Beyond the Briefings: Exploring the Pulse of Cybersecurity Communities | A Black Hat Europe 2024 Conversation with Steve Wylie | On Location Coverage with Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli

Guest: Steve Wylie, Vice President, Cybersecurity Market at Informa Tech [@InformaTechHQ] and General Manager at Black Hat [@BlackHatEvents]

On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/swylie650/

On Twitter | https://twitter.com/swylie650

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Hosts: 

Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber]

On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin

Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals Podcast

On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli

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Episode Notes

London as the Backdrop for Innovation and Culture

The conversation kicked off with reflections on London’s vibrant mix of history, culture, and modernity. Marco captured it perfectly, noting the city’s knack for staying on the cutting edge of fashion, music, and movement. Sean chimed in, describing the city as a destination where “cool kids” converge. It’s this ever-evolving energy that makes London the ideal host for forward-thinking gatherings like Black Hat.

Sean and Marco’s admiration for the city wasn’t just about its aesthetics but also its role in shaping global conversations. London is a place where the local meets the global, a theme that would resonate throughout their discussion.

Black Hat’s Expanding Global Reach

Sean and Marco highlighted the global nature of the cybersecurity community, emphasizing Black Hat’s international presence. Marco pointed out how the event has grown beyond its Las Vegas origins, with thriving editions in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. This expansion reflects not only a growing need for cybersecurity collaboration but also the importance of tailoring conversations to regional contexts.

Sean observed how each edition of Black Hat carries a unique flavor, shaped by local cultures and challenges. He praised the effort to include regional experts on review boards, ensuring that the content resonates with specific audiences. From Riyadh to Toronto, this approach has made Black Hat a truly global force.

Celebrating Local Voices in Global Conversations

One of the key takeaways from the conversation was the importance of amplifying local voices in global discussions. Marco commended Black Hat’s dedication to fostering a sense of ownership among local cybersecurity communities. Sean agreed, noting how local insights enrich the broader, boundaryless research presented at these events.

The duo discussed the balance between global trends, like AI and supply chain security, and region-specific concerns, such as policy-driven discussions in Europe or industrial focus in Canada. This nuanced approach ensures that every Black Hat event feels relevant, impactful, and inclusive.

Sean and Marco’s Chemistry: Informal Yet Insightful

Beyond the topics, the conversation was marked by the easy rapport between Sean and Marco. They navigated seamlessly from cybersecurity strategy to the lighter moments, like teasing each other about wardrobe choices for London’s chilly December weather. Marco’s love for local cuisine even sparked a playful detour into Italian titles for hardware hacking sessions.

It’s this blend of professional insight and personal charm that makes their discussions so engaging. Whether they’re debating the merits of AI sessions or reminiscing about hallway chats at past events, Sean and Marco bring an authenticity that keeps listeners coming back.

Looking Ahead

As the conversation wrapped up, Sean and Marco hinted at their plans to keep “Chats on the Road” moving forward. While they may not make it to every event, their commitment to bringing the community’s stories to light remains steadfast. Whether you’re attending Black Hat in person or following along from afar, Sean and Marco ensure that the spirit of innovation and collaboration is accessible to all.

Stay tuned as they continue to explore t