Mike Buglewicz, a program director for the Department of Energy’s emergency communication network services division, is the keynote speaker for the University of Nevada, Reno’s 2nd Annual Cybersecurity Conference March 2.

At this free event, security experts from a wide variety of sectors – in both industry and academia  as local and regional industries come together to discuss ways to tackle the growing challenges in cybersecurity through building a collaborative and synergistic relationships.

The discussions and presentations are part of the University of Nevada, Reno’s second annual cybersecurity conference on Monday, March 2, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Joe Crowley Student Union’s Milt Glick Ballroom.

The cybersecurity conference will bring in security experts to discuss ways to solve issues around cybersecurity and its enormous implications for economic development in Nevada, including industries such as aerospace, defense, banking, healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing and gaming.

“We had a successful inaugural conference last year,” Shamik Sengupta, executive director of the University’s Cybersecurity Center and conference organizer, said. “We showcased products, engaged with the community, promoted communication and built partnership opportunities. This second conference will continue to provide great insight for students and increase awareness among tomorrow’s leaders by involving them with the best cybersecurity thinkers in our region.” 

This year’s event will open with breakfast, followed by opening remarks from Reno City Mayor HiIlary Schieve. The conference will continue with invited talks and panels on cybersecurity topics and industry showcases. Topics will include vulnerability analysis, defense against ransomware, cybersecurity in critical infrastructure, interdisciplinary aspects in cybersecurity and security and privacy.

The day will end with Industry Showcase event from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the JCSU Ballroom followed by Capture the Flag, a cybersecurity contest held in the University’s Sand Box – a closed computer network that allows people to solve cybersecurity issues. Capture the Flag will run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Platinum Sponsors for the conference include: OneTrust, Palo Alto Networks + Optiv, MacLean Financial Group and Sierra Nevada Corporation; and from the University, the College of Engineering, the Computer Science & Engineering Department and the Reynolds School of Journalism. Gold level sponsors include NV Energy, Baker Hughes and IEEE Region 6. Various sponsorship opportunities are still available.

For more information, contact Shamik Sengupta, Executive Director, Cybersecurity Center and conference organizer at ssengupta@unr.edu.

The University’s Cybersecurity Center mission is to master the challenge of cybersecurity by bringing together cross-disciplinary teams to work in synchrony, examining each problem through disciplinary lenses and seeking solutions that incorporate societal, technical, ethical, political and economic considerations.