Empowering Wyoming’s Cybersecurity: Cyber Cheyenne 2024
On October 4, 2024, I had the privilege of attending Cyber Cheyenne 2024 at the Clay Pathfinder Building on the Laramie County Community College campus. Hosted by the Wyoming and Northern Colorado Chapters of the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA), the event was a vibrant meeting ground for professionals, educators, and students. It wasn’t just another conference; it felt like a collaborative platform focusing on community engagement and building a safer digital future.
A Keynote That Was Out of This World
The event kicked off with a captivating keynote by Scott H. Stalker, Founder and CEO of S2 – Stalker Solutions. His talk, “The Future of Cyber Let’s Talk About Space,” explored the expanding role of space-based technologies such as satellites and orbital communication systems and highlighted the growing need to secure these critical assets. Stalker left the audience with thought-provoking questions about vulnerabilities beyond Earth’s atmosphere, emphasizing that the future of cybersecurity must extend into space.
Quantum Cryptography in Simple Terms
Frank Gearhart led one of the standout technical sessions, which discussed the algorithms behind quantum cryptography and the NSA’s new encryption guidelines for defending against quantum-based attacks. Gearhart highlighted how the rapid development of quantum computing threatens traditional encryption methods, making it essential for organizations to begin implementing quantum-resistant algorithms.
Quantum Cryptography in Simple Terms
- Traditional encryption is like locking valuables in a safe with a combination lock. If thieves spend enough time guessing the code, they might eventually unlock it.
- Quantum cryptography is like using a safe that changes its combination every second. Even if someone tries to guess the code, the combination will already have changed the moment they attempt, and the safe will know it was tampered with.
Key takeaways from this session include the NSA’s new encryption guidelines, which urge organizations to adopt quantum-resistant algorithms, equivalent to upgrading from outdated safes to cutting-edge, ever-changing security systems.
Practical Cybersecurity Tips for Everyone
In an engaging session titled “Real World Cybersecurity: What Can the Public Do to Stay Safe?” Christopher D. Bonatti offered practical tips for non-technical users. His accessible presentation focused on everyday actions that significantly improve online safety:
- Using multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Creating unique, complex passwords
- Staying vigilant against phishing attempts
Bonatti’s friendly and down-to-earth delivery made cybersecurity approachable, empowering participants to implement small yet impactful changes in their daily online habits.
Apprenticeships: Cultivating the Cyber Workforce
One of the most meaningful discussions revolved around cybersecurity apprenticeships and the growing skills gap in the field. A panel featuring Angela Baker, Robert Fife, Dylan Wood, Shane Brown, and Eric Trowbridge emphasized the importance of hands-on learning and mentorship in developing future professionals. It was inspiring to see industry leaders and educators align on building meaningful career paths through apprenticeship programs.
Meet the Winners of Wyoming's Cybersecurity Competition for Small Business
Left to right: Laura Baker, CyberWyoming; Joseph Whiteplume, High Plains Power; Jennifer Clark, the Goat Ladies’ Mary Keane, CyberWyoming; Shantel Anderson, High Point CPAs; and Meagan Herrington, Black Cat LLC.
2024 Winners:
- Joseph Whiteplume
Chief Information Security Officer, High Plains Power, Riverton, WY - Shantel Anderson
Senior Accountant and Non-profit Specialist, High Point CPAs, Laramie, WY - Jennifer Clark
The Goat Lady and CEO, The Goat Ladies and J&J Second Chance Small Holdings, Rock River, WY
The session celebrated small business leaders in cybersecurity. CyberWyoming’s Made Safe Program teaches businesses to manage risks. Meagan Herrington from Black Cat LLC won the 2023 competition and introduced the 2024 winners.
- Joseph Whiteplume, Chief Information Security Officer at High Plains Power, has over 25 years of IT experience and was named a 2023 “Co-op Rising Star.”
- Shantel Anderson focused on nonprofit accounting and community service at High Point CPAs.
- Jennifer Clark, CEO of The Goat Ladies, discussed “Goat Therapy” for mental health support.
Each winner demonstrated leadership and innovation in cybersecurity as well as community contributions.
Key Takeaways from Cyber Cheyenne 2024
Cyber Cheyenne 2024 provided attendees with insights into cutting-edge technologies, practical cybersecurity strategies, and the critical role of workforce development in the field. The diversity of topics and speakers made the event truly special, enriching everyone’s experience, whether seasoned professionals or those just beginning their cybersecurity journeys.
One of the main takeaways was that cybersecurity is as much about people as it is about technology. Building trust, awareness, and collaboration across communities will be crucial in addressing the challenges of tomorrow. From securing space-based technologies to adopting quantum encryption and navigating AI threats, the event underscored that everyone has a role to play in creating a safer digital future.
Missed Cyber Cheyenne? Join the Wyoming Virtual Cybersecurity Conference
For those unable to attend Cyber Cheyenne 2024 in person, there’s another opportunity to engage with the cybersecurity community. The Wyoming Virtual Cybersecurity Conference will take place on October 23, 2024, offering a half-day event focused on resources for small businesses and individuals. This virtual event will also feature presentations from CyberWyoming’s Cybersecurity Competition winners, ensuring a dynamic and insightful experience.
