As cyber threats become more sophisticated with speed and scale - we need to be as diverse as the threats we are defending. Join our expert panelists as we uncover the countless roles shaping our digital defenses in the era of AI. Learn how important it is to bring in defenders from all different backgrounds, LGBTQ+ and cultures to protect our organizations from nation state threat actors and global cybercriminals.
Vasu Jakkal
CVP Security Business
Vasu Jakkal is a passionate champion of building a better, safer, and more resilient world for all. She brings nearly 20 years of technology industry experience to Microsoft, where she is responsible for Microsoft’s Security business which includes Security, Compliance, Identity, Management and Privacy including crafting the strategy, partnering to shape product roadmaps and defining the go-to-market motions that help customers simplify and fortify their security posture. Jakkal is a dedicated advocate for diversity, and for expanding the opportunities for women in all fields of technology.
Ann Johnson
Microsoft Corporate Vice President and Deputy CISO
Ann Johnson is Corporate Vice President and Deputy CISO at Microsoft. In this role, Ann drives all external engagement for the Microsoft Office of the CISO, and leads security risk management, standards, and governance for the company’s Sales and Partner organization. She is a long tenured, recognized thought leader on cybersecurity and a sought-after global speaker and digital author specializing in cyber resilience, online fraud, cyberattacks, compliance, and security.
Ann challenges traditional schools of thought and cyber-norms–from the way the tech industry tackles cyber threats to the language it uses to communicate–and encourages the industry to get outside its comfort zones and expand how it addresses the evolving threat landscape with the power of technology and people. As a global cybersecurity leader and strategist, she is looking ahead at how today’s cybersecurity investments will impact tomorrow’s cybersecurity reality.
Ann currently serves on the Board of Directors of Seattle Humane, N-Able, Human Security, Datavant, and is Member of the Board of Advisors for Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, WA and the Signal Cyber Museum Society. Ann is also the Executive Sponsor of the Microsoft Women in Security Group.
Ann challenges traditional schools of thought and cyber-norms–from the way the tech industry tackles cyber threats to the language it uses to communicate–and encourages the industry to get outside its comfort zones and expand how it addresses the evolving threat landscape with the power of technology and people. As a global cybersecurity leader and strategist, she is looking ahead at how today’s cybersecurity investments will impact tomorrow’s cybersecurity reality.
Ann currently serves on the Board of Directors of Seattle Humane, N-Able, Human Security, Datavant, and is Member of the Board of Advisors for Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, WA and the Signal Cyber Museum Society. Ann is also the Executive Sponsor of the Microsoft Women in Security Group.
Amanda Minnich
Principal Research Manager
Dr. Amanda Minnich is the Manager of Microsoft’s Long-Term Ops and Research (LoTR) team, part of Microsoft's AI Red Team. Her team focuses on advancing adversarial machine learning and AI safety, developing cutting-edge attack methodologies to secure generative AI applications. With over a decade of experience in security and machine learning, including 4.5 years as an operator and researcher at Microsoft and Twitter, she brings hands-on expertise in AI safety and probing high-risk AI systems. Dr. Minnich holds an MS and PhD in Computer Science from the University of New Mexico and a BA in Biology from UC Berkeley.
Amulya Panakam
Program Assistant
Amulya, currently residing in Atlanta, Georgia, was raised in the city where she is now a third-year computer science major at the Georgia Institute of Technology. She is deeply passionate about addressing misinformation and serves as an undergraduate researcher at the Internet Governance Project, focusing on disinformation and content moderation. Amulya also plays a vital role as a Program Assistant at Girl Security, contributing to the Girl Security Mentorship Program and Professional Development initiatives. Her dedication extends to speaking engagements; in October, she shared strategies at the Internet Governance Forum in Kyoto, Japan, aimed at
enhancing youth resilience against misinformation. Amulya's overarching goal is to empower youth and women to enter the cybersecurity field, working towards a digital world driven by youth empowerment.
enhancing youth resilience against misinformation. Amulya's overarching goal is to empower youth and women to enter the cybersecurity field, working towards a digital world driven by youth empowerment.