Host & Moderator
Bob Bragdon
Publisher Emeritus CSO OnlineA respected name in both the media and security industries, Bragdon is invited to work closely with risk management and security leaders, as well as security solutions providers —in both the public and private sectors—to identify, interpret and address the challenges of today’s complex security and risk management environments.
A popular public speaker and industry analyst, Bragdon has participated in more than a thousand industry events via face-to-face and virtual appearances, as well as user-group conferences for numerous organizations. Bragdon has also shared his insight and expertise with major media organizations including CNN, The Washington Post, and others.
Upcoming and recent events
2026 CSO Conference & Awards
Location: Indian Wells Ballroom
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
9:15 - 9:30 am
Location: Indian Wells Ballroom
Navigating Through Uncertainty: Staying Alert and Staying Sane
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
9:30 - 10:10 am
Organizations face a complex landscape of pervasive uncertainty in today’s technological and regulatory environment. How does a CISO proactively address the challenges posed by shifting global, federal, and state regulations; escalating third-party risks in an increasingly interconnected digital ecosystem; and rapidly evolving technologies and processes that can deliver transformational change?…
Location: Indian Wells Ballroom
Managing Risk While Embracing New Technologies
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
1:35 - 2:15 pm
Organizations face a complex landscape of pervasive uncertainty in today’s technological and regulatory environment. How does a CISO proactively address the challenges posed by shifting global, federal, and state regulations; escalating third-party risks in an increasingly interconnected digital ecosystem; and rapidly evolving technologies and processes that can deliver transformational change?…
Location: Indian Wells Ballroom
Closing Remarks
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
3:50 pm
Location: Indian Wells Ballroom
How to Make Sure You're Not Hiring a North Korean Worker and Other Workforce Concerns
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
9:50 - 10:30 am
Securing your workforce has never been more complex, extending far beyond the typical background check. Nation-state actors, including North Korea, are exploiting vulnerabilities in modern hiring practices and supply chains to embed malicious operatives intent on stealing data and other assets. Join us on a discussion of how to build…
Location: Indian Wells Ballroom
Exclusive: Insights from CSOonline's 2025 Security Priorities Study
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
1:25 - 1:55 pm
Get the first look at the findings of CSOonline’s 2025 Security Priorities Study, which identifies the security projects organizations are focused on in the coming year. The research looks at the issues that will demand the most time and strategic thinking for IT and security teams. View slides here.
Location: Indian Wells Ballroom
What's the Best Way to Work with Early-Stage Technology Companies?
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
1:55 - 2:25 pm
Security startups offer innovative solutions but are often resource-constrained. Learn how experienced CISOs assess early-stage companies on their security posture, their effects into unique risk landscapes, and integration into their agile development cycles. Learn practical approaches to building strong partnerships and how those change when companies scale or get acquired.
Location: Indian Wells Ballroom
The Evolving Role of Security Vendors
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
2:25 - 2:50 pm
In this candid panel discussion, leading security vendors share their perspectives on how their roles are shifting in response to emerging threats, customer expectations, and the accelerating pace of digital transformation.
Location: Indian Wells Ballroom
Strategic Security Thinking: Balancing Risk and Innovation
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
3:15 - 3:45 pm
Senior enterprise security executives are constantly challenged to align security with the business’s drive for rapid innovation. This session will provide a strategic framework for moving beyond the “department of no” and becoming a true business enabler. We will explore how to quantify risk to justify investment, implement security controls…
Location: Indian Wells Ballroom
Wrapping Up: What’s on Your Agenda?
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
3:45 - 4:15 pm
To close our conference, we’ll respond to what’s on your mind. Attendees will choose the focus on this session in a vote on Tuesday, and we will announce the results Wednesday morning. Then this panel of experienced and thoughtful CISOs will share their collective wisdom in a candid conversation. Want…