Catalyst Summit
Democracy Edition
Thanks to our partners for continued support:
Be part of the inaugural Catalyst Summit!
Join us for our first annual Catalyst Summit: Democracy Edition, which will unite the Catalyst community—alumni, instructors, stakeholders, and program partners—for a dynamic exchange of ideas and collaborative vision-setting for the year ahead.
With the transformative 2024 elections, the need for robust cyber strategies has never been greater. We will come together to discuss how to strengthen democracy, society, and the global economy against cyber threats, while collaborating to shape Catalyst programs addressing these challenges. This exclusive Catalyst community gathering is an opportunity to reflect, plan, and celebrate cybersecurity initiatives that are working to build a more secure, resilient digital future where innovation and security thrive.
We’re inviting you inside the tent to help us shape the future of cybersecurity.
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Brampton, ON
"Canada's Cyber Capital"
Our forward-thinking Catalyst Community
Exchange of ideas & collaborative workshops
Agenda
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Registration & Networking Breakfast | Lobby
Welcome & Introductions | Main Room - Muirfield Edinburgh Room
Charles Finlay, Founding Executive Director, Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst
Judith Borts, Senior Director, Planning and Delivery, Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst
Opening Remarks | Main Room - Muirfield Edinburgh Room
Steven Liss, Vice President, Research and Innovation, TMU
AI & Cybersecurity: Shaping the Future of Democracy and Global Stability | Main Room - Muirfield Edinburgh Room
Keynote
The rapid development of AI technology has widened the gap between the “haves” and “have-nots,” affecting not only individuals but entire regions. Different global powers, including North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, are taking varied approaches to AI regulation, shaping their unique policies. As AI continues to evolve, the question arises: will it be a force for safeguarding democracies and digital infrastructures, or will it be used to fuel cyberattacks and destabilize global security?
Rob Lee, Chief of Research and Head of Faculty, SANS Institute
Canada's Cybersecurity Landscape: A Threat Environment Briefing | Main Room - Muirfield Edinburgh Room
Presentation
Gain vital insights into Canada’s current threat landscape, exploring the latest cyberattack tactics, trends, and vulnerabilities. This session will examine key incidents shaping the environment and provide forward-looking analysis on risks from nation-state actors and cybercriminals. Attendees will leave equipped with the knowledge to protect themselves and their organizations from evolving threats.
Andrea Stapley, Head of Technology, Air Canada
10:45 – 11:00 AM
Morning Break
Future-Proofing Cybersecurity: Trends to Watch on the Global Horizon | Main Room - Muirfield Edinburgh Room
Presentation
Explore key global cybersecurity trends and how countries are addressing rising threats through evolving regulations and defense strategies. This session will cover the growing expectations on cyber teams to counter advanced threats like AI-driven attacks and ransomware. We will also examine the impact of emerging technologies, geopolitical shifts, and supply chain vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for a global, cross-sector approach to security.
Christine Gadsby, Vice President and CISO, Blackberry
2025 at Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst | Main Room - Muirfield Edinburgh Room
Announcement
Charles Finlay, Founding Executive Director, Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst
Message from Okta For Good | Main Room - Muirfield Edinburgh Room
Announcement
Ryan Sydor, AVP Canada, Okta
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Lunch Sponsored by
| Lobby
Workshop sessions I
Policy Workshop | Drumoak Room
Defeating Ransomware: A National Crisis that Demands Coordinated Action
Ransomware is no longer a niche concern; it is a national crisis impacting every sector of Canada’s economy. The financial toll is immense, especially for small businesses, and the threat to public safety is real with attacks on critical services like healthcare and energy. In this workshop, participants will explore global best practices and contribute to a cross-sector effort to combat ransomware in Canada.
