AI in the Crosshairs: Friend or Foe?
The April roundtable will explore AI’s dual role as a cybersecurity tool and threat. Led by an industry CISO, discussions will cover AI-powered threats, defensive AI technologies, ethical considerations, and future trends, empowering teams to navigate AI’s impact effectively.
Session Topics
- AI-Driven Threats: Exploration of how AI can be leveraged by attackers. Understanding the evolving landscape of AI-powered threats.
- Ethical Considerations in AI: The ethical implications of using AI in cybersecurity. Balancing AI innovation with privacy and security concerns.
- Predictions: How will AI continue to impact the cybersecurity industry? Be prepared for the next wave of AI advancements.
Roundtable Topics & Presenters:
Tammy Hawkins, VP of Cybersecurity & Fraud Prevention Global Business Solutions FinTech and Intuit Security
With over two decades of experience in delivering innovative security and fraud solutions for Fortune 500 companies, Tammy Hawkins is a trusted executive and technical leader who drives positive outcomes and business value. As the VP of Cybersecurity & Fraud Prevention at Intuit, Tammy ensures proper security controls are built into every phase of the product design and development process for the Global Business Solutions Group, protecting the processing of trillions of dollars for millions of customers worldwide.
Tammy's mission is to increase adversary resilience and protect the integrity and trust of Intuit's products and services, making Intuit the safest place to conduct business. Tammy leads multiple teams of engineers and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to develop and implement security strategies, frameworks, and best practices. Passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion, Tammy actively mentors and supports the next generation of security and fraud professionals. Tammy is seeking additional board roles to leverage expertise and insights to help organizations achieve their goals and vision.
Dennis Mercer, Senior Program Manager, Microsoft
Dennis' skills encompass developing and evaluating defense strategies, briefing senior leadership on cyber threats, collaborating with law enforcement and federal agencies, and leading teams of security engineers and analysts. He has hands-on experience in intrusion analysis, incident response management, digital and network forensics, risk assessments, system and network auditing, and penetration testing. Additionally, he utilizes programming languages like Python, BASH Scripting, and PowerShell Scripting to automate and enhance security processes and tools. Dennis' mission is to enable Microsoft and its customers to achieve their goals using threat intelligence and other security products.
Amit Singh, Senior Security Technical Specialist, Microsoft
A seasoned Microsoft Security professional with over 15 years of experience, Amit brings deep expertise in cybersecurity across a wide range of domains, including solution architecture, threat analysis, incident response, risk management, and compliance. His proficiency with the Microsoft Security stack—particularly Defender XDR, Sentinel, and Copilot for Security—enables him to build comprehensive security frameworks that effectively protect organizations from advanced threats.
Amit's experience spans critical sectors such as healthcare, finance, and government, providing him with a unique ability to deliver customized solutions that meet industry-specific requirements. With a strong commitment to staying ahead of evolving threats and best practices, Amit continuously enhances his skill set through Microsoft certifications and hands-on expertise in cutting-edge security technologies.
Karthik Swarnam, Chief Security and Trust Officer, ArmourCode
He is an advisor to several startups, large enterprises, national governments, and C-level executives in the areas of technology and secure digital transformation.
Roundtable Host:
AJ Eads brings over 20 years of experience in communications and marketing, specializing in strategy, content creation, public speaking, and community management. His career spans work with solopreneurs to Fortune 100 companies, promoting everything from recruiting services to cybersecurity workforce development.
In 2015, AJ transitioned to the nonprofit sector with the Security Advisor Alliance, where he built a vibrant community of information security professionals dedicated to advancing cybersecurity talent.
As GCC’s Director of Programs and Administration, AJ leads initiatives like the Secure Pathways workshop series, the Washington University Cyber Roundtable, and the SPARK Micro Internship Program, while supporting organizational administration. His passion for professional development drives GCC’s mission to connect emerging talent with the needs of academia, industry, and government.
Maurice Mahone brings over 30 years of IT expertise, spanning government roles, including the Department of Defense at the Pentagon, and leadership in industries such as agriculture, biotechnology, and financial services. At the Federal Reserve Bank, he led technology teams managing U.S. Treasury programs.
In the nonprofit sector, Maurice has helped over 70 underrepresented St. Louis high school graduates secure software development careers.
As GCC's Executive Director, Maurice leverages his IT expertise and extensive network to drive strategy, operations, and workforce development in cybersecurity. A U.S. Army veteran, he is also an avid photographer and President of the St. Louis BDPA Chapter.