Ransomware Con – Large Virtual Audience, AI Security Focus
CyberLive360’s Cybersecurity & Ransomware Con kicked off my week with a massive, worldwide audience – thousands of participants from across industries and time zones. My talk, NeuroInvasion – Penetrating the Core of Artificial Intelligence, Revealed black-box attacks, model enumeration, substitute model threats, and the risks of open-source AI exploitation. One audience question stuck with me: “With AI systems becoming vulnerable to manipulation, how can organizations stay truly resilient?” It was a sharp reminder that protecting AI isn’t just about stronger models – it’s about strategy, adaptability, and continuous improvement. Takeaway: When presenting virtually, design your content to keep engagement high – combine visuals, clear examples, and thought-provoking questions to keep a remote audience connected and engaged.
BSides Budapest – Friendly Community, Cyber Legends, Deep Conversations
Later, I landed in Hungary for BSides Budapest, an amazing cybersecurity event where the atmosphere was warm, the people welcoming, and the hallway conversations often just as valuable as the scheduled talks. One highlight was meeting Yossi Sassi, a legend in the cyber community. We ended up having a long, engaging conversation about the intersections of security, creativity, and innovation – the kind of talk that stays with you long after the conference ends. Takeaway: Some of the most impactful conference moments happen outside the official agenda. Make time for genuine conversations – they can lead to insights, collaborations, and inspiration you won’t get from the slides alone.
BSides Vilnius – Underground Vibe, Vintage Venue, Robots and Drones
By Friday, I was in Lithuania for BSides Vilnius, still riding the momentum. The venue had an unmistakable underground feel – vintage decor, low lighting, and an atmosphere that made it feel like stepping into a scene from a movie.
In between security talks, I saw live demos of robots and drones from attendees working in areas like hardware engineering, AI, and IoT. It was a clear reminder that cybersecurity is no longer an isolated discipline – it’s deeply intertwined with other domains, creating new opportunities but also new risks.
Takeaway: Explore events that cross industry lines. Exposure to other technical fields can help you anticipate future threats – and discover innovations you might never encounter in your own niche.
One Week, Three Perspectives
Three talks. Three different audiences. Three unique ways of looking at the same challenges.- The global stage sharpened my clarity and expanded my reach.
- The community stage deepened my technical dialogue and built lasting connections.
- The cross-domain stage broadened my perspective with ideas from other disciplines.