Speaker: Taylor Grossman, Institute for Security and Technology
Facilitator: Judith Borts, Senior Director, Planning and Delivery, Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst
Clinic Workshop | Aberdeen Terrace Room
Empowering Vulnerable Organizations with Cybersecurity Clinics
The cyber poverty line divides organizations with mature security resources from those without. Too many Canadian organizations fall below this line. This workshop will explore the cyber clinic model, offering free services to vulnerable organizations, and discuss how to implement it to support target-rich, cyber-poor organizations in Canada.
Speaker: Ann Cleaveland, Executive Director, Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity, University of California, Berkeley
Facilitator: Katie Gibson, Senior Advisor, Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst
Innovation Workshop | Muirfield Edinburgh Room
Exploring the Ecosystem: Driving Cyber Innovation Across Canada’s Economy
In 2023, the Business Development Bank of Canada reported 100,000 fewer entrepreneurs than 20 years ago, despite significant population growth. Governments are investing in startups, including in the cyber domain, as drivers of innovation and competitiveness. This session will explore gaps in the cyber innovation ecosystem and discuss how to activate innovation across Canada’s economy.
Speaker: Eldon Sprickerhoff, Strategic Advisor, Caledon Ventures
Facilitator: Charles Finlay, Founding Executive Director, Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst
1:55 – 2:05 PM
Afternoon Break
Workshop sessions II
Policy Workshop | Drumoak Room
Defeating Ransomware: A National Crisis that Demands Coordinated Action
Ransomware is no longer a niche concern; it is a national crisis impacting every sector of Canada’s economy. The financial toll is immense, especially for small businesses, and the threat to public safety is real with attacks on critical services like healthcare and energy. In this workshop, participants will explore global best practices and contribute to a cross-sector effort to combat ransomware in Canada.
Speaker: Taylor Grossman, Institute for Security and Technology
Facilitator: Judith Borts, Senior Director, Planning and Delivery, Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst
Clinic Workshop | Aberdeen Terrace Room
Empowering Vulnerable Organizations with Cybersecurity Clinics
The cyber poverty line divides organizations with mature security resources from those without. Too many Canadian organizations fall below this line. This workshop will explore the cyber clinic model, offering free services to vulnerable organizations, and discuss how to implement it to support target-rich, cyber-poor organizations in Canada.
Speaker: Ann Cleaveland, Executive Director, Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity, University of California, Berkeley
Facilitator: Katie Gibson, Senior Advisor, Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst
Talent Workshop | Muirfield Edinburgh Room
Leadership’s Role in Retaining Cybersecurity Talent
Burnout in the cyber field is increasing, with over 65% of SOC professionals considering quitting due to stress. Rising cybercrime and heavy workloads are major contributors, but effective team management can help. This session will explore the causes of burnout, the role of managers in supporting teams, and skills gaps that could alleviate the issue.
Speaker: Lisa Tetrault, Vice President, Global Security Operations, Arctic Wolf
Facilitator: Randy Purse, Senior Cybersecurity Advisor, Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst
Investing in the Future: Strengthening Catalyst's Community | Main Room - Muirfield Edinburgh Room
Don’t miss our special update on the Catalyst Community
Rushmi Hasham, Director, Strategic Partnerships, Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst
Anne-Marie Kelly, Head of Fraud, Paays, and Catalyst Ambassador, Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst
ELCI – Cohort 1 (2022-23)
Closing Remarks | Main Room - Muirfield Edinburgh Room
Charles Finlay, Founding Executive Director, Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst
Networking Reception | Lobby
Join us for a reception featuring drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and a few words from the Mayor of Brampton, Patrick Brown, while taking the opportunity to connect and network with the Summit community.
Remarks from: Mayor Patrick Brown
Featuring
The Details
- Wednesday, November 13, 2024
- 8:00 AM – 5 PM EST
- Lionhead Golf Club & Conference Centre (Brampton, ON)
- Food and beverages to be provided.
- Attendee registrations will be considered on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Mark your calendars
If you have questions about the event or accessibility needs, we would love to hear from you. Reach out to events@cybersecurecatalyst.ca
