Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Welcome and Event Opening Ceremonies

Opening Remarks

Sanjay Gupta, Secretary and State Chief Information Officer, Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT), State of Illinois

Jason Bowen, Statewide Chief Information Security Officer, Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT), State of Illinois

Keynote – Inside the Hacker's Playbook: Learning From Attackers To Optimize Defenses

Hackers and bad actors have become more sophisticated than ever. Understanding how they operate and approach the attack vector is crucial to understanding the complexities of a potential cyber-attack. In this session, ethical Hacker Mishall Khan will walk us through a cyber battle - exploring each layer of an attack from the perspective of both the attacker and defender. Join us as we discuss best practices to enhance our security posture while providing actionable insights to fortify your defenses.

Mishaal Khan, Hacker, Author and Speaker

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Concurrent Sessions

Security is Everywhere: The Line Between Tactical and Strategic

In today's interconnected environment, we must all accept responsibility for our role in security. Gone are the days when anyone can expect security professionals to be exclusively responsible for all aspects of fortifying the safety of operations. How do we help raise the standards while developing healthier boundaries? We strive to be thought leaders who understand infrastructure and establish policy, but where do we pass the baton when it comes to tactical responsibility? Elevate your understanding of where your peers and colleagues are choosing to draw these lines to help protect your limited resources.

Beyond the Basics of Identity Proofing

Identity proofing is a critical step in providing services to constituents throughout the state. With the NIST guidelines, we can resolve, validate, and verify information before delivering services. However, there are known instances where complications exist in standard operating procedures. This session will break down some of the complexities of identity proofing and help you lay the groundwork for more streamlined processes. Panelists include DoIT leaders with first-hand knowledge of the tools and valuable examples of how to navigate within the boundaries of best practices when you experience anomalies that lead to complications with ID proofing.

Dispelling the Myth of “Data Magic”

Many people outside of the IT and data fields assume that simply having data is enough to seamlessly plug into an AI model, which will then automatically deliver insights on demand. In reality, the process is far more intricate. Preparing data in a usable form for AI is a challenging task—data must be gathered, structured correctly, cleaned, and aligned with regulatory standards. Moreover, the human side of the equation is just as crucial: building the right team, selecting the appropriate tools, and understanding the regulatory landscape is essential for success. Join us for an insightful, practical discussion about what works—and what doesn't—when launching a big data project. We'll explore key considerations, from decision frameworks and ethics to the types of professionals needed to navigate the complexities of big data initiatives.

Lunch

General Session – The Whole of State

Illinois’s DoIT leadership will share a whole of state Cyber strategy, collaborative efforts across the state, and tools and resources for their state-wide initiatives.

Sanjay Gupta, Secretary and State Chief Information Officer, Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT), State of Illinois

Jason Bowen, Statewide Chief Information Security Officer, Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT), State of Illinois

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

Concurrent Sessions

Business Continuity and Resiliency

Effective crisis management and business continuity are essential responsibilities for everyone, regardless of their role. Whether it is natural disasters, cyberattacks, technical outages, or equipment failure, the next hurdle is just around the corner. Does your team have a solid understanding of how to keep services going during a significant disruption? What actions can agencies be taking to reduce the amount of time constituent services would be impacted? Join this session to better fortify your resiliency and recovery plans to be more prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.

Managing Insider Threats: Detecting and Mitigating Risks from Within Your Organization

Insider threats are one of the most complex risks organizations face today. Detecting potential risks from within the "house" requires an understanding of behavioral patterns, as well as the right tools and controls. This panel discussion will delve into various techniques for identifying suspicious behavior, from employees being placed on PIPs or offboarded, to those who consistently avoid taking vacations. We will explore what types of unusual activities should trigger red flags and highlight the types of controls organizations can implement to manage these risks. Participants will also hear insightful war stories about insider threats—both intentional and accidental—and how organizations responded to mitigate potential damage.

Staying Relevant or Skilling Up? Navigating Career Growth in 2025

As the landscape of work evolves, it can be challenging to determine which skills we need to stay relevant vs. which skills will set emerging leaders apart when growth opportunities become available. Attendees will also gain insight into how to future-proof their careers by staying aligned with emerging trends in IT, navigating shifting job requirements, and positioning themselves for the next level of their careers. This session is for IT leaders who are not only looking to stay relevant in their current roles, but also for those seeking to qualify for new opportunities in an increasingly dynamic IT environment.

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Cyber IQ: A Leadership Trivia Challenge on Security as a Team Sport!

Think you’re up to date on cybersecurity and the nuances of what this means in Illinois in 2025? Join us for a collaborative trivia showdown designed to bring public sector leaders together in an interactive networking game focused on the latest in digital resilience. This team-based session challenges participants to dive into real-world questions and scenarios, testing their knowledge of security protocols in government. Come prepared to share insights, learn from others, and discover new perspectives as you work together to conquer the evolving digital landscape. Will your team rise to the top of this cyber challenge? Let’s find out!

Jason Bowen, Statewide Chief Information Security Officer, Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT), State of Illinois

Jennifer Rominger, PMP, Security Program Manager, Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT), State of Illinois

Jackie White, National Conference Director, GovTech

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

Network with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors.

End of Conference

Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.