The theme of the Risk Event 2023 is “Hey, Chat GPT, can I trust you?”. The impact of ChatGPT and artificial intelligence (AI) on digital trust and the work of security, compliance and risk professionals will take centre stage.
The ISACA Risk Event is known not only for the opportunity for extensive networking, but also for its impressive line-up of speakers. This year’s programme is once again filled with both seasoned experts and emerging visionaries, each bringing forward a unique lens on AI.
Opportunities and threats of AI tools
The event kicks off with a keynote lecture by Etay Maor, whose insights are not only enlightening but also bring a breath of fresh air to the understanding of AI in the digital age. The audience hangs on his every word as he discusses the latest trends, challenges and opportunities in the rapidly evolving world of cybersecurity.
In his presentation, Etay discusses the opportunities and threats of ChatGPT and other AI tools, for both attackers and defenders. He shows how ChatGPT can be used to find and exploit vulnerabilities, write phishing emails, identify confidential files and perform data exfiltration. But he also shows how ChatGPT can help improve security posture, identify risks, learn about different defences and create innovative solutions. Etay Maor also discusses the ethical and legal aspects of using ChatGPT and AI, and how organisations can handle these technologies responsibly and transparently.
Four tracks in brief
After this opening keynote, the day is filled with presentations by top speakers from academia, industry and government in four different tracks: AI basics & foundation, Responsible AI (Legal & Compliance), Corporate AI and AI & Security.
AI basics & foundation
The AI basics & foundation track provides an introduction to the basics and fundamentals of AI. Consider the history, definitions, applications, challenges and future prospects of this technology. Dr Jair Santanna, the inspired Cloud Security Lead, takes us on an enchanting journey. From the origins of ‘robots’ to the impact of science fiction on our world, his presentation immerses us in a cinematic experience. With a live demo of ChatGPT, through which he explores the limits of this technology and challenges us to an engaging discussion on the possibilities. Dr Santanna’s presentation is not only informative, but also inspiring and personal.
Responsible AI (legal & compliance)
The Responsible AI (legal & compliance) track focuses on the legal and ethical aspects of AI, such as the responsibility, liability, transparency, fairness and privacy of AI systems. One of the speakers was Mona de Boer, Partner Data & Technology at PwC Netherlands, who captivated the audience with her presentation on ‘Ethical Elegance: Debunking Myths about Responsible AI in Practice.’ In this compelling talk, she debunks common misconceptions around ‘Responsible AI’ and shows that ethical practices are not just theoretical, but tangible and achievable. With real-life examples, Mona de Boer illustrates the feasibility of Responsible AI implementation and highlights its importance for everyone.
Corporate AI
The Corporate AI track will show how AI is being applied in different sectors and domains, such as finance, retail, media, education and government. One of the speakers is Irfaan Santoe, CISO of Aegon Netherlands, whose presentation shares the challenges of DevSecOps implementation, focusing on practical approaches. He highlights how AI adds measurable benefits and its role in this context. Irfaan discusses critical tools and strategies based on real-world experience to help organisations demonstrate the positive outcomes of their DevSecOps initiatives enhanced by AI. He also addresses potential obstacles in the areas of people, processes and technology, enabling organisations to proactively address these challenges.
AI & Security
The AI & Security track addresses the security and risk aspects of AI, including threats, vulnerabilities, attacks, defence and control of AI systems. In his presentation ‘AI Revolution in the Business World: Embracing Success, Managing Risk, Ensuring Compliance,’ Ron Hakvoort, Partner at Deloitte Risk Advisory, discusses the challenges faced by organisations in strategically prioritising AI during the era of AI transformation.
He explores critical decisions involved in embracing Corporate AI, focusing on techniques for identifying AI integration opportunities and highlighting essential capabilities, including fostering AI agility, establishing robust governance and optimising processes. In addition, Hakvoort discusses the Trustworthy AI Framework, designed to support organisations in addressing pressing AI challenges such as bias, ethics and regulation. A passionate advocate of technological advances, he leads a team of professionals at Deloitte that develops and implements (Gen)AI solutions for risk management and assurance purposes, contributing to the future-proofing and maturity of organisations’ internal (IT) control environment.
Crash in high-risk area
Between sessions, lively conversations take place during networking moments, where professionals have the opportunity to connect, exchange ideas and work together to strengthen their AI practices. The informal setting not only fosters professional connections, but also leads to new friendships and collaborations.
At the end of the day, the buzz in the air is palpable: the final keynote of the day by Dominique Schreinemachers is on the programme. Schreinemachers takes the audience back to one of the most dramatic moments of her life, as a helicopter pilot in Defence. In a clear and poignant voice, she recounts how she was shot at by the Taliban on 10 December 2009 while transporting 10 passengers and three colleagues from Camp Holland to Kandahar in her Cougar helicopter[1]. She shows photos of the damaged tail of her helicopter, which nearly killed her. She describes how she was in agony for 12 minutes while trying to control the helicopter and find a safe landing spot. She shares her thoughts and feelings during that flight, such as the fear of falling into the hands of the Taliban, the love for her family and friends, and the will to survive. She also tells how she was taken care of by her crew, her commander and her squadron after the crash, and how she had to fly again the next day to cope with her trauma.
Dominique Schreinemachers impresses the audience with her courage, her professionalism and her vulnerability. She shows how the human aspect plays a crucial role in the work of risk professionals, and how important it is to support each other in difficult situations. She receives thunderous applause and a standing ovation from the audience who are visibly touched by her story.
Over drinks and dinner, participants talk further. Participants leave not only with a wealth of knowledge, but also with renewed energy and a sense of empowerment to tackle the challenges of risk management in their respective domains. The ISACA Risk Event 2023 is an event that participants will not soon forget.
Looking ahead Risk Event 2024
We eagerly look forward to what the future holds. We warmly invite you to join the next edition and explore the boundaries of Digital Trust together with the Risk Event Committee. Don’t miss the chance to learn from the best, network with like-minded people and be inspired by the latest developments in risk management. Together, we are building a resilient future. See you next year at the ISACA Risk Event!
[1] Interview helikopterpiloot Dominique Schreinemachers (Veronica Superguide)
