Canadian Women in Cybersecurity 2023

The 2023 Canadian Women in Cybersecurity conference celebrates the diversity of thought, experience, ability, and background. The very real challenge of diversity in the Canadian cybersecurity ecosystem is not limited to hiring practices alone – bringing diversity into our thinking about cybersecurity challenges propels new innovations and techniques that will position Canada as a global leader in cybersecurity.

With more diversity to solve cybersecurity challenges, we bring more creativity and representation to the table and our conference demonstrates exactly how. Going into its third year, this event will highlight the achievements and innovations from various cybersecurity leaders and in Canada who come from diverse educational, technical, social, and personal backgrounds.

From celebrating novel products and tools to learning from leaders who have shattered the glass ceiling and paved the way for others to follow, this conference is geared to a diverse audience. With inspiring keynotes and panels, hands-on technical reviews, and gamified in-person and virtual engagements, another riveting experience awaits.

#WeAreCyber

Head of Cybersecurity
Head of Cybersecurity at Youth Employment Services
Chapter President
Chapter President at Blacks In Technology
Cybersecurity & Privacy
Cybersecurity & Privacy at EY
Gina Cody Research Chair
Gina Cody Research Chair at Concordia University
Privacy and Data Strategist
Privacy and Data Strategist at Binary Tattoo
Senior Security Program Manager
Senior Security Program Manager at Ruby
CISO
CISO at Ruby
Cloud Security Program Manager
Cloud Security Program Manager at IBM
Sr. Product Security Architect
Sr. Product Security Architect at SAP
VP, Information Security & CISO
VP, Information Security & CISO at Interac
Senior Manager
Senior Manager at Ontario’s Cyber Security Centre of Excellence
Professional Services Security Lead
Professional Services Security Lead at AWS Canada
Senior Advisor, Financial Crimes Unit Exercises
Senior Advisor, Financial Crimes Unit Exercises at BMO
VP & CISO
VP & CISO at Varicent
Director Cybersecurity & GRC
Director Cybersecurity & GRC at Allstate
Technical Specialist - Security and Compliance
Technical Specialist - Security and Compliance at Microsoft
VP, CISO
VP, CISO at Equifax Canada
Managing Director, Cybersecurity, Portfolio Value Creation
Managing Director, Cybersecurity, Portfolio Value Creation at CPP Investments
CAO
CAO at Town of Midland
VP, Information Security
VP, Information Security at Choice Properties REIT
Manager - Federal Account North America
Manager - Federal Account North America at SANS
Business Information Security Officer
Business Information Security Officer at TD
Senior Cybersecurity Strategic Advisor
Senior Cybersecurity Strategic Advisor at Shared Services
Power User (Technical Sessions)
  • May 30, 2023 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
    Registration and Breakfast

    Start your day off with a VIP Breakfast: 

    • Scrambled Eggs
    • Crispy bacon
    • Chicken sausage
    • Crisp fried breakfast potatoes
    • Whole wheat croissants, lemon poppy seed loaf and banana bread
    • Fruit preserves, honey and butter
    • Assorted individual yogurts
    • Fresh sliced fruit and berries
    • Fresh juices, coffee, and assorted teas
  • May 30, 2023 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
    Welcome and Opening Session: Femtech; Biometric Surveillance and Monitoring
  • May 30, 2023 10:00 AM - 10:55 AM
    Shadow IT; Reducing the Risk, while Fueling Productivity

    Considering the rise of remote work, and employees trying to maximize their productivity, it is not surprising that the number of apps that are not managed or owned by IT has grown to 60%1. Shadow IT creates one of the biggest challenges we face in a security community. Bad actors use sophisticated methods to exploit personal devices and cloud apps to gain access to enterprise resources. How can you empower your employees to be productive and still maintain visibility and protection? Join us for this session to learn more about the risks of Shadow IT, how to evaluate in your environment and areas to help manage control while still balancing employee productivity.

