On November 13, 2019, cybersecurity leaders gathered at the Chicago-Kent College of Law at Illinois Institute of Technology for the 2019 Global Cyber Security Initiative (GCSI) Conference. The full day event included panel discussion, an invitation only CISO roundtable, numerous keynotes, and a concluding networking session. Sessions focused on cybersecurity planning, strategy, risk & budgeting, in addition to innovative solutions to the problems facing highly regulated industries.

Trexin’s CSO, Glenn Kapetansky, served as the moderator for the final panel discussion on Internet of Things (IoT): The New Infrastructure. To view the full video recording, click HERE:

The discussion revolved around how the IoT now represents a tremendous business opportunity but also a growing threat to organizations’ existing information security. Panelists discussed threats in terms of real life examples and offered best practices for dealing with them.

As a warmup exercise, the panel rattled off a list of things in a home environment that qualifies as the IoT. Examples included baby monitors, routers, webcams, security systems, and home healthcare equipment. The discussion then bridged to the workplace environment. Items such as fax machines, printers, wireless ports, and security systems were listed as qualifying as IoT.

The panel discussion was unusual in the sense that the audience quickly jumped in with questions and comments, which the panelists fielded from their experience. War stories were provided, ending with realistic advice for how to frame the risks and assess solutions. Overall the atmosphere was relaxed and rewarding.

Special thanks to the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), Pan Asian American Business Council (PAABC), and Convex Legal LLC  for hosting this year’s conference. In addition, special thanks to GCSI Chicago for videotaping the full panel.