Speaker: Crystal Washington, Futurist, Technology Strategist, & Author Are you ready for what lies ahead? Stop shaking the Magic 8-Ball and get ‘Crystal’ clear on the future of your industry. In this high-energy session, technology futurist Crystal Washington will show you exciting, practical ways that technology will rock your world over the next ten years. Best of all, she’ll deliver her discussion in PLAIN English. Hey Alexa and Siri, no need to translate!
Speakers: Greg Conte, Director, Broadband Development Office
Jennifer Harris, Federal Program Officer, National Telecommunications & Information Administration
This session will delve into federal and state efforts targeted at advancing broadband connectivity across Texas. With the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program ramping up across the state, this is an opportune time to focus on broadband coverage data, allocated funding, general requirements for BEAD applicants and what the state is doing to ensure universal access. Further discussions around other grant opportunities, strategic plans, and local preparation is intended to equip attendees with the knowledge and resources needed to effectively overcome challenges and drive forward broadband development initiatives in their counties.
Speaker: Raileen Murray, Grants Administrator, Burleson County
This session will provide attendees with insights and strategies for securing grants to fund technology initiatives within counties. A county grant administrator will share best practices for identifying, applying for, and managing grants, empowering attendees to leverage external funding sources to drive technological advancements.
Speakers: Jeremy Wilson, Deputy CISO, Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR)
Jonathan King, Statewide Incident Response Coordinator, DIR
Brian Viney, Senior CIRT Analyst / Threat Researcher, DIR
Attendees will gain an understanding of the current cyber threat landscape and emerging security trends in this session. Experts will provide valuable insights and actionable intelligence to help counties strengthen their cybersecurity posture and mitigate potential risks.
Speakers: Tim Rahschulte, CEO & Co-Founder, Professional Development Academy
Rita Reynolds, CIO, National Association of Counties
This session aims to simplify the concepts of artificial intelligence for county officials and staff. Attendees will learn about practical applications of AI, fostering a better understanding of its potential benefits and challenges.
Speaker: Lori Gracey, Executive Director, Texas Computer Education Association
Tailored for county IT professionals, this session delves deeper into the technical aspects of implementing artificial intelligence solutions. Participants will explore strategies for integrating AI technologies into existing systems and processes, enabling them to leverage AI effectively within their county departments.
Speakers: Peter Crary, Sr. Manager of Technology Services, Texas Association of Counties (TAC)
Ginny Lewis Ford, Executive Director, Texas Association of Regional Councils
This session will analyze recent legislative changes and their implications for county technology initiatives and operations. Attendees will gain valuable insights into compliance requirements and regulatory challenges, enabling them to navigate legal frameworks effectively while driving technological innovation.
San Gabriel Ballroom E
Speaker: Bryan Seely, World Famous Hacker, US Marine
As technology evolves, so do the methods employed by cybercriminals, making it increasingly challenging to safeguard personal and corporate data. In 2024, not only have hackers become more adept at breaching county networks, but the emergence of sophisticated Deepfakes has introduced a new dimension to cybersecurity threats. These AI-generated fake videos or audio recordings can be incredibly convincing, leading to unprecedented levels of phishing attacks, misinformation campaigns, and personal identity theft.
Speaker: Jeffrey Campbell, Deputy Information Security Officer, FBI/CJIS Division
This session will provide an overview of the latest updates to the CJIS security policy and their implications for county agencies. Attendees will gain an understanding of compliance requirements and best practices for safeguarding sensitive criminal justice information within their jurisdictions.
Speaker: Peter Crary, Sr. Manager of Technology Services, TAC
This session will explore common social engineering tactics used by hackers to infiltrate county systems and networks. Attendees will learn how to recognize and resist these threats through effective security awareness training and cybersecurity protocols.
Speaker: Ernesto Ballesteros, Cybersecurity State Coordinator of Texas, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
Attendees will learn practical strategies for preventing, detecting, and responding to ransomware attacks in this session. By implementing proactive measures and establishing comprehensive incident response plans, attendees will strengthen their county's resilience against ransomware threats.
Speaker: Sharron Rush, Executive Director, Knowbility
Attendees will learn practical strategies for improving website accessibility to foster inclusivity for all users. This session will cover essential principles for maintaining accessible county websites in accordance with accessibility best practices.
Speaker: Matt Bruns, Information Security Manager, Texas Association of Counties
This session will delve into essential best practices for safeguarding sensitive information and securing network infrastructure. Attendees will gain insights into effective security measures, like encryption, access controls, and regular security audits, to mitigate risks and protect against evolving cyber threats.
Speaker: Ernesto Ballesteros, Cybersecurity State Coordinator of Texas, CISA
Attendees will learn how to develop a comprehensive cybersecurity playbook tailored to their county’s needs and risk profile. This session will cover key elements such as incident response procedures, communication protocols, and stakeholder roles, empowering attendees to effectively respond to and recover from cyber incidents.
Speakers: Andrea Beard, Liability Claims Program Supervisor, TAC
Robert Ruiz, Associate Director, TAC
Jake Simpson, Partner | Director of Special Projects, Sylint
These sessions will provide attendees with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively lead cyber crisis response efforts. Through interactive exercises, attendees will learn how to coordinate response activities, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and mitigate the impact of cyber incidents on county operations.
Speakers: Andrea Beard, Liability Claims Program Supervisor, TAC
Robert Ruiz, Associate Director, TAC
Jake Simpson, Partner | Director of Special Projects, Sylint
These sessions will provide attendees with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively lead cyber crisis response efforts. Through interactive exercises, attendees will learn how to coordinate response activities, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and mitigate the impact of cyber incidents on county operations.