Workshops 2024
Workshop Day - November 12
Workshop Day tickets are sold separately and can be purchased for $25 each. Tickets include both workshops as well as breakfast, lunch and snacks. Our Workshop Day sold out early last year, so get your tickets now.
Can AI really attack a system?
Morning workshop runs 9:00am - 12:00pm
You’ve heard about AI tools such as ChatGPT being used to write malware and other cyberattack scripts, but how effective are they really? In this interactive session, cybersecurity experts from the University of Alberta and Cybera will simulate real-world attack scenarios using AI tools. Attendees will gain relevant context into the actual threat of AI against their institution, and see how these threats are monitored and addressed through a Security Information Event Management (SIEM) system.
Geared towards the network and security leads in education and public sector institutions, this workshop will provide a valuable learning and networking opportunity. This is your chance to walk through a variety of realistic attack scenarios, and build key relationships with other experts in the field.
Laptops are optional and not required.
About the presenters:
Donald Ashdown
Information Security Analyst, University of Alberta
OWASP Edmonton Chapter Leader/Founder
Donald is a seasoned Cyber Security Analyst with a wealth of experience in defending digital landscapes and leading security initiatives. Currently working at the University of Alberta, Donald has over a decade of hands-on expertise in cyber security, with prior roles at NorQuest College, CompuVision Systems - A VC3 Company. As the founder of the OWASP Edmonton Chapter and a Community Organizer for YEGSEC, Donald is deeply involved in the cyber security community.
Beyond his professional roles, Donald actively shares his knowledge through a blog and YouTube channel, featuring cybersecurity write-ups and walkthroughs on platforms such as Hack the Box and various CTF's. He has also hosted workshops at the Cybera Cybersummit in 2023 and 2022, showcasing his commitment to advancing the field.
Donald contributes to various projects with Cybera and CanSSOC/CANARIE, reflecting a broad engagement with national and provincial cybersecurity initiatives.
Dema Gorkun
Fourth Year Cybersecurity Student, MacEwan University
OWASP Chapter Leader
Vice President, Ethical Hacking Club (clubeh.ca)
Dema Gorkun is a passionate cybersecurity enthusiast currently in his fourth year at MacEwan University, pursuing a degree in Computer Science with a focus on Information Security. Dema has participated in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions, including US Cyber Games, picoCTF, MagpieCTF, IrisCTF, and San Diego CTF, as part of his ongoing education. He is also active on TryHackMe, further sharpening his skills.
As Vice President of the ethical hacking club (clubeh.ca) at MacEwan University, Dema has organized meetings and events designed to engage students and enhance their learning in cybersecurity.
Separately, as an OWASP Chapter Leader for the Edmonton chapter, Dema is committed to improving software security by volunteering and organizing events that align with OWASP's mission while fostering the cybersecurity community in Edmonton.
Kevin Paul
Director, Cybersecurity Operations, Cybera
Kevin Paul is a leader with a unique blend of experience in both cybersecurity and law enforcement. He is currently focused on the implementation of a regional Security Operations Centre (SOC) for Alberta higher education institutions, while looking to integrate into a new national CanSSOC.
Prior to joining Cybera, Kevin led the Calgary Police Service’s (CPS) Cybercrime Team. Under his leadership, the team supported several international ransomware and online undercover operations. He was also responsible for developing an Advanced Cyber Capabilities Team and a public-private-public partnership with the University of Calgary Cyber Assessment, Training and Experimentation (CATE) Centre.
Kevin has a degree in Computer Science from the University of Calgary and worked for the University and a national telecommunications company in various technical roles, including high performance research computing and security.
Higher Education: An Industry Vision for Student Life, the Metaverse and What AI Will Bring
Afternoon workshop runs 1:00pm - 4:00pm
This session will explore how student life will change by 2035. Explore a day in the life of a student and the impact these changes will have on the existing university strategies and technology systems. We will review the changing nature of the future university, as well as its technologies and practices.
We’ll start with a briefing by higher education analyst Grace Farrell, followed by a workshop facilitated by Gartner VP and Executive Partner Stephen Lefebvre.
The workshop is applicable to anyone involved with crafting their institution’s strategy, from both a technology and student experience perspective. Target roles are CIOs, CFOs, IT Directors, PMO leaders, CISOs and other Cybersecurity Leaders, Senior Managers, Associate Deans or academic chairs.
About the presenters:
Grace Farrell
Principal Analyst, Government & Education, Gartner
Grace Farrell has been with Gartner for 5 years, and is a Principal Analyst on the Government and Education team. She supports Higher Education vendors and institutions, providing insights and research on Student Information Systems (SIS), Continuing Education and Workforce Development Solutions, and Career Services Tools. Grace also covers the foundations of building a Smart Campus and the impact the Metaverse has on higher education. A graduate of Bryant University, Grace resides in North Carolina, USA.
Stephen Lefebvre
VP and Executive Partner, Executive Programs, Gartner
Stephen Lefebvre joined Gartner in 2016 and is a VP and Executive Partner with Executive Programs (ExP). Stephen provides Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and senior technology leaders, across Canada, with a sounding board to work through complex situations. Through 1on1’s and workshops he combines Gartner research with a fun and pragmatic approach to de-risk, de-cost, and shorten the time-to-value of initiatives for his clients. With 30 years of experience, Stephen led the Canadian IT operations for Devon Energy, and was the head of their North American IT Strategy and Planning office. In addition to various large project and multi-jurisdictional delivery roles, Stephen also led an international Leadership Development Practice, EMPO, Enterprise Change Management, Business Relationship Management, and executed on Corporate Acquisition & Divestitures. He also served on the boards of the CIO Association and Evanta.
Stephen’s leadership purpose is to “use curiosity and joy to help others step into the future”. He is creative, empathetic, and practical, and as a student of leadership he is fascinated by the how. He enjoys being a guest lecturer at the Haskayne School of business. Situated in the foothills of the Rockies, you can often find him in his shop fabricating something interesting.
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