Jon StojanIn today’s world, where businesses are increasingly reliant on digital technology, the role of the chief information security officer (CISO) has become more important than ever. The CISO is considered the chief architect of an organization’s information, cyber, and technology security. Among their responsibilities are developing, implementing, and enforcing security policies to protect critical data, and they are expected to anticipate and respond to any cyber threats and incidents.
As the costs inflicted by cybercrime continue to rise, it’s imperative that CISOs are up to date with what’s happening in their industry and are fully equipped to manage the digital security of their organizations. Recognizing this need, Neptune Media has created a premier event series known as Horizon Summits. These events function as an epicenter for the evolution of cybersecurity and AI, by bringing together professionals, enthusiasts, and industry leaders from all over the world to discuss the latest developments, issues, and best practices in the cybersecurity business. These events are held around once a month in major cities across the US, as well as in Canada and the UK.
The Horizon Summit is a forum for professionals and thought leaders from the industry to exchange ideas, observations, and experiences with each other across a wide range of issues. Each summit has two tracks – the AI & Cybersecurity Track and the Startup Track.
In the AI & Cybersecurity Track, participants are able to forge strategic partnerships by networking with their fellow cybersecurity executives, industry leaders, and technology providers at the forefront of cybersecurity. With artificial intelligence being incorporated into almost all areas of business, this track also allows participants to discover advancements in AI and its nearly limitless applications across cybersecurity and beyond. These include practical strategies from industry leaders to optimize cyber protection processes, boost efficiency, and secure organizations’ digital futures with proactive security measures.
Meanwhile, the Startup Track’s investor conference focuses on increasing visibility and attracting investment for promising startups. Participants who will benefit from attending, include executives from companies seeking insights on navigating major exchanges such as NYSE and Nasdaq. Founders of growth-stage companies seeking capital, as well as investment-ready startups can gain access to high-level decision-makers of Fortune 500 companies, opening opportunities for networking and investment.
According to Charles Payne, CISO and Chief Technology Officer of Neptune Media, the Horizon Summit brings startups and investors together and bridges some of the gaps between them. This gives startups the opportunity to gain traction and buy-in from larger corporations and demonstrate their value to potential investors. Neptune Media also works with a major startup accelerator and incubator, providing valuable resources to startups participating in the summits, especially first-time founders.
“I am also an angel investor, and our biggest problem is finding qualified deal flow, or promising startups that are worth investing in, meaning that they at least have some experience and have knowledge of what they’re doing,” Payne says. “Aside from advancing the state of cybersecurity and AI, our Horizon Summits also create an environment where technology startups that have innovative ideas receive the investment they need to bring their solutions to market and contribute to the development of the information security industry.”
Moving forward, Payne says that Neptune Media is looking to bring its Horizon Summits to more markets around the world, including emerging markets such as South Africa, regional financial centers such as Dubai, and startup hubs such as Israel, as demand and economic activity in these areas continue to grow.