Denver ISSA November 2025 Chapter Meeting (dinner)

Topic: AI: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

Abstract:

AI and Generative AI have become the buzzwords du jour since the launch of ChapGPT4, but AI has been in widespread and popular use for the better part of the past decade. We use it every day at home, in the office, and when we visit the doctor or go for an X-Ray.

AI has been applied in many positive ways to make things easier for most of us, but it has also more recently been applied in very nefarious ways, some of which may lead to significant damage including to our safety as humans.

This presentation looks at the development of Offensive AI and makes a case for greater development of Defensive AI. It will suggest that as cybersecurity professionals, we need “fire” to “fight fire” and that our current security toolsets are not equipped to defend us from the attacks of tomorrow.

Learning Objectives:

• Consider the “Maturity Paradox”, the gap between new technology being implemented and the security controls necessary to protect that new technology. What risks are we exposing ourselves and our organizations to?

• Examine the arming and weaponization of malicious bots and malware using AI.

• Gain a better understanding of the power and dangers of Offensive AI.

• Consider the benefits of employing AI Defensive tools to protect us from Offensive AI. How will this change that way that cybersecurity work?

Objectivity:

No vendor or product will be favored during this presentation. The presentation may discuss new technologies that are, or will shortly, be available, new approaches to solving problems, and what some organizations or governments are doing in the topic areas discussed in the presentation. The overall objective is to provide valuable educational insights for attendees to take away with them in a vendor and technology neutral environment.

Speaker: Richard Staynings, Chief Security Strategist, Cylera

Richard Staynings is a globally renowned thought leader, author, keynote speaker and advocate for improved cybersecurity across the Healthcare and Life Sciences industry. He currently serves as Chief Security Strategist for Cylera, a pioneer in the space of medical device and IoT security, and as Professor of Healthcare Cybersecurity at the University of Denver.

A 25-year veteran of cybersecurity leadership, Richard has presented or lectured on security themes all over the world, has served on various international cybersecurity committees and as a subject matter expert on government Committees of Inquiry into some of the highest profile data breaches.

Richard is an accomplished author in the space of cybersecurity and is a frequent speaker at leading healthcare, critical infrastructure, AI, and security conferences. Having lived and worked in over 30 countries, Richard is a frequent guest of friendly foreign governments where he advises industry and government leaders in their cybersecurity strategy and posture.

About: https://richard.staynings.net

Blog: https://www.cyberthoughts.org/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardstaynings/

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