  • May 30, 2023 10:55 AM - 11:35 AM
    Networking Break

    Take a refreshing break with warm treats:

    • Crispy seasoned crostini served with fresh tomatoes bruschetta with basil and garlic, warm cheddar dip, olive and sundried tomato tapenade
  • May 30, 2023 11:35 AM - 12:30 PM
    Delivering Applications Faster and Safer Across Hybrid Networks

    Join us to learn how to bridge gaps between NetSec and CloudSec and accelerate application delivery. Multiple firewall and cloud vendors across a hybrid infrastructure make it nearly impossible for network security teams to maintain visibility and control.

    We’ll show you how to centralize and automate network access, eliminating manual tasks and optimizing SLAs, compliance, and security. This session will cover:

    - Centralizing segmentation management

    - Automating and orchestrating network access

    - Integrating security policy checks into the CI/CD pipeline

    - Improving collaboration between network and application teams 

  • May 30, 2023 12:30 PM - 1:20 PM
    Networking Lunch

    Re-energize with a warm lunch:

    • Baby spinach salad with Ravine Farms mushrooms, herbs, and maple mustard vinaigrette
    • Red beet salad with Vidalia onions and house vinaigrette
    • Grilled supreme of chicken with herbs
    • Creamy mashed potatoes
    • Seasonal Holland Marsh vegetable medley
    • Apple and pear crumble with whipped cream
    • Soft drinks, fresh juices, coffee, and assorted teas
  • May 30, 2023 1:20 PM - 2:15 PM
    Set Up Kali Linux and Learn How to Work with Metasploit
  • May 30, 2023 2:15 PM - 255 PM
    Networking Break

    Take a refreshing break with warm treats:

    • Hummus, sweet potato hummus and olive tapenade with seasonal vegetables and mini pitas
  • May 30, 2023 2:55 PM - 3:50 PM
    The Impact of AI and ChatGPT
  • May 30, 2023 3:50 PM - 4:10 PM
    Reset

    A quick refresh to stretch your legs.

Power Skills (Non-Technical Sessions)
  • May 30, 2023 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
    Registration and Breakfast

    Start your day off with a VIP Breakfast: 

    • Scrambled Eggs
    • Crispy bacon
    • Chicken sausage
    • Crisp fried breakfast potatoes
    • Whole wheat croissants, lemon poppy seed loaf and banana bread
    • Fruit preserves, honey and butter
    • Assorted individual yogurts
    • Fresh sliced fruit and berries
    • Fresh juices, coffee, and assorted teas
  • May 30, 2023 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
    Welcome and Opening: Emotional Intelligence: How Does it Impact Security Services
  • May 30, 2023 10:00 AM - 10:55 AM
    Cloud Security Expectations vs Reality: Insights From the Telus Canadian Cloud Security Study

    Is cloud security meeting the expectations of Canadian organizations? Join Kim Schreder, Director of Cybersecurity, Professional Services at TELUS, as she shares insights from the upcoming TELUS Canadian Cloud Security Study that answer this question. Based on the feedback of over 500 Canadian organizations, the study explores the current state of cloud adoption and security in Canada, discusses the challenges organizations are facing with security in the cloud, and examines how organizations are detecting and responding to cloud security incidents.

  • May 30, 2023 10:55 AM - 11:35 AM
    Networking Break

    Take a refreshing break with warm treats:

    • Crispy seasoned crostini served with fresh tomatoes bruschetta with basil and garlic, warm cheddar dip, olive and sundried tomato tapenade
  • May 30, 2023 11:35 AM - 12:30 PM
    Effective Cyber Risk Reporting: Metrics and Strategies

    The cyber threat landscape is complex and continuously changing – risk reporting based solely on cybersecurity controls compliance is no longer enough. Organizations that embark on a cyber risk management journey should start by understanding their level of maturity and establishing their key building blocks – including identifying and setting up the inter-relationships between risks, threat scenarios, key controls and metrics. This workshop will delve into the importance of risk reporting and key metrics the cybersecurity team should focus on to get attention and investment from senior leadership.

