Navigating and Securing the Ever-Changing Global Cybersecurity Landscape
Pete is a well-respected media commentator and author, known for sharing his insights on cybersecurity trends, significant information breaches, and the impact of current events on consumers and businesses. His contributions extend to publishing research that informs industry practices. He has appeared on various television and news programs and disseminates his expertise through his blog. Pete champions the idea that cybersecurity preparedness evolves through public discourse and the sharing of critical knowledge and ideas for the greater good. Always open to engaging in public discussions, he welcomes opportunities to contribute to meaningful dialogue. For more information or inquiries, please visit the contact page.
Pete is a dynamic public speaker known for his engaging style and broad knowledge base. His presentations address a wide range of subjects, from advanced cybersecurity insights and national security, to the transformative implications of artificial intelligence. A regular speaker at industry events, including well-known conferences like RSA and Black Hat, Pete’s presentations are well-attended by business executives, security analysts, and consumers.
In his talks on cybersecurity and AI, Pete offers detailed analyses of cyber threats, strategies for cyber defense, and insights into threat intelligence, vulnerability assessment, and hacking techniques. He clarifies the complexities of AI, bringing its uses to life with real-world applications. With practical demonstrations, he underscores the real risks and impact associated with cyber threats.
His discussions extend beyond basic principles of security to cover topics such as combating disinformation, enhancing cybersecurity awareness, and include in-depth perspectives on social engineering. Pete's presentations span fundamental concepts to advanced topics in these fields and audiences always learn useful takeaways and tools to better assist them as they navigate today’s cyber environment.
In his business-oriented presentations, Pete shares leadership insights drawn from his extensive experience bringing high-performing teams to notable achievements. Among these achievements, he secured a prestigious spot on Inc. 500 Magazine’s Ranking, and his leadership in establishing workplace culture led his company to be recognized as one of American City Business Journal’s “Best Places to Work.“
Pete uses real-world examples he’s encountered as a business leader to engage and motivate professionals who are dedicated to business development and organizational growth. His business-oriented presentations focus on effective team-building, team development, creating a culture that values and sparks innovation, and leadership dynamics.
Each of Pete's sessions, whether centered on cybersecurity or business, is uniquely tailored to address the specific interests and objectives of his audience. He offers insightful explorations into current trends and challenges as well as practical strategies for tackling them. If you're interested in having Pete speak at your event, please get in touch through the contact page.
Join me on a nostalgic journey recapping the pioneering work my team and I did in 2015-2016, as we created ERIN, a groundbreaking virtual receptionist that captured public and media attention. Dive into the details of her creation, the challenges we overcame, and the successes we celebrated.
I am excited to announce that I have become a fellow with Mission Critical, an organization dedicated to securing the U.S.'s critical infrastructure sectors. This role complements my ongoing work at ICIT, contributing to enhancing our nation's security and resilience.
Today, I joined a panel at Austin Startup Week to discuss "How Unsupervised Neural Networking Roots Out Insider Threats." The conversation took place at the Capital Factory here in Austin, Texas—an ideal setting for a forward-thinking cybersecurity discussion.
In the digital age, we've seen a steady evolution of threats, but none perhaps as chilling as the rise of deep fake voices and videos. Malicious actors can, with relative ease, use voice technology to mimic someone's voice and use it in criminally exploitative ways—from convincing others to take potentially dangerous actions, to making fraudulent payments, or opening gaps in security. This is a threat too severe to overlook. So, how do we safeguard ourselves in a landscape where our ears can't always be trusted?
Austin Startup Week, since its inception in 2011, has always been a vibrant tapestry of Austin's entrepreneurial spirit. A unique confluence of entrepreneurs, local leaders, and enthusiasts, it offers a rich platform to connect, collaborate, and grow. This year marks the 13th iteration of this celebrated event, which will span from November 6-10, 2023. From enlightening sessions, hands-on workshops, to dynamic startup showcases and networking mixers, Austin Startup Week promises to be an engaging experience. To all those who celebrate the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, I wholeheartedly encourage you to register and be a part of this distinctive celebration of Austin's diverse community of trailblazers.
I attended the Texas Cyber Summit for the first time this year, held at the Marriott in downtown Austin from September 28th to September 30th. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the event and am already planning to return next year.
