FedEx Institute of Technology Hosts AI Cybersecurity Conference  

August 21, 2024 — The FedEx Institute of Technology at the University of Memphis will host its inaugural AI Cybersecurity Conference on Thursday, Aug. 22. This groundbreaking event will bring together cybersecurity practitioners to promote collaboration and highlight effective and innovative approaches where AI is used to augment and enhance cybersecurity organizations and teams.  

Under the theme "How do you use AI?" the conference seeks to foster learning and sharing of best practices for the safe and responsible utilization of AI in cybersecurity.  

"We are excited to host the first AI-Cybersecurity conference in Memphis and the Southeast," said Brent Nair, director of corporate training and research partnerships at the institute. "The conference will offer a unique opportunity for a limited number of registrants to learn and practice their cyber security skills in Cisco's Cyber Resilience sandbox. The afternoon sessions will feature topics on AI and MLGW; how UMRF Ventures is preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals; and how governance is a must-have for your organization's implementation and use of AI."  

The conference will begin with registration at 8 a.m., followed by the exclusive morning sandbox session. The main conference sessions will run from 1-5 p.m.  

Conference Highlights:  

Morning Sandbox Session: A hands-on simulation of real-life cybersecurity issues and challenges, focusing on cyber resilience (registration closed) 

Afternoon Sessions (1-5 p.m.):  

• Developing the Next Generation of Information Security Professionals, by Pierre Landaiche, CEO of UMRF Ventures  

• • UMRF Ventures has a unique model that allows students to apply what they learn in the classroom and think dynamically by adding a new perspective to  innovative services. From building machine learning algorithms and pipelines to using project management experience to organize and complete successful projects, the InfoSec team meets and exceeds expectations often placed on 
    full-time employees. 

• MLGW and AI, by Lashell Vaughn, CIO of MLGW  

• • This session will discuss how MLGW plans to use AI to perform analysis on  metering data, the challenges  faced in developing a strategy for historical analysis at the macro and micro levels, predictive analysis for better financial and consumption impact and more efficient system growth engineering without impacting the operational performance of our databases. We will discuss the methodology and the intended outcomes, concerns on safeguarding proprietary data, current use cases and plans for future growth of other large segments of big data. 

• Cisco's Approach to AI Governance, by Justin Perry of Cisco  

• • Cisco is focusing on AI governance within Cybersecurity and all aspects of the organization to ensure ethical, transparent and accountable AI deployment. This session will speak to Cisco's AI governance strategy, offering examples of Cisco's frameworks and best practices that safeguard against risks while fostering innovation. Attendees will gain insights into Cisco's thoughts and strategies as they relate to AI governance, which Cisco calls "AI for Good,” focusing on the AI technologies embedded in our cybersecurity platforms. 

• Networking Reception  

This event is a must-attend for cybersecurity professionals, IT leaders and anyone interested in the intersection of AI and cybersecurity. Attendees will gain valuable insights into cutting-edge AI applications in cybersecurity, best practices for AI governance and strategies for developing the next generation of cybersecurity talent.  

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MEDIA CONTACT: 
Jennifer Godwin 
Director of Media and Public Relations 
jennifer.godwin@memphis.edu 
(O) 901.678.4822 (M) 501.529.7482