  • May 30, 2023 12:30 PM - 1:20 PM
    Networking Lunch

    Re-energize with a warm lunch:

    • Baby spinach salad with Ravine Farms mushrooms, herbs, and maple mustard vinaigrette
    • Red beet salad with Vidalia onions and house vinaigrette
    • Grilled supreme of chicken with herbs
    • Creamy mashed potatoes
    • Seasonal Holland Marsh vegetable medley
    • Apple and pear crumble with whipped cream
    • Soft drinks, fresh juices, coffee, and assorted teas
  • May 30, 2023 1:20 PM - 2:15 PM
    Recovering AD: The Missing Piece in Your ITDR Plan
  • May 30, 2023 2:15 PM - 2:55 PM
    Networking Break

    Take a refreshing break with warm treats:

    • Hummus, sweet potato hummus and olive tapenade with seasonal vegetables and mini pitas
  • May 30, 2023 2:55 PM - 3:50 PM
    Privacy and The Internal Threat Conundrum
  • May 30, 2023 3:50 PM - 4:10 PM
    Reset

    A quick refresh to stretch your legs.

Level Up (Executive Sessions)
  • May 30, 2023 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
    Registration and Breakfast

    Start your day off with a VIP Breakfast: 

    • Scrambled Eggs
    • Crispy bacon
    • Chicken sausage
    • Crisp fried breakfast potatoes
    • Whole wheat croissants, lemon poppy seed loaf and banana bread
    • Fruit preserves, honey and butter
    • Assorted individual yogurts
    • Fresh sliced fruit and berries
    • Fresh juices, coffee, and assorted teas
  • May 30, 2023 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
    Welcome and Opening: The Evolving Role of a CISO
  • May 30, 2023 10:00 AM - 10:55 AM
    Be Brave Like Your Career Depends on IT!

    It is possible to design, pursue, and attain your dream job. Join this session to learn about Pam Lindemoen's journey to her current role as a CISO Advisor at Cisco. She will discuss how to successfully navigate through some of the challenges and obstacles unique to women in the cybersecurity industry to reach your own full potential.

  • May 30, 2023 10:55 AM - 11:35 AM
    Networking Break

    Take a refreshing break with warm treats:

    • Crispy seasoned crostini served with fresh tomatoes bruschetta with basil and garlic, warm cheddar dip, olive and sundried tomato tapenade
  • May 30, 2023 11:35 AM - 12:30 PM
    Vulnerabilities: Are Companies Accidentally Paving the Way for Cyber Attacks

    Cybersecurity teams often find vulnerabilities, which can be a significant challenge, especially when they are zero-day vulnerabilities. There is a growing marketplace where vulnerabilities are traded, while at the same time companies feel a growing pressure to pay bug bounties. This presentation will explore the evolving threat and examine whether companies are potentially creating their own vulnerabilities when decommissioning hardware. We tested the hypothesis that decommissioning processes may not always wipe a device clean, leaving critical data from the previous owner accessible and open to abuse. Join us to hear what we accessed and the potential damage it could cause.

  • May 30, 2023 12:30 PM - 1:20 PM
    Networking Lunch

    Re-energize with a warm lunch:

    • Baby spinach salad with Ravine Farms mushrooms, herbs, and maple mustard vinaigrette
    • Red beet salad with Vidalia onions and house vinaigrette
    • Grilled supreme of chicken with herbs
    • Creamy mashed potatoes
    • Seasonal Holland Marsh vegetable medley
    • Apple and pear crumble with whipped cream
    • Soft drinks, fresh juices, coffee, and assorted teas
  • May 30, 2023 1:20 PM - 2:15 PM
    Women in Cyber Security Sales – Lessons from the Field

    From recruitment to advancement and retention, join us for lessons from the field on breaking down the barriers for women’s empowerment in cyber security and improving business performance.

