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On September 13, 2023, the inaugural DMV Rising cybersecurity conference brought together over 100 professionals from the DMV region, showcasing the area's remarkable growth and innovation in the global cybersecurity and risk management landscape.
The event, hosted by Virtru and co-sponsored by local powerhouses such as Sonatype, Palo Alto Networks, GDIT, Flashpoint, Dragos, DataTribe, Brown Advisory, Morrison Foerster, and King & Spalding, served as a platform for insightful discussions, peer connections, and a celebration of the DMV's position as a hub of cybersecurity innovation.
The DMV's cybersecurity sector has experienced a remarkable surge, with an impressive $600M in cybersecurity investment in just the first half of 2023 - and with growth rates doubling that of Silicon Valley. This staggering figure is a testament to the region's immense potential and the dedication of its thriving cyber community. DMV Rising aimed to highlight this momentum and bring together the brightest minds in the industry to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in cybersecurity.
The conference featured three thought-provoking panel discussions, each focusing on critical aspects of the cybersecurity landscape:
Innovating to Minimize Cyber Risk in Commercial Markets: OT, Open Source, and Data
Zero Trust Security Transformations in Federal Markets: A Difficult and Non-Optional Journey
State of Cyber Capital Markets: Early Innovators, M&A, and Public Performance
Attendee Mike Laramie, currently at Google, shared his thoughts on the event in his blog post: "The overall theme of the event was a celebration of the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area as a hotbed for cybersecurity companies and talent; a natural fit that I had never really taken a step back to consider. Our region is home to the seat of government, the military, and the NSA — it's only natural that these security-minded folks migrate back and forth between public service and the private sector, fueling innovation and entrepreneurial adventures."
Beyond the informative panel discussions, DMV Rising provided ample opportunities for attendees to network and celebrate the region's cybersecurity successes. The event culminated in a spectacular rooftop reception, blessed with perfect weather, allowing professionals to connect with peers and forge new relationships.
DMV Rising also featured a special guest speaker, Revi Sterling, Senior Director at CARE USA. Sterling shed light on the crucial intersection of humanity, digital privacy, and cybersecurity, offering attendees a unique perspective on the far-reaching impact of their work.
The inaugural DMV Rising cybersecurity conference was a resounding success, highlighting the DMV region's rapid ascent as a national leader in cybersecurity innovation. By bringing together top professionals, thought leaders, and innovators from across the industry, the event fostered meaningful conversations, strengthened community connections, and celebrated the region's remarkable achievements. As the DMV's cybersecurity sector continues to thrive, events like DMV Rising will play a crucial role in driving collaboration, knowledge sharing, and growth within this dynamic and ever-evolving field.
What’s even more exciting? DMV Rising 2024 is coming back this year in September. With a panel stacked with innovators like Anup Ghosh of Threatmate and John Doyle of Cape, we're well poised to carry on the momentum to even new heights. Learn more about this year's festivities and programming here.
Shelby Imes is a content strategist and serves on the DMV Rising Outreach team.
View more posts by Shelby Imes