Explore the Learning Hub for a free selection of Learning Collections, each designed to make complex topics in AI, Cybersecurity, and Technology Fundamentals accessible and engaging. Dive into these complimentary educational materials to broaden your understanding and skills.
Explore the essentials of computing with this collection. It covers everything from computer hardware components, the intricacies of various operating systems, to the nuances of data storage and management. Ideal for building a solid tech foundation.
Uncover the building blocks of websites and web servers. Learn about website design, hosting, traffic management, and the basics of online security. A perfect start for understanding the web's fundamental mechanics.
Embark on a journey into Artificial Intelligence. Explore the realms of neural networks, the mechanics behind AI decision-making, and the phenomenon of AI hallucinations, providing insights into the future of intelligent systems.
Website FundamentalsUnderstanding Websites: A Restaurant Analogy for Traffic, Servers, and SecurityTo many, the inner workings of a website might seem complex, but they're quite similar to the operation of a restaurant in many ways. Let's delve into this analogy to make the complexities of websites more understandable for everyone.
Computer FundamentalsUnderstanding Computer HardwareJust as every living being needs a brain to make decisions and control its actions, every computer needs a processor – often called the CPU, or Central Processing Unit. This tiny piece of technology is the heart and brain of your computer, whether it's a desktop, a smartphone, or even a smart refrigerator.
Artificial IntelligenceNeural NetworksIn the world of artificial intelligence (AI), the term 'neural networks ' often emerges in conversations about machine learning. But what are these neural networks? In the simplest terms, they're a set of algorithms designed to recognize patterns, much like the pattern recognition that occurs in the human brain. Today, businesses leverage neural networks to streamline complex tasks, ranging from sorting vast datasets to conducting predictive analyses.
Artificial IntelligenceWhy ChatGPT HallucinatesExplore the concept of AI hallucinations, drawing parallels with 'iRobot' and examining how LLMs like ChatGPT process language, revealing why sometimes their outputs can seem more like 'digital daydreams' than logical responses.
Pete's expertise in business, cybersecurity, technology, and software engineering has been recognized with industry awards and is evident across various platforms. He integrates these areas of expertise in his work, which includes public speaking engagements, advisory positions, and policy contributions. With experience in government, think tanks, industry events, and corporate roles, Pete brings a diverse range of insights to his professional activities in both the public and private sectors.
As a congressional advisor and an active participant in reputable think tanks, Pete provides well-researched knowledge and perspectives on key issues like public and private sector security, the integration of technology in business and government, and the nuances of organizational leadership. His presentations at well-known conferences such as RSA and Black Hat demonstrate his commitment to sharing his understanding and shaping discussions in these fields.
Pete's website, the very platform you are exploring now, showcases his commitment to making complex topics in AI, Cybersecurity, and Technology Fundamentals more accessible. In addition to his blog, the site includes a 'Learning Hub' with free Learning Collections, each thoughtfully crafted to present complex topics in an engaging and clear manner, suitable for a range of audiences from beginners to more advanced learners.
Pete has contributed his expertise as an author, contributor, and consultant to numerous publications, with a primary focus on cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, and national defense. His mission is to educate consumers and business leaders about current and future cyber threats, consistently offering valuable insights in each publication.
One of the featured publications that Pete was involved with was the report from the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC). Established under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, the CSC aimed to enhance the United States' defenses against cyber threats. Comprising bipartisan lawmakers, government sector experts, and leaders from private industry and academia, the Commission was tasked with rethinking the nation’s cybersecurity strategy and developing actionable policy recommendations.
The 2020 report addressed key areas such as national strategy, public-private collaboration, critical infrastructure protection, and international cooperation. Significantly, twenty-six of its recommendations were incorporated into the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), profoundly impacting U.S. cybersecurity legislation.
Another notable publication is 'Securing the Nation’s Critical Infrastructures: A Guide for the 2021–2025 Administration,' published by Routledge Taylor & Francis Group. This comprehensive work addresses the critical infrastructure sectors identified in the 2013 National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP), election security, and the security of local and state governments. It explores various topics including 'Supply Chain Attacks,' 'Emerging Areas for Innovation,' and 'Recommendations for the Future (2021–2025) Cybersecurity Landscape,' offering in-depth insights into crucial aspects of cybersecurity.
Explore Pete's featured publications below, or click here to view a more comprehensive list and gain a broader understanding of the complex and evolving cybersecurity landscape.
