
Session 2
Building Cyber Resilience
Empowering People and Technology
Time: 12:00 – 13:00
Now In Conjunction With:

Overview:
Cyber resilience isn’t just about having the right tools – it’s about embedding security into the very fabric of your organisation. Attackers exploit both human error and technical weaknesses, so how do you build defences that cover both?
This session goes beyond firewalls and frameworks, focusing on how to develop a culture of security strategy where people and technology work together to withstand, adapt to, and recover from cyber threats. We’ll explore how to upskill teams, foster security-first mindsets, and implement adaptive technologies that keep you ahead of evolving risks. Expect practical insights and actionable steps to make resilience a core part of your organisation’s DNA.

Downstairs RM3 – Session 2
Facilitator

PJH Consulting
Paul Hearns
Business Owner
Paul is an experienced technology content strategist, presenter, facilitator, journalist, and commentator who is currently providing content strategy and services to the technology industry with PJH Consulting. In his previous role, Paul was Head of Content for Mediateam, with oversight for it’s Tech Network portfolio, including the TechFire and TechLive event series. Having begun his career in the aerospace industry, Paul started working as a freelance journalist in 1998, with a background in web development and network management. He became editor of ComputerScope in 2005, before it became TechPro magazine.
Panelists

Carmel Somers
Chartered Work and Organisational Psychologist & Director, CSCL
As a Chartered Work and Organisational Psychologist, Carmel partners with organisations to transform their talent strategies into competitive advantages. She brings deep expertise in workforce planning, helping businesses align their human capital with rapidly evolving market demands. By analysing organisational DNA and future skills requirements, Carmel enables companies to build resilient teams that drive strategic objectives forward.

Caroline Cantrell
Data Security Subject Matter Expert, IBM
rom Texas, working for IBM for 4 years and internationally for the past year out of the IBM London Office.
Started in cybersecurity at IBM in 2021, focused on the largest retail and telco enterprises in the United States. Came over to the UKI last year to specialise in Data Security, and now leading the UKI Data Security Business. Focused on providing comprehensive data security solutions to the UKI, including emerging technology such as advanced AI Security and Quantum Safe technology. Caroline helps UKI enterprises to solve complex compliance regulations (DORA, GDPR, SOX, PCI) and enforce security policies and access controls in near real-time to improve data security posture.

Jacqueline Kehoe
Project Manager, Cyber Skills and President of the Women4Cyber Ireland
Jacqueline Kehoe is manager of the HEA HCI Pillar 3 initiative Cyber Skills. Using the knowledge gained during her extensive career in software development Jackie is committed to expanding the cyber resilience of Ireland through the provision of higher education upskilling. Jackie worked as a senior researcher in the Nimbus Centre leading national and European projects in the areas of upskilling workers in digital transformation skills for Industry 4.0. Prior to joining the university Jackie had a long career in software development holding senior positions at all levels both technical and management. These positions provided her with experience in broad range diverse sectors including transportation, the national lottery, telecommunications and financial systems. Jackie has a BSc (Hons) in Applied Mathematics and a Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Engineering from the University of Limerick. She is currently working towards her Professional Doctorate in the area of the co-design of cybersecurity Micro-credentials with industry.

