The rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape presents operational challenges to all businesses, from start-ups to large corporations. Far beyond the technical challenges of keeping data secure, cyber-attacks create liability and regulatory compliance issues across the entire chain of vendor/client relationships.

Previously known as Business Risks, MAGIC’s annual cyber event will be held on Thursday, September 14 at Flood Zone Brewery in Union Bridge, Maryland. This networking event will explore the business impact of cybersecurity with experts across multiple industries to help attendees understand cybersecurity trends, challenges and impact on business operations.

Who Should Attend?

• Corporate compliance officers and risk managers
• Small businesses/startups
• Government contractors
• Cybersecurity service providers
• Students seeking real-world experience

Schedule of Events

4:00 pm – Doors open – Networking

4:30 – 4:55 pm – Flash Talk and Q&A – Danette Edwards, Katten’s Securities Enforcement Defense Group

4:55 – 5:00 pm – Break

5:00 – 5:25 pm – Flash Talk and Q&A – Tony Sager, Center for Internet Security (CIS)

5:25 – 5:45 pm – Break

5:45 – 6:10 pm – Flash Talk and Q&A – Rick Olekek, Gula Tech Adventures

6:10-7:00 pm Networking

Flood Zone closes at 9 pm, so feel free to stay and enjoy.

Cyber Sip Featured Speakers

Rick Olesek

Rick Olesek is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in both business operations and the intricacies of Cybersecurity. Currently serving as the Head of Portfolio GTM Strategy at Gula Tech Adventures, Rick is dedicated to driving the success of all the companies within the GTA investment portfolio.

Rick embarked on his cybersecurity journey in the early 1990s as a network security analyst at the NSA. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in establishing fundamental principles of perimeter security, encompassing intrusion detection, threat prevention, and cyber best practices. Through his extensive involvement with various cybersecurity technologies, Rick recognized the immense potential of early-stage companies in developing groundbreaking technologies capable of influencing the market and fortifying national defense.

Transitioning from the government sector, Rick ventured into the realm of startup cybersecurity companies, effectively guiding them towards successful market entry. Notable among these enterprises are Network Security Wizards, a pioneering intrusion detection and prevention company (lacquired by Cabletron); Red Siren’s trailblazing “Managed Services Provider” solution in the MSSP space (acquired by Getronics); Tenable, the market leader in Vulnerability Management (IPO); ThreatConnect, renowned for its threat intelligence and soar platform; CryptoniteNXT, which revolutionized “active defense” through network Moving Target Defense practices (acquired by IAI); Security ScoreCard, a prominent industry leader in external and supply chain risk platforms (pre-IPO); and BlueVoyant, a global MSSP dedicated to active prevention and defense across organizations and their supply chains (pre-IPO).

Drawing on his wealth of experience, Rick excels in constructing high-performing teams, establishing efficient processes, and formulating effective GTM (Go-to-Market) strategies for early-stage companies. His expertise spans a wide spectrum, encompassing direct sales, strategic partnerships, alliances, and channel development.

Danette Edwards

Danette Edwards is the Co-Chair of Katten’s Securities Enforcement Defense Group. As a former Senior Counsel in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Enforcement Division, Danette Edwards offers clients deep insight into antifraud and other securities laws, and is a trusted resource for navigating investigations and enforcement matters.

Having recently rejoined the private sector after more than a decade on the front lines of the SEC’s enforcement efforts, Danette offers sound guidance to companies and individuals on SEC-related matters of all types, including suspected financial and disclosure fraud; alleged misconduct by auditors, broker-dealers, and investment advisors; and violations in areas of new interest to the SEC.

Danette’s practice also includes a cross-disciplinary compliance and risk management component that is critical for public companies as well as private sector and nonprofit clients. Danette advises on records and information management (RIM) best practices; cybersecurity; and environmental, social and governance (ESG) questions concerning environmentally sustainable finance, and diversity and inclusion as components of social governance.

Prior to joining the SEC, Danette was a white collar and commercial litigator at a national law firm, where she defended market participants and other players in public and private actions, and helped to establish the firm’s records management practice. She also worked for the Honorable Catherine C. Blake, Senior District Judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.

Tony Sager

Tony Sager is a Senior VP & Chief Evangelist for the Center for Internet Security (CIS). He is involved in a wide variety of strategic, partnership, and outreach activities. He led the work which later became known as the CIS Critical Security Controls – an independent, volunteer-developed, cyber defense best practices program which is used throughout the industry. Tony has led numerous other activities to develop, share, scale, and sustain effective defensive cyber practices for worldwide adoption.

In addition to his duties at CIS, Tony is a volunteer in numerous cyber community service activities: an inaugural member of the DHS/CISA Cyber Safety Review Board; Advisor to the Minnesota Cyber Summit; Advisory Boards for several local schools and colleges; formerly a member of the National Academy of Sciences Cyber Resilience Forum and serves on numerous national-level study groups and advisory panels.

Tony retired from the National Security Agency in 2012 after 34 years as a mathematician, computer scientist, and executive manager. As one of the Agency’s first Software Vulnerability Analysts, he helped create and led two premier NSA cyber defense organizations (the System and Network Attack Center, and the Vulnerability Analysis and Operations Group). In 2001, he led the release of NSA security guidance to the public and expanded NSA’s role in the development of open standards for security. Tony’s awards and commendations at NSA include: the Presidential Rank Award at the Meritorious Level (twice) and the NSA Exceptional Civilian Service Award. The groups he led at NSA were recognized inside government and across industry for mission excellence with awards from numerous sources, including: the SANS Institute, SC Magazine, and Government Executive Magazine.

Please consider sponsoring Cyber Sip!

PLATINUM $2,500

• Company logo will appear on our marketing material, on our website, and will be displayed during the event
• Specific mention of your company in our press releases
• Reserved table that seats up to 8 individuals at the event
• Individual writeup on our social media platforms
• Company introduction during the event

GOLD $1,000

• Company logo will appear on our marketing material, on our website, and will be displayed during the event
• Specific mention of your company in our press releases
• Reserved table that seats up to 4 individuals at the event
• Individual writeup on our social media platforms

SILVER $500

• Company logo will appear on our marketing material, on our website, and will be displayed during the event
• Specific mention of your company in our press releases
• 2 individual tickets to the event

Thank You To Our Event Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

 Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors