Join the ‘Leading Tech: Transforming the Future of Cybersecurity & IT Audit through Innovation, a SheLeadsTech event,’ taking place November 13 at George Mason University (Arlington VA). Jessica Weiland, IOActive Business Development Manager, and Stacey Champagne, Hacker in Heels, will be part of a panel discussion, ‘From FOMO to Focus: A Strategic Approach to Cybersecurity Innovation.’ The abstract of the panel discussion can be found below.
ABSTRACT
In a field driven by constant change, the pressure to adopt the latest technologies can overshadow the strategic thinking that makes innovation meaningful. In this dynamic fireside chat, leaders will examine how organizations can build cybersecurity programs that are intentional, not reactive—where innovation is guided by clear threat models, realistic resource assessments, and defined business outcomes rather than industry hype. Together, we’ll explore the hidden costs of tool-first thinking and uncover practical frameworks for evaluating new technologies through a strategic lens. Attendees will gain insights on how to cultivate organizational discipline around innovation decisions, calculate true ROI beyond vendor promises, and create cybersecurity strategies that remain resilient to hype cycles while staying agile enough to capitalize on genuine breakthroughs that align with their mission.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand how to evaluate emerging technologies against your organization’s actual threat landscape, risk tolerance, and resource capacity.
- Learn practical approaches to building organizational discipline around innovation decisions, even when facing pressure from leadership or market trends.
- Discover methods for calculating the true costs and ROI of cybersecurity innovations beyond initial implementation, including hidden operational and cultural impacts.