Tony Davitt
Head of Technical Strategy, Cisco Sales Ireland & Scotland
Having spent almost 30 years in the IT industry, the last 20 of which have been with Cisco, where he has been involved in both security and the core technology of Enterprise Networking. Currently the Head of Technical strategy for Ireland and Scotland.
In this role he is focused on leading the presales engineering teams and evangelizing Cisco technology vision and strategy to executives, architects, and engineers.
Cyber Conference Agenda
KeyNote:
AI is transforming the cybersecurity landscape at an unprecedented rate, creating new opportunities for both attackers and defenders. If your organisation isn’t adapting, it risks falling behind. This keynote will unpack how AI is shaping the future of cyber threats—and what you must do now to stay one step ahead.
- Main Conference Room
10:00am- 10:30am
Paul C Dwyer, CEO, Cyber Risk International
AI is a game-changer in cybersecurity, but it’s also a double-edged sword. If attackers are using AI to breach defences, how can defenders stay ahead? This session covers real-world examples of AI in cyberattacks and how organisations can leverage AI responsibly to strengthen their security posture.
- Main Conference Room
10:40am- 11:55am
Stream Lead: Markus Melin, Founder, NROC
Cybersecurity has shifted from a product to a service. This session explores how Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) have transformed traditional cybersecurity approaches into scalable, service-driven models. Learn how organisations can take advantage of these services to mitigate risk and manage threats in real-time.
- Bar (upstairs)
10:45am- 11:45am
Stream Lead: David McCullough- Chief Commercial Officer, Xsell
Ransomware attacks have evolved far beyond simple encryption. Today’s attackers use tactics like double extortion, where they both encrypt data and threaten to leak it. If your organisation doesn’t have a solid ransomware response plan, you’re a target. This session covers how ransomware is changing and how to stay one step ahead.
- Downstairs Room 3
10:45am- 11:45am
Stream Lead: To Be Announced
Human error remains one of the biggest causes of cyber breaches. If your staff aren’t following basic cybersecurity practices, your defences are already compromised. This session covers practical, effective ways to improve cyber hygiene across your organisation - without overwhelming your team with technical jargon.
12:15pm -13:15pm
- Main Conference Room
Stream Lead: To Be Announced
A practical guide to identifying and fixing vulnerabilities across your supply chain before attackers exploit them. If your vendors aren’t secure, you aren’t either. This session covers real-world tactics to shore up your supply chain defences.
- Bar (upstairs)
12:00pm -13:00pm
Stream Lead: To Be Announced
Cyber resilience isn’t just about having the right tools - it’s about embedding security into the very fabric of your organisation. Attackers exploit both human error and technical weaknesses, so how do you build defences that cover both? This session goes beyond firewalls and frameworks, focusing on how to develop a culture of security strategy where people and technology work together to withstand, adapt to, and recover from cyber threats. We’ll explore how to upskill teams, foster security-first mindsets, and implement adaptive technologies that keep you ahead of evolving risks. Expect practical insights and actionable steps to make resilience a core part of your organisation’s DNA.
- Downstairs Room 3
12:00pm -13:00pm
Stream Lead: Paul Hearns, Business Owner at PJH Consulting
Many organisations think meeting regulatory compliance standards is enough to keep them secure. It isn’t. If your focus stops at compliance, you’re leaving gaps attackers can exploit. This session explores how to go beyond regulatory requirements and build a security strategy that protects your organisation from real-world threats.
- Main Conference Room
14:00pm - 15:10pm
Stream Lead:Paul C Dwyer, CEO, Cyber Risk International
The future of AV integration in Ireland is rapidly evolving, driven by advancements in technology and the increasing demand for seamless, intelligent systems. From smart meeting rooms and immersive education environments to cutting-edge entertainment systems, the potential for AV technologies to transform how we communicate and collaborate is immense. This session will explore the exciting opportunities and challenges in integrating AV solutions with modern IT infrastructures.
- Bar (upstairs)
14:00pm - 15:00pm
Stream Lead: To Be Announced
Cloud environments demand more than patchwork defence - they require security by design. As organisations move into the next phase of cloud adoption, Zero Trust must be embedded throughout the architecture, from the network edge to user identity. This session explores how to implement practical, scalable Zero Trust strategies that secure access, protect data, and align with the way modern infrastructure actually works.
- Downstairs Room 3
2:00pm -3:00pm
Stream Lead: Paul Edmonson, Commercial Director, InspiritVision and Director and EMEA-Hub
Closing Panel:
Cybersecurity threats are evolving at a faster pace than ever before. If you’re only planning for today’s risks, you’re already behind. This panel discussion will feature industry leaders sharing their predictions for the next decade and offering practical advice on how organisations can build resilience for what’s coming next.
- Main Conference Room
15.30pm - 16:30pm
Charlie Taylor- Technology and Innovation Editor at Business Post
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