

  • Bruce Schneier - Security Technologist, Researcher, and Lecturer, Harvard Kennedy School

What Does the Universe Sound Like?

Dr. Matt Russo's presentation on the musical aspects of the universe was a delightful and unexpected treat. As someone with degrees in Jazz Guitar and Astrophysics, Russo provided a unique perspective on how outer space is full of music that we just need to learn how to hear. Russo took us on a musical journey through the Trappist-1 system and beyond, revealing the hidden symphonies in cosmic phenomena. We thoroughly enjoyed this creative and engaging exploration of space through a musical lens, as it made me appreciate the interconnectedness of the universe in a whole new way.

The speaker for this session was:

  • Dr. Matt Russo - Astrophysicist, University of Toronto

SIEM There, Done That: Rising Up in the SecOps Revolution

Bryan Palma's talk on the revolution in SecOps was invigorating. Palma made a compelling case for moving beyond traditional, static security solutions like SIEM, which are no longer sufficient for addressing modern SecOps challenges. Palma's emphasis on the power of automation and intelligence as the driving forces behind this revolution resonated with us, and it was inspiring to witness the call for a collective effort to build momentum and embrace this new era of cybersecurity.

The speaker for this session was:

  • Bryan Palma - Chief Executive Officer, Trellix

Why I’m Optimistic (And You Should Be, Too)

Lee Klarich's presentation on the future of cybersecurity was a breath of fresh air in a field often dominated by pessimism. Klarich shared the belief that cybersecurity is becoming a solvable problem, thanks to recent advances in technology. We appreciated the framework provided for organizations to adopt, which will allow them to embrace upcoming changes. Klarich's optimism was infectious, and it left us feeling hopeful about the future of cybersecurity.

The speaker for this session was:

  • Lee Klarich - Chief Product Officer, Palo Alto Networks

The Cryptographers’ Panel

The annual Cryptographers' Panel offered fascinating insights into current issues facing the cybersecurity industry and our digital society. The panel of experts discussed a range of topics, from cryptocurrencies and quantum computing to machine learning's potential impact on system security. Hearing these brilliant minds debate and share their perspectives was a valuable experience that deepened our understanding of the challenges and opportunities in cryptography.

The speakers for this session were:

  • Adi Shamir - Borman Professor of Computer Science, The Weizmann Institute, Israel
  • Radia Perlman - Fellow, Dell Technologies
  • Dr. Whitfield Diffie - ForMemRS, Honorary Fellow, Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge
  • Clifford Cocks - Former Chief Mathematician, Independent Consultant
  • Anne Dames - Distinguished Engineer, IBM Infrastructure

Face the Music: Cybersecurity and the Music Industry

This panel discussion on cybersecurity in the music industry was an eye-opening exploration of a lesser-known aspect of cyber threats. The ensemble of speakers from the music industry, law enforcement, and academia provided diverse perspectives on AI and cyber-enabled threats to the industry. The discussion broadened our understanding of the impact of cybersecurity beyond the traditionally targeted industries and emphasized the importance of addressing cyber threats across all sectors.

The speakers for this session were:

  • Herb Stapleton - Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • Hany Farid, Professor - University of California, Berkeley
  • Katherine Forrest - Partner, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
  • Chris Stapleton - Singer, Songwriter, Musician

Hacking Exposed: Next-Generation Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures

George Kurtz and Michael Sentonas' presentation on the evolution of hacking techniques was both informative and alarming. They demonstrated how adversaries have improved their tradecraft to bypass defensive systems and the cyber kill chain. Learning about the global supply chain attack and the growing influence of eCrime actors highlighted the need for continued vigilance and innovation in cybersecurity.

The speakers for this session were:

  • George Kurtz - Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, CrowdStrike
  • Michael Sentonas - President, CrowdStrike

The Universe's Missing Pieces

Claire Malone's talk on the power of questioning our fundamental understanding of nature was thought-provoking and inspiring. As a particle physicist, Malone emphasized the importance of asking questions, pushing boundaries, and thinking differently in the pursuit of human progress. This talk provided a refreshing perspective on how scientific curiosity can lead to enlightenment and innovation.

The speaker for this session was:

  • Claire Malone - Science Journalist and STEM Lead of the Lightyear Foundation

Defending at Machine Speed: Technology’s New Frontier

Vasu Jakkal's presentation on the future of cybersecurity technology was captivating. Jakkal discussed the key technologies that are reshaping the industry and emphasized the importance of empowering people with these advancements. The idea that human expertise, combined with breakthrough technology, can close the security gap and defend against sophisticated cyberattacks was both empowering and motivating.

The speaker for this session was:

  • Vasu Jakkal - Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Security Business

The Next 50 Years

Dr. Michio Kaku's talk on the next 50 years of scientific advancements was exhilarating and mind-bending. As a renowned theoretical physicist and futurist, Dr. Kaku provided glimpses into a future where AI, starships, brain-machine interfaces, and other seemingly sci-fi concepts become reality. Kaku's presentation sparked our imagination and left us excited for the possibilities the future holds.

The speaker for this session was:

  • Dr. Michio Kaku - Renowned Theoretical Physicist and Futurist,

As we reflect on the insights and discussions from Day 2 of RSA 2023, it is clear that the future of cybersecurity is both exciting and uncertain. The rapid advancements in technology, the growing sophistication of cyber threats, and the increasing interconnectedness of our world present unique challenges that require innovative solutions and collaborative efforts. However, as the speakers at RSA 2023 have demonstrated, there is much to be optimistic about. By embracing new technologies, fostering a culture of curiosity and innovation, and leveraging the power of human expertise, we can continue to make progress in the field of cybersecurity and build a safer, more secure digital future for all.

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