NCW Cyber Meetup - AI, Advanced Threats, and Securing the Education Sector

Join North Central Educational Service District and NCW Tech Alliance for monthly Cyber Meetup events. These events are designed for business, education, technology, and community partners to come together for collaborative learning and discussion on technology topics. Every event features a short presentation from a technology professional, discussion, and time for networking! Sign up for our mailing list to receive update emails on future meetings.

Meetings are held on first Wednesday of every month at noon and lunch will be provided! Please note registration closes Monday, February 3 at 8am.

Presentation by: Adam Winston, CSO of ActZero

A thought leader in cyber technology, Adam Winston has the depth of knowledge of an industry veteran, with over 20 years experience in the cybersecurity sector. As Chief Security Officer, Adam is driving the company’s Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (VCISO) and technology integration programs, and its evolution as the industry’s leading Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service provider.

Adam’s experience is both broad and deep within the sector, and spans endpoint, network and cloud systems security; audits and architecture; building and managing SOCs; software development and resellership alike; healthcare, education, defense and financial organizations; global enterprises of all sizes. Most recently, he served as VCISO helping customers through new privacy regulations GDPR, CCPA and Bill C-27 and guidance on how to prevent complex malware such as SolarGate and RaaS.

Prior to ActZero, Adam was the Founder and CTO of IntelliGO Networks (acquired by ActZero) and he developed its proprietary MDR software, built to service the threat hunting process. He also had key roles in managed security services for SIEM, NGFW and Penetration Testing performed by the company.

Adam holds a BASc in Computer Science as well as multiple industry certifications and awards for ethical hacking and various cyber technologies.

Session Description: Join us for an eye-opening exploration of the evolving threat landscape in 2025, with a special focus on the education sector. As artificial intelligence transforms both cyberattacks and defenses, educational institutions face unique challenges in safeguarding their digital environments.

This session will dive into the rise of AI-driven attacks, including the weaponization of deepfakes for social engineering, automated phishing campaigns, and the deployment of AI-enhanced malware by Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) actors. Adam will also explore the cutting-edge AI-powered defenses being used to combat these sophisticated threats, such as autonomous detection and response systems that learn and adapt in real time.

Key takeaways from this talk include:

• How AI is reshaping the threat landscape and what it means for the education sector.
• Real-world examples of deepfake-driven attacks and automated intrusion campaigns.
• Best practices for protecting your IT stack from APT actors leveraging AI.
• Strategies for implementing AI-based detection and response systems to safeguard sensitive student, staff, and institutional data.

Packed with actionable insights and practical advice, this talk will empower IT and security professionals in education to stay ahead of the curve and build resilience against the next generation of cyber threats. Don’t miss this chance to future-proof your institution’s cybersecurity strategy.

This is a unique event where the presentation will be live-streamed to three locations across the region. After the presentation, each location will engage in in-person discussions and networking. Please make sure you reserve the correct ticket based on where you will be attending in-person.

• Chelan/Douglas Counties Location | North Central Educational Service District | 430 Olds Station Road, Wenatchee WA
• Grant County Location | Big Bend Community College, WEC Building Room 0211 | 7611 Bolling St NE, Moses Lake, WA 98837
• Okanogan County Location | Mid-Valley Hospital Conference Center | Family Medical Building at 800 Jasmine Street, Omak, WA

Host or Publisher North Central Educational Service District