  • May 30, 2023 2:15 PM - 3:05 PM
    Networking Break

    Take a refreshing break with warm treats:

    • Hummus, sweet potato hummus and olive tapenade with seasonal vegetables and mini pitas
  • May 30, 2023 2:55 PM - 3:50 PM
    From Hops to Hazards: Paralleling the Challenges of Home Brewing with Security Operations
  • May 30, 2023 3:50 PM - 4:10 PM
    Reset

    A quick refresh to stretch your legs.

  • May 30, 2023 4:10 PM - 5:00 PM
    Transforming Your Cybersecurity Through Consolidation

    Cybersecurity transformation has become imperative for organizations to simplify and elevate their security today and ensure that they’re ready for what’s next.

Public Focus (Public Sector)
  • May 30, 2023 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
    Registration and Breakfast

    Start your day off with a VIP Breakfast: 

    • Scrambled Eggs
    • Crispy bacon
    • Chicken sausage
    • Crisp fried breakfast potatoes
    • Whole wheat croissants, lemon poppy seed loaf and banana bread
    • Fruit preserves, honey and butter
    • Assorted individual yogurts
    • Fresh sliced fruit and berries
    • Fresh juices, coffee, and assorted teas
  • May 30, 2023 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
    Welcome and Opening: Building a Risk Management Culture
  • May 30, 2023 10:00 AM - 10:55 AM
    Put First Things First : How to Lead Your Not For Profit Through Security Initiatives
  • May 30, 2023 10:55 AM - 11:35 AM
    Networking Break

    Take a refreshing break with warm treats:

    • Crispy seasoned crostini served with fresh tomatoes bruschetta with basil and garlic, warm cheddar dip, olive and sundried tomato tapenade
  • May 30, 2023 11:35 AM - 12:30 PM
    The Superpower in You

    The key to your success is understanding your superpower and how you can hone it in your cyber career. Participate in our discussion with our panelists from diverse backgrounds working in cyber at CAE and learn from their journey. Our discussion will follow diversity and inclusion as key drivers of success in the ever-evolving cybersecurity arena.

    Unlocking the power of diversity and inclusion in the cybersecurity landscape leads to exceptional competitive advantages. By advocating for an environment that values different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds, organizations can empower themselves to tackle complex challenges with a broader range of innovative solutions.

  • May 30, 2023 12:30 PM - 1:20 PM
    Networking Lunch

    Re-energize with a warm lunch:

    • Baby spinach salad with Ravine Farms mushrooms, herbs, and maple mustard vinaigrette
    • Red beet salad with Vidalia onions and house vinaigrette
    • Grilled supreme of chicken with herbs
    • Creamy mashed potatoes
    • Seasonal Holland Marsh vegetable medley
    • Apple and pear crumble with whipped cream
    • Soft drinks, fresh juices, coffee, and assorted teas
  • May 30, 2023 1:20 PM - 2:15 PM
    Incident Management Preparedness & Response Workshop
  • May 30, 2023 2:15 PM - 2:55 PM
    Networking Break

    Take a refreshing break with warm treats:

    • Hummus, sweet potato hummus and olive tapenade with seasonal vegetables and mini pitas
  • May 30, 2023 2:55 PM - 3:50 PM
    Incident Management Preparedness & Response Workshop Continued
  • May 30, 2023 3:50 PM - 4:10 PM
    Reset

    A quick refresh to stretch your legs.

  • May 30, 2023 4:10 PM - 5:00 PM
    ELCH Finals

    Emerging Leaders in Canadian Security (ELCS) and siberX have partnered to create Emerging Leaders CanHack (ELCH), a hackathon aimed at bringing fresh minds and emerging leaders in front of established leaders to shape the future. ELCH is designed to provide partner businesses an opportunity to witness young practitioners solve real-world problems related to cybersecurity and international relations. An advisory board consisting of academic and industry leaders will guide and advise participants. The hackathon consists of two prompts, and participants can form teams of up to four members. The competition will take place virtually, and participants will receive access to cybersecurity tools and free training to develop their response to the prompt. Join us as we crown the winners!!!!

