Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Opening Remarks and State of the State

Michael Geraghty, Director, New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell and Chief Information Security Officer, State of New Jersey

Navigating the Future of Public Sector Cybersecurity: A Practitioner's Vision

In an era defined by rapid digital transformation and escalating cyber threats, the public sector faces unprecedented challenges in securing its critical assets and services. This keynote, delivered by Dr. Ed Amoroso, a distinguished veteran of the cybersecurity field and former CISO of AT&T, will offer a practitioner's perspective on the evolving threat landscape and the strategic imperatives for future defense. Drawing on his extensive experience in enterprise security, research, and advising multiple Presidential administrations, Dr. Amoroso will delve into emerging areas such as the impact of artificial intelligence on both offensive and defensive capabilities, the complexities of securing multi-cloud environments, and the critical need for advanced vulnerability management. He will share insights into anticipating future attack patterns, including the rise of "narrative attacks," and articulate a proactive vision for public sector cybersecurity that emphasizes innovation, strategic collaboration, and a continuous adaptation to the dynamic digital frontier. Attendees will gain actionable foresight into building resilient and forward-looking cybersecurity programs.

Dr. Edward Amoroso, CEO TAG Cyber and former Chief Information Security Officer, AT&T

Cybersecurity Has an IT Problem

Strong cybersecurity begins with strong information technology. This session will explore the foundational relationship between cybersecurity and IT architecture, emphasizing that effective security cannot exist in isolation from well-managed, modern, and resilient IT systems. From asset inventory and network visibility to patch management and access controls, cybersecurity outcomes are only as strong as the IT environments in which they operate. Public sector organizations often struggle with legacy infrastructure, fragmented systems, and under-resourced IT teams—all of which create systemic vulnerabilities. This session will offer practical strategies for aligning cybersecurity goals with IT modernization efforts, highlight real-world examples from government environments, and make the case that investing in sound IT practices is not just a technical necessity, but a security imperative.

Moderator: Robert Bruder, Deputy State Chief Information Security Officer, New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell, State of New Jersey,

Micah Hassinger, IT Director, Passaic County

Lenny Libitz, IT Director, South Bound Brook School District

Robert McQueen, IT Director, Hamilton Township

Ron Niehaus, Chief Technology Officer, New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Zero Trust Starts with Who

Zero Trust has become a cornerstone of modern cybersecurity strategies, emphasizing never trust, always verify. While much of the conversation focuses on technology and network architecture, successful Zero Trust implementation truly begins with people - understanding who is requesting access to systems, data, and services.

This session explores the critical role of identity in building a defensible Zero Trust architecture. We’ll examine how compromised credentials fuel today’s most damaging cyber incidents and why robust identity governance, adaptive authentication, and continuous monitoring of user behavior are essential to preventing breaches. Attendees will gain insights into:

By focusing first on who is accessing resources, SLT organizations can establish the foundation for effective Zero Trust security, mitigating insider and external threats while enabling secure digital transformation.

Greg Cooper, New Jersey Office of Information Technology, State of New Jersey

Austin McGuire, Chief Information Officer, New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission, State of New Jersey

Noah Marcus, New Jersey Office of Innovation

Defending Critical Infrastructure: Cybersecurity Threats and Best Practices for OT Security

This presentation will focus on the evolving cybersecurity threats targeting operational technology (OT) environments within critical infrastructure sectors. Drawing on real-world attack scenarios and lessons learned from high-profile incidents impacting energy, water, transportation, and other essential services, the session will highlight emerging adversary tactics and common vulnerabilities in OT systems. Attendees will gain actionable best practices to strengthen defenses, enhance visibility and monitoring, and build resilience against disruptive cyberattacks. Designed for public sector cybersecurity professionals in New Jersey, this session provides practical insights to better protect critical infrastructure and ensure the continuity of essential public services.

Lunch

Short Break

Please proceed to the general session

Threat Rich/Resource Poor

In a time of rising demands and fixed budgets, public sector leaders are being challenged to do more—with less. How can SLT organizations prioritize cybersecurity effectively, drive efficiency, and still deliver meaningful results? This session explores how to identify and make the most of available resources by streamlining operations, optimizing existing tools, and fostering cross-functional collaboration and sharing services. Expect real-world insights around high-impact priorities and selecting the right people, tools, technologies, and services to move forward.

Moderator: Krista Valenzuela, Deputy State Chief Information Security Officer, New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell, State of New Jersey

The Double-Edged Sword of AI in Cybersecurity: A Public Sector Perspective

The landscape of cyber threats is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with artificial intelligence emerging as the most powerful new tool for both defenders and adversaries. This presentation will provide an essential, clear-eyed overview for New Jersey's public sector professionals by peeling back the hype to reveal the practical realities of AI on both sides of the digital battlefield. We will explore how cyber defenders are harnessing AI for proactive threat hunting, automated incident response, and enhanced data analysis, while also exposing how sophisticated threat actors are using the very same technology to craft more convincing social engineering attacks, automate reconnaissance, and create polymorphic malware that evades traditional defenses. By understanding the full scope of AI's dual role, you can better prepare your organization's defenses, justify strategic technology investments, and stay one step ahead of the adversary.

NJ Cyber Strong: Effective Incident Response and Recovery

This panel will equip NJ SLT organizations with actionable strategies for navigating the complexities of cybersecurity incidents. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to leverage external support, mitigate financial risks, and manage the legal ramifications of a cyberattack. The discussion will provide insights into building a robust incident response strategy, effectively utilizing available resources, and ensuring resilience in the face of evolving cyber threats. By highlighting best practices and real-world considerations, the panel aims to empower New Jersey public sector entities to strengthen their defenses and recover efficiently from security breaches.

Moderator: Mike Geraghty, Director, New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell and Chief Information Security Officer, State of New Jersey

End of Conference

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