A Diverse Lineup of Keynote Speakers to Grace Black Hat USA 2023 Stage

## Introduction

Black Hat USA, the leading producer of cybersecurity events, has announced its lineup of keynote speakers for the upcoming Black Hat USA 2023 event. The keynote speakers include Maria Markstedter, Founder of Azeria Labs; Jen Easterly, Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA); Viktor Zhora, Deputy Chairman of the State Service of Special Communication and Information Protection of Ukraine on Digital Development, Digital Transformations, and Digitalization; and Kemba Walden, Acting National Cyber Director in the Office of the National Cyber Director. These esteemed speakers will share their expertise, insights, and experiences with the cybersecurity community. This diverse lineup reflects the global nature of cybersecurity and highlights important areas of focus within the industry.

## Maria Markstedter: Guardians of the AI Era

Maria Markstedter, Founder of Azeria Labs, will deliver a keynote titled “Guardians of the AI Era: Navigating the Cybersecurity Landscape of Tomorrow.” As the creator of a popular blog that educates the community about Arm architecture, reverse engineering, and exploit development, Markstedter is well-versed in the challenges that AI poses to the cybersecurity industry. In her talk, she will explore how cybersecurity professionals can adapt to the AI revolution and leverage it to their advantage. Markstedter’s experience in various cybersecurity sectors, including threat intelligence and penetration testing, makes her a valuable voice in guiding professionals through the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape.

## Jen Easterly and Viktor Zhora: A Fireside Chat

Jen Easterly, Director of CISA, and Viktor Zhora, Deputy Chairman of the State Service of Special Communication and Information Protection of Ukraine, will collaborate on a fireside chat keynote. Easterly, who previously presented her keynote “Hacking the Cybersecurity Puzzle” at Black Hat USA in 2021, will join forces with Zhora to discuss the importance of collaboration between hackers, government entities, and the private sector in combating cyber threats. With Easterly’s expertise in managing and reducing risk to critical infrastructure and Zhora’s responsibilities in Ukrainian cybersecurity and digital transformation, their fireside chat promises to shed light on the evolving nature of cyber threats and the necessary collaborations to address them.

## Kemba Walden: Leading the National Cybersecurity Efforts

Kemba Walden, Acting National Cyber Director in the Office of the National Cyber Director, will present her keynote on the final day of the event. Walden, who previously served as Principal Deputy National Cyber Director, has played a significant role in drafting the National Cybersecurity Strategy and spearheading the National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy. Her talk will provide valuable insights into the nation’s cybersecurity efforts, highlighting the importance of strategic planning and collaboration. As cyber threats continue to evolve, Walden’s keynote will further emphasize the need for a comprehensive and proactive approach to cybersecurity.

## Editorial Perspective

The lineup of keynote speakers for Black Hat USA 2023 is indicative of the diverse challenges and global nature of cybersecurity. Each speaker brings a unique perspective and expertise, underscoring the multidimensional nature of the industry. From Maria Markstedter’s exploration of AI’s impact on cybersecurity to Jen Easterly and Viktor Zhora’s fireside chat on collaboration, it is evident that cybersecurity requires collective efforts from various stakeholders. Kemba Walden’s keynote will further emphasize the need for a cohesive national cybersecurity strategy that addresses the evolving threat landscape.

## Internet Security and the Importance of Cybersecurity Conferences

Attending cybersecurity conferences such as Black Hat USA is instrumental in staying abreast of the latest research, trends, and threats in the field. As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, professionals must continuously update their knowledge and skills to effectively protect critical infrastructure and sensitive information. Conferences provide a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among experts, researchers, and practitioners in the industry. The insights gained from these conferences can help organizations and individuals enhance their cyber defense capabilities and stay one step ahead of malicious actors.

## Conclusion and Advice

Black Hat USA 2023 promises to be a valuable event for cybersecurity professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of the industry. The lineup of keynote speakers reflects the global and multidisciplinary nature of cybersecurity. Attendees should take advantage of the diverse range of keynote topics, engaging with both technical and strategic discussions to broaden their perspectives. It is crucial to approach cybersecurity with a proactive mindset, staying informed about emerging threats and technologies. By participating in conferences like Black Hat USA, cybersecurity professionals can enhance their knowledge, expand their professional networks, and contribute to the collective effort in defending against cyber threats.