SECURING THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION: ENSURING CONTINUOUS LEARNING AMID CYBER THREATS
As cyber threats continue to escalate, educational institutions face immense challenges in protecting student data, maintaining uninterrupted learning, and preserving the integrity of their IT environments. Traditional security measures alone are no longer enough to defend against increasingly sophisticated ransomware attacks and data breaches.
Join this session to hear from cybersecurity experts as they share proven strategies, innovative technologies, and actionable best practices that strengthen schools’ defenses against emerging cyber threats.
In this session, you will learn:
- How to ensure academic continuity, safeguard student data, and minimize disruption in the face of cybercriminals.
- Key approaches for detecting and containing ransomware before it impacts the learning environment.
- Practical steps to adapt to evolving threats and maintain trust in a digital-first educational landscape.
SPEAKERS
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Adam Sander
IT Manager
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Christopher Kar
Information Security Advisor
Christopher Kar is the Information Security Advisor for Fort Bend ISD, the 7th largest school district in TX with ~74,500 students, ~11,000 employees and contractors spanning 80+ educational and administrative campuses. Chris has previously held leadership roles at both public and private sector organizations including Memorial Hermann, the U.S. House of Representatives, the State of Michigan and Michigan State University (where he also graduated). He is the Houston InfraGard Education SIG Chief, is a CISSP (since 2002) and expects to complete a Master’s in Information Security and Assurance later this year.
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Stephen Ollinger
Manager of Information Services
Stephen Ollinger has been the Manager of Information Services at K̀wsaltktnéws ne Secwepemcúl’ecw School District No. 83 for the past 25 years. The district comprises 26 sites and serves 6,500 students, with a technology inventory that includes 1,200 laptops, 900 iPads, and 2,000 Chromebooks. In his role, Stephen oversees the Technology Department, working alongside five network technicians to ensure the network’s security. After witnessing a demonstration of BullWall RC software in March 2024, Stephen recognized its potential to help the department detect, contain, and report cyber incidents to the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner. Consequently, SD83 implemented BullWall RC over the summer and has been protected ever since.
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Eric Rothe
Account Manager
Eric Rothe brings over a decade of expertise in physical security from his distinguished career on the police force, paired with eight years of leadership in the SaaS and cybersecurity industries. As an Enterprise Account Executive at BullWall, Eric consistently delivers outstanding results, driven by a relentless passion for combating the evolving threat of ransomware. His dedication to protecting organizations has earned him recognition for fostering strategic partnerships and achieving lasting success across diverse verticals, including SLED, Commercial, Healthcare, and Fortune 500 companies.
Eric is deeply committed to integrating his physical security background with cutting-edge cybersecurity strategies, enabling organizations to enhance safety, fortify their security posture, and ensure operational resilience against the growing impact of ransomware attacks. His innovative approach and steadfast dedication make him a trusted advisor in safeguarding businesses from today’s most pressing security challenges.