Gala Night
  • May 30, 2023 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Registration and Check-In
  • May 30, 2023 6:00 PM - 6:10 PM
    Welcome and Opening Remarks
  • May 30, 2023 6:10 PM - 6:55 PM
    Intersection of Cybersecurity and Fraud; The Continual Protection of Data

    By focusing on the triage of confidentiality, integrity and availability, security professionals are not only protecting the misuse of data but are constantly playing a critical role in identifying fraudulent activity and data. With a combination of IAM tools, enhanced telemetry and logging, security professionals are at the forefront of combatting in fraud in multiple critical sectors. Join us to learn more about this increasingly complex and important field.

  • May 30, 2023 6:55 PM - 7:20 PM
    Dinner Service Begins - First Course is Served

    First Course:

    • Creamy parsnip and celeriac soup with apple garnish
    • Caesar salad with crisp romaine, parmesan cheese, herb croutons and house-made Caesar dressing
  • May 30, 2023 7:20 PM - 8:05 PM
    Resiliencey after an Attack; a Fireside Chat

    Kimberley Black is a public speaker and an advocate of her #bpositive and Take Your Power Back messages initiated to help others build resilience and promote an end to gender-based violence. Motivated by the overwhelming support received following trauma, she and her husband were inspired to create the Take Your Power Back show to promote the beauty of humanity in times of crisis through the art of dance, storytelling, and music.

    Her message relates strongly to resiliency after an attack and has crucial lessons for security professionals. Join Kimberley in conversation with our advisor Ali Abbas Hirji in a fireside chat at our Gala Night "Resiliency After an Attack: A Fireside Chat"

  • May 30, 2023 8:05 PM - 8:40 PM
    Second Course is Served

    Second Course:

    • Wrapped filet of beef topped with fire roasted tomato chutney
    • Breast of chicken topped with wild mushroom, truffles, and natural juices
  • May 30, 2023 8:40 PM - 9:00 PM
    Bridging the Gender and Digital Divide Through Entrepreneurship

    In their keynote Fatima and Amna will share their story of building a 500,000-dollar company and realizing the under-representation of girls and females in the startup, unicorn and tech world. They are now on a mission to fix the gender and digital divide and empower every girl to live her best life.

  • May 30, 2023 9:00 PM - 9:25 PM
    Dessert Course is Served

    Dessert:

    • Dessert Tasting Trio; Warm chocolate lava cake, Pear and apple crumble, Key lime pie with graham crumbs, whipped cream and lime candy
  • May 30, 2023 9:25 PM - 10:00 PM
    Award Ceremony

    Presentation of the Canadian Women in Cybersecurity awards, honouring outstanding individuals in three categories: Lifetime Achievement, Woman in Leadership, and Ally Awards. Be part of this inspiring event as we recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions and achievements of women in the cybersecurity field.

CareerXpo
  • May 30, 2023 10:00 AM
    Registration & Check-In

    Build Your Squad Corner

    - Come network with other attendees who are on the same journey as you

    - Engage with experts who are there to answer all your questions in the Ask Me Anything rounds!

    WiCYS Career Village

    - Get your LinkedIn and Resume reviewed and get advice on how you can make impactful changes

    - Engage in Career Conversations with mentors who can guide you on your journey as you navigate your career whether you are entering the field or are a ventran

    Headshot Zone

    - Get a professional headshot taken that you can use on LinkedIn or anywhere else!

    Booths

    - Engage with colleges, universities, cybersecurity cert bodies and of course, employers who are onsite to talk about the openings in their organizations

  • May 30, 2023 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    Cyber Gamified

    Want to test your ability to respond to a real-time breach or security situation? Drop by our Cybergamified section and sign up for a live game.

  • May 30, 2023 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    Everyone Should Learn to Hack
  • May 30, 2023 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Cyber Gamified

    Want to test your ability to respond to a real-time breach or security situation? Drop by our Cybergamified section and sign up for a live game.

