As a technical advocate focused on cybersecurity in Learn with Cisco, my mission is to empower our community with the knowledge and tools to thrive in today’s ever-evolving landscape. Few cybersecurity events embody the spirit of innovation and learning quite like Black Hat USA. I’m incredibly excited to share that I will be attending this year’s event in Las Vegas this August, and I’m eager to immerse myself in the latest advancements shaping our field.
What is Black Hat?
If you’re new to the cybersecurity conference circuit, Black Hat is a globally recognized event series renowned for its deep technical and vendor-neutral focus. It attracts a diverse audience—security researchers, hackers, corporate and government professionals, executives, and even those just beginning their cybersecurity journey. Black Hat USA 2025 will take place August 2-7 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
Why I’m attending Black Hat this year
At Cisco, my role centers on championing security solutions and equipping our community with relevant knowledge. Black Hat offers a unique opportunity to stay at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation. It’s where the industry’s brightest minds present breakthrough research, new tools, and emerging strategies.
I am attending to gain firsthand insights into the latest threats and defenses, explore the dynamic interplay between offense and defense, and bring actionable knowledge back to the Cisco community to enhance our collective security. It’s also a fantastic venue for connecting with peers and thought leaders, fueling the continuous learning mindset that’s essential in our field.
What I look forward to most at Black Hat USA
There’s no shortage of things to see and do at Black Hat USA. Here are a few highlights I’m especially excited about.
Strategic cybersecurity insights from the main stage
The main stage keynotes always set the tone, offering high-level perspectives on the current and future state of cybersecurity. This year, I’m particularly interested in Beyond the Limits: Transforming the SOC to Tackle Modern Challenges, featuring Tony Paterra, Vice President, Product Management – Security Products at Splunk, on Thursday, August 7.
Security Operations Centers (SOCs) face significant challenges—fragmented tools, limited visibility, and a persistent skills gap, to name a few. I’m eager to hear Tony’s vision for building more unified and adaptable SOCs and explore how these ideas align with Cisco’s cybersecurity certifications. As someone dedicated to bridging the cybersecurity skills gap, I value any opportunity to learn how we can better support SOC teams.
Cutting-edge threat briefings
The technical heart of Black Hat lies in its briefings. This is where leading researchers reveal the latest vulnerabilities, attack methods, and defensive tactics. I’m especially interested in sessions covering AI in cyber defense and offense, supply chain security, and cloud vulnerabilities.
One standout is the Cisco Talos briefing, GenAI: How it’s Being Used as a Lure, a Tool, and a Weapon, presented by Nick Biasini, Head of Outreach, Cisco Talos, on Wednesday, August 6. Generative AI is rapidly reshaping our industry, and it’s essential to understand how threat actors leverage it. Hearing directly from Cisco Talos about real-world GenAI threats and defenses is invaluable for my role in advising and educating our community.
Exploring the arsenal
The arsenal is where innovation comes alive. Live demos, direct interactions with developers—it’s hands-on learning you can’t get anywhere else. I’m always on the lookout for new open-source tools that simplify complex tasks and boost automation, especially those aligned with DevNet principles.
That’s why I’m particularly looking forward to the AI Wargame on August 6 and 7. It’s a fun, educational attack-and-defense simulation. As you may know from my recent tutorial on AI vulnerabilities, I love pushing AI systems to their limits. This wargame’s format, defending your chatbot’s secrets while probing others for theirs, provides a dynamic way to experience AI security challenges firsthand.
Connecting in the business hall and beyond
While the technical content is outstanding, the networking opportunities are just as valuable. Black Hat gathers a vibrant and influential community, and informal events often spark the most meaningful conversations. I’m looking forward to engaging with customers, learning about their experiences, and gathering feedback that helps shape Cisco’s solutions.
A can’t-miss event for me is the Splunk AfterParty with Cisco and Contrast Security on August 6 at Allegiant Stadium. With exclusive stadium access, refreshments, and the chance to meet Splunk security leaders and peers, it’s the perfect setting to build connections. The “Threat Hunter’s Cookbook” book signing by Splunk’s SURGe team is a great bonus!
Let’s connect at Black Hat USA
I’ll be actively involved in Black Hat throughout the week, stopping by the Cisco booth regularly to connect with attendees. If you’re attending Black Hat USA 2025, I’d love to meet you! I’m always eager to hear about your latest challenges and successes and to chart the course for the future of cybersecurity together.
Feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn to set up a time to connect in Las Vegas.
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