At SecureWorld, we consider all of our Advisory Council members—the CISOs, BISOs, and senior leaders who help us plan each of our 15 in-person conferences—to be true cyber heroes. They offer their valuable input for agenda topics, presenters—often speaking themselves—preferred vendor partners, association partnerships, and more.
So, it's fitting that the theme for our 2024 conferences is "Legacies Untold: Revealing Cybersecurity's Hidden Figures."
Throughout history, many people have worked behind the scenes to help humanity reach its potential. Sometimes we hear about these folks; often, they are hidden or even forgotten in time. Information Security is no different.
This year's conference theme aims to recognize some of the men and women who helped pioneer the field of cybersecurity—through technological advances or simply by looking at the world differently, likely with a more discerning eye. We celebrate their contributions to InfoSec, elevating everyone in the cybersecurity profession—today's heroes. If you are fighting the good fight against the myriad of digital threats, you too are a cyber hero!
Here are the hidden figures we are recognizing.
Ada Lovelace: The World's First Computer Programmer
Daughter of the famous poet, Lord Byron, and mathematician, Annabella Milbanke. Ada Lovelace collaborated with Charles Babbage after meeting in 1833. They discussed math and his machines through letters. Lovelace's main achievement was her work on Babbage's Analytical Engine, a never-built mechanical computer. She wrote the first algorithm meant for a machine, "Note G," to calculate Bernoulli numbers. Lovelace's notes on the Engine exceeded Babbage's, containing visionary insights. Published in 1843, translated by Richard Taylor, her notes detailed the Engine's abilities. She foresaw music, graphics, and AI applications. Lovelace's work laid the programming foundation, focusing on logic and instructions, a crucial contribution to computer programming's inception.
Joe Engressia: The Father of Phone Phreaking
Josef Engressia was born blind in Richmond, VA, in 1949. At a very early age he became interested in telephones. By age seven he had stumbled upon whistling at certain frequencies (2600 hertz) into a telephone that could activate free long-distance calls. Of course, back then, long-distance calls were not cheap. In fact, when he went to University, he made money by charging $1 for students to make calls home. In 1971 he was arrested and featured in an Esquire article exposing the phone phreak scene to the general public. Joybubbles, the Whistler, and Highrise Joe were just a few of his monikers. Joe died in 2007.
Claude Elwood Shannon: The Father of Information Theory
This mathematical marvel pioneered information theory, unveiling the secrets of information, entropy, and reliability in communication with his 1948 masterpiece, "A Mathematical Theory of Communication." Decades ahead of his time, Shannon's interdisciplinary approach and enduring principles in privacy and error detection inspire today's cybersecurity landscape. As we embrace an increasingly connected world, Shannon's legacy reminds us of the importance of understanding information systems and nurturing a spirit of innovation.
Dorothy Denning: Uncelebrated Trailblazing Heroine of Cybersecurity
Dorothy Denning, the Cyber Sentinel, blazed a trail through the digital wilderness. A pioneer in cryptography, computer security, and information warfare, she was a relentless guardian of the cyber realm. Her work birthed intrusion detection systems and the legendary "Orange Book," fortifying our digital world against chaos. Her legacy, an enduring beacon of security, continues to shine.
Annie Easley: Cosmic Calculus Crusader of NASA and Cybersecurity Superhero
Annie Easley, the Cosmic Calculus Crusader, blazed a celestial path at NASA. Her pioneering brilliance ignited rocketry's evolution, and her digital dexterity fortified our defenses. Easley's quest for alternative energy and environmental harmony was a heroic endeavor. As a trailblazing Black woman in STEM, she became a beacon of inspiration, especially in the cybersecurity cosmos. Her legendary feats are etched in the Hollywood constellations of the acclaimed movie, "Hidden Figures."
Grace Hopper: Visionary Innovator in Computer Languages
Grace Murray Hopper (1906–1992) is a famed computer scientist, mathematician, and U.S. Navy rear admiral. She originated the theory of machine-independent programming languages, and the Flow-Matic language she created—the first to use English-like commands—would later become COBOL. She was the first to refer to a computer problem as a "bug" and to "debugging" a computer. In 2016, she posthumously received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Brilliant and irreverent, Grace was a trailblazer and example to countless many.
Rebecca Bace: The 'Den Mother' of Computer Security
Rebecca "Becky" Gurley Bace (1955–2017) was an early hero in computer security and intrusion detection. During her 12 years at the U.S. National Security Agency, she created the Computer Misuse and Anomaly Detection (CMAD) research program. Her "infomom" moniker reflected Becky's generosity in advising and mentoring young people and young companies. She overcame much adversity in her life— a neurological disorder, racial and sexual discrimination, and personal tragedy—to become one of the most influential women in cybersecurity.
Hedy Lamarr: Hollywood Star and Secret Inventor
Hedy Lamarr was a glamorous actress who starred in films of the 1940s and '50s. She was a brilliant inventor who developed a revolutionary new technology that formed the basis for Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth. In 1940, Lamarr and composer George Antheil co-patented a system for "spread spectrum" communication, using rapidly changing frequencies to make it difficult for enemy forces to intercept radio signals. The Navy adopted it for use in torpedoes. It is now essential for many modern wireless technologies.
Elizebeth Friedman: The Codebreaker Who Saved the World
Elizebeth Smith Friedman was a brilliant codebreaker who worked for the U.S. Navy during World War II. She was instrumental in cracking several Japanese codes that helped the Allies win the war, including a crucial victory at the Battle of Midway. Friedman had a natural talent for mathematics and logic. She was assigned to the Navy's team to break the Purple Code, a complex cipher that was used by the Japanese government to communicate with its embassies and consulates around the world.
Joseph Weizenbaum: Hero of Cyber and AI Ethics
In the realm of AI, Joseph Weizenbaum emerges as a true hero. After surviving the Holocaust and fleeing to the U.S., he unveiled ELIZA, an early chatbot, and foresaw the ethical dilemmas of AI. His 1976 book, "Computer Power and Human Reason," championed the indispensable role of human judgment in shaping technological advancement, advocating for a future where technology serves the betterment of humanity. Weizenbaum's legacy inspires ethical AI and cybersecurity, safeguarding human values and privacy in our tech-driven world.
Check out our full lineup of in-person and virtual conferences. First up is the Financial Services Virtual Conference on Feb. 28. Our largest event, SecureWorld Boston, takes over the Hynes Convention Center March 13-14; and we're excited to be returning to Toronto for SecureWorld Toronto on April 3. Rounding out April is SecureWorld Houston on April 4; SecureWorld Charlotte on April 10; SecureWorld Philadelphia on April 17-18; and SecureWorld Kansas City on April 24.
All of our Advisory Council members, practitioner and vendor thought leaders, and invited VIP guests are considered Cyber Heroes by us.
Attendees can look for pop-up banners featuring all 10 Cyber Heroes/Hidden Figures above, as well as fun theme-related goodies and stickers, at our in-person conferences this year.