  • May 30, 2023 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    The Art of Selling Cybersecurity
  • May 30, 2023 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    Canadian Centre for Cybersecurity & Opera Singing: A Career Saga
  • May 30, 2023 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Getting Into Cybersecurity Without a Technical Background

About the Venue

Situated in Richmond Hill, this hotel offers first-rate facilities including a spacious athletic club and comfortable guestrooms with contemporary amenities. The hotel hosts the conference venue and all attendees to Canadan Women in Cybersecurity 2023 will see signage and notes to additional services and support to ensure a comfortable stay.

What's the event about?

The Canadian Women in Cybersecurity conference celebrates the diversity of thought, experience, ability, and background. The genuine challenge of diversity in the Canadian cybersecurity ecosystem is not limited to hiring practices alone – bringing diversity into our thinking about cybersecurity challenges propels innovations and techniques that will position Canada as a global leader in cybersecurity. With more diversity to solve cybersecurity challenges, we bring creativity and representation to the table, and our conference demonstrates precisely how.

Going into its fourth year, this event will highlight the achievements and innovations of various cybersecurity leaders in Canada who come from diverse educational, technical, social, and personal backgrounds.

From celebrating novel products and tools to learning from leaders who have shattered the glass ceiling and paved the way for diversity, this conference is geared toward a diverse audience. As a result, your organization can position its brand, services, and philosophy and establish trust and new relationships with eminent personalities in the cybersecurity community.

With inspiring keynotes and panels, hands-on technical reviews, gamified in-person and virtual engagements, career conversations, and an awards gala, another riveting experience awaits.

Can I join virtually?

Yes you can! We have a virtual pass which covers all the LearnX and Gala night sessions.

Will there be trade show booths/exhibit areas?

Yes! Come network and connect with exhibitors at the conference. Visit our CareerXpo area to meet with organizations looking to hire new talent with lots of career-building opportunities. 

Do I need a physical ticket/how do I check-in?

Simply purchase your ticket on siberx.org, and once you arrive at the event, have your photo ID ready to show the check-in desk. 

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards.

Do you offer Government employee pricing or Student discounts?

Yes we do! Valid identification will be required at check-in.

What is your Code of Conduct?

Our event is dedicated to providing a harassment-free conference experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), or technology choices. We do not tolerate harassment of conference participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any event venue, including talks, workshops, parties, Twitter and other online media. Event participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the event (without a refund) at the discretion of the conference organizers.

How do I get a ticket?

You can purchase tickets by clicking the Tickets tab.

What if I want to cancel, refund, or upgrade my ticket?

Tickets are non-cancellable, non-refundable. We may be able to reassign your ticket- send an email to [email protected]
To upgrade, please send an email to [email protected]

Can I change my ticket type at the door?

Based on availability, we may be able to accommodate this request.

Can I buy tickets at the door?

Tickets are limited, there may be same-day tickets again, but we cannot guarantee.

Can I watch the breakout sessions with a CareerXpo ticket?

CareerXpo ticket holders will only have access to the Career Zone. To view the sessions, please purchase a LearnX, GalaX or Full Conference Pass.

Can I attend the Career Zone with a LearnX ticket?

Yes, you will have access to the CareerXpo.

What's the venue’s address?

600 Hwy 7, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 1B2

Is there free parking?

There is ample free parking at the hotel, as well as free underground parking.

Which hotel should I stay at for this event?

Is your venue accessible?

Yes!

Can I bring my service animal?

Service and support animals are welcomed.

Will there be food provided and what if I have dietary restrictions?

Breakfast, lunch and snack breaks will be provided to all full conference pass and LearnX ticket holders. GalaX attendees will also receive a served dinner. Please add your dietary restrictions with details during registration and we will accommodate accordingly.

How can I volunteer for this event?

Please apply at siberx.org/volunteer

How can I become a sponsor/partner for this event?

Please send an email to [email protected]

Who do I get in contact with if I have more questions?

If you have any more questions, please use the chat option or send us an email at [email protected]

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