Cybersecurity Summit at Niagara

Cybersecurity is constantly evolving and emerging threats arise regularly that require organizational consideration to maintain appropriate risk appetite.  Visit Niagara University to hear expert analysis on current cybersecurity threats and trends for 2025 and beyond at Western New York's only NSA-designated Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense with a validated graduate degree program. 

The summit will feature a diverse group of cyber industry guest panelists, including:

• Timothy Carroll, special agent for Homeland Security Investigations: Mr. Carroll is assigned to the HSI Border Enforcement Taskforce (BEST) Group. BEST was established to combat emerging and existing Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCO) by employing the full range of federal, state, local, tribal and international law enforcement authorities and resources in the fight to identify, investigate, disrupt, and dismantle these organizations at every level of operation.
• Mike Fortin, digital operations specialist for the FBI: Affixed to the Cyber Program, Mr. Fortin utilizes a variety of technical skills to enhance complex internet-enabled investigations. While most of Mr. Fortin’s time is spent assisting with investigations involving dark web marketplaces, ransomware, and computer intrusions; he also serves as a resource to any investigation involving technology, regardless of the over-arching program.
• Darrick Kristich, founder and CEO of Sedara Security: Mr. Kristich is a results-driven leader with deep expertise in information security, enterprise IT, shared services, and business transformation. He brings a strategic vision and hands-on approach to cybersecurity engineering and architecture across diverse market sectors. His commitment to innovation, strong leadership, and deep technical acumen make him a trusted voice in the cybersecurity community.
• Greg Machin, data analyst for the FBI: Having completed a full career in the British Army as a musician, Mr. Machin started to learn coding and analytics as a hobby. After moving to New York State, he utilized his “hobby” to facilitate management of a website for the Eastman School of Music. Mr. Machin is completely self-taught and has experience in multiple disciplines including database design and management, data analytics, and software development.
• Jonathan Sandonato, M.S. ’18, Cyber Threat Intelligence Team senior analyst for New York Life Insurance Company: An accomplished cybersecurity professional with a distinguished track record of success across diverse organizations, including Fortune 100 companies and the U.S. Army Special Operations, Mr. Sandonato excels in collecting actionable intelligence to support critical investigations. Moreover, he has demonstrated exemplary leadership in advancing the New York Life’s Vulnerability Management program.
• Salvatore “Sal” Vescio, M.S. ’18, M.A. 14, cryptocurrency accounting specialist for Kugelman Law: Mr. Vescio’s experience includes seven years within the cryptocurrency tax space. He created and hosted a podcast related to all things cryptocurrency taxation and blockchain technology, interviewing experts, analysts, and leaders in the space to help demystify the rules and regulations of cryptocurrency taxation. Mr. Vescio uses his expansive knowledge of cryptocurrency tax software and decentralized protocols in his role as a cryptocurrency accounting specialist at Kugelman Law, a law firm specializing in cryptocurrency taxation and tax controversy.
• Mick Weimer, intelligence analyst for the FBI: For the past four years, Mr. Weimer’s focus has been working cyber threats in the Western New York area and internationally.  Prior to the FBI, his work and studies primarily focused on information technology, cybersecurity, criminal psychology, and intelligence studies.

The summit will be moderated by Dr. Petter Lovaas, CISM, chief information security officer and chair of Cybersecurity and Operations for Niagara University.

This summit is designed for:

• Corporate leaders seeking insight on potential security risks 
• Human resource personnel aiming to recruit the right talent 
• Cybersecurity professionals interested in development and networking
• Individuals curious about the industry (and the opportunities available)

This event is open to the public and includes complimentary hors d'oeuvres, appetizers, and drinks. Attendees can also learn more about Niagara University's NSA-validated M.S. Information Security and Digital Forensics (Cybersecurity) program.