Destination Boston! Inside Infosecurity North America 2017 – What to Expect
With just five weeks to go, excitement is building for Infosecurity North America 2017, set to take place on October 4 and 5 in Boston. The team behind Infosecurity Magazine and Infosecurity Europe is bringing its flagship brand to the U.S. East Coast, aiming to unite the region’s vibrant information security community under one roof.
Why Boston? The East Coast Cybersecurity Hub
Boston has long been known for its academic institutions and healthcare giants, but its cybersecurity scene is rapidly gaining ground. The city boasts access to venture capital for cyber startups, a deep talent pool from universities like MIT and Boston College, and major industries—financial services, healthcare, pharma, and retail—all hungry for innovative security solutions.
In fact, the East Coast infosec community is remarkably collaborative. Organizers have partnered with organizations such as MassTech, ACSC, EWF, EC-Council, (ISC)², MIT CSAIL, Boston College, and the Cloud Security Alliance. Event director John Hyde and the content team visited Boston last month, and the reception was overwhelmingly positive. “The region is crying out for an event that acts as a conduit to bring the community together,” says the content manager. “We’re thrilled to provide that conduit.”
Next-Gen Infosec Live: Cultivating Future Talent
One of the standout features of Infosecurity North America 2017 is the launch of Next-Gen Infosec Live, an extension of the magazine’s Next-Gen Infosec initiative. This session, scheduled for Thursday, October 5, from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm, invites undergraduate and postgraduate students to hear an inspirational talk from an industry leader about careers in cybersecurity. It’s a concrete step toward addressing the global cyber-skills shortage.
Keynote Stage: Four Modules of Actionable Insight
The conference program is built around four carefully curated modules, each designed to provide practical takeaways for information security professionals.
Hacking the Human Vector
It’s no secret that the human attack vector remains the most exploited in cyber breaches. No matter how robust the technology, a single user error or malicious insider can open the door to attackers. This module brings together experts from the SANS Institute, LexisNexis, and the CISO of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center to discuss strategies for driving secure behavior among users and mitigating human risk.
Privacy, Security, Governance & Risk
Regulatory complexity is a growing headache for CISOs. From vertical-specific rules like NYDFS Cybersecurity Requirements and HIPAA to international frameworks like the EU GDPR, organizations must balance compliance with real security. Speakers from Stanley Black & Decker, Wellforce, and Partners HealthCare will share governance and risk management best practices.
Combating Cyber Risks & Threats
The WannaCry and NotPetya ransomware attacks demonstrated how vulnerable enterprises are to global cyber threats. This panel, featuring CISOs from Commonwealth Financial Network, Brooks Brothers, and Aetna, will explore the evolving threat landscape—including nation-state actors and undisclosed exploits—and how defenders can stay ahead.
Building Cyber Response & Resilience
“It’s not if, but when” has become a cybersecurity mantra. This final module focuses on incident response and recovery, especially as organizations become more connected and critical infrastructure is targeted. Speakers from LexisNexis Risk Solutions, Harvard University, and an FBI Special Agent will offer practical advice on building resilience.
What Attendees Can Take Away
The keynote stage is designed to deliver actionable insights that can be applied immediately. Attendees will hear from CISOs and thought leaders who face the same challenges daily. The event also offers ample networking opportunities, connecting professionals from across the East Coast.
For those who cannot attend in person, Infosecurity Magazine will provide post-event coverage and highlights. In the meantime, check out our events page for more details on upcoming cybersecurity conferences.
Ultimately, Infosecurity North America 2017 is about community—bringing together defenders, innovators, and students to share knowledge and strengthen the industry. Whether you’re a seasoned CISO or a student exploring career options, Boston in October promises to be a milestone event for the East Coast infosec scene.
