Distinguished Panel: Next Generation Cyber Threats and Challenges

Sumon Dantiki

Moderator: Sumon Dantiki, Partner, King & Spalding

The cybersecurity landscape is in a constant state of flux, with threats evolving rapidly in sophistication and scope. This panel will delve into the recent evolution of these "next-generation" cyber threats, examining both advanced technical means and increasingly deceptive human tactics. From the pervasive impact of highly organized botnets to the rising challenge of insider threats facilitated by seemingly ordinary IT workers, we will explore the diverse attack vectors facing organizations today.

Beyond identifying these emerging threats, the discussion will critically analyze the multifaceted challenges associated with confronting them. This includes navigating complex technical hurdles such as securing increasingly distributed and interconnected systems, developing resilient defenses against AI-driven malware, and addressing the vulnerabilities introduced by emerging technologies like IoT and 5G. Furthermore, the panel will address the significant legal and organizational complexities, including the patchwork of evolving regulations, jurisdictional issues in prosecuting cybercrime, the difficulty of establishing liability, and the critical need for enhanced cybersecurity awareness and training across all levels of an organization.

Finally, the panelists will illuminate potential areas for fostering more effective public-private collaboration and highlight key policy considerations to strengthen collective cybersecurity defenses. The goal is to identify actionable strategies that transcend traditional boundaries and enable a more proactive and unified response to the dynamic and escalating global cyber threat landscape.

Pre-reads:

"World Economic Forum Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025"  on the World Economic Forum's website (www.weforum.org). 

"Strengthening America's Resilience Against the PRC Cyber Threats" (January 15, 2025): This CISA publication directly addresses a significant nation-state cyber threat, which is a major component of the evolving landscape.

NY 1.0 Cybersecurity, Privacy and Data Protection - Ethics; NJ 1.0 Ethics CLE

Panelists

Robert Bair

Robert Bair 
CISO in Residence, Zscaler

Anna Clark

Anna Mercado Clark
Partner, Phillips Lytle LLP

Jena Neuscheler

Jena Neuscheler
Associate Security Counsel, Google