From Shadows to Shields - Cyber Defenders and the Ethical Battlefront of AI-Driven Attack

Explore the evolving landscape of cybersecurity defense through this 22-minute conference talk that examines both the human and technological challenges facing modern cyber defenders. Learn from real-world case studies of Canadian incident response teams handling major breaches including the Indigo ransomware attack, LifeLabs breach, and NL Healthcare incidents to understand the human resilience required during crisis response. Discover the emerging ethical and technical dilemmas that defenders face as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly weaponized for sophisticated attacks including AI-driven phishing campaigns, advanced social engineering tactics, and mobile device compromises. Gain insights into how cybersecurity professionals must adapt not only to rapidly evolving technical threats but also navigate complex ethical considerations in their defensive strategies. Understand the dual perspective of cyber defense that combines practical incident response experiences with forward-looking analysis of AI's impact on the threat landscape.