08-15, 12:00–12:50 (US/Eastern), Marillac Auditorium
From printing press to blockchain, technological advances reshape historical narratives across five pillars: finance, governance, faith, communications, and consciousness. Influential entities employ sophisticated cyber and information solutions to manipulate resources and power. Governments, corporations, and NGOs manage narratives, shaping opinion and obscuring truths as they manage perception. Religious groups use digital platforms to spread doctrine, blurring traditional faith boundaries. Social media and emerging technologies amplify disinformation worldwide. These operations exploit cognitive vulnerabilities, reshaping collective memory and fueling evolving consciousness. This talk will examine how technology-driven psychological operations can unmake historical canons, normalizing new realities and marginalizing dissent. The presenters will highlight ethical dilemmas and stress the urgent need for transparency, critical awareness, and decentralization across all pillars. Lastly, they will offer recommendations for how the individual can remain resilient in the face of these existential threats and multifaceted Manichean devils.
Alexander J. Urbelis is a CISO and cybersecurity attorney. He has been part of the information security community for more than 20 years and has deep and varied experience as a C-level officer in two of the world’s most distinguished international brands. Alex has also been in-house counsel, a private practice litigator, and a federal attorney.
Daniel Nowak is a highly experienced professional with a broad and advanced set of skills, specialized in areas that are crucial for cybersecurity, intelligence, and digital operations. Daniel has over 25 years within the global information security community. His work involves a mix of technological expertise and strategic advisory roles, helping various high-profile entities navigate complex and sensitive domains.
Roel Schouwenberg has over 20 years of experience in the security field. He has engaged in long-term campaign and actor tracking across the cyber, influence, and information domains. One of Roel’s areas of interest is how state actors are leveraging offensive cyber and social media for deniable operations.
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