Black Hat USA 2017 to Offer Programs Supporting Diversity Introducing More Students and Practitioners to InfoSec Community

SAN FRANCISCO, June 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Black Hat, the world's leading producer of information security events, announced new diversity programming for Black Hat USA next month. Each program has been developed to welcome a wider range of InfoSec professionals to the Black Hat community and shine a light on professional gaps. Offerings will provide a platform to discuss current issues and a source for opportunities that assist individuals in jump starting their careers and continuing their education in the space.

"The InfoSec community needs to be more representative of the people we aim to protect," said Alex Stamos, CSO, Facebook and Black Hat USA Keynote. "The diversity programs offered at this year's Black Hat USA are a step in that direction."

Black Hat USA will take place July 22–27, 2017 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. For more information and to register, please visit: blackhat.com/us-17/. 

2017 Black Hat USA Diversity Programs:

Challenges and Opportunities for Women in Cybersecurity – Career Track Session
Wednesday, July 26 | 11:30 – 12:30 | Career Track Theater, Level 2 Business Hall
The information security industry is growing exponentially and women make up only a fraction of the workforce. In this session, panelists will examine the challenges women experience in the information security workforce and ways we can work together to close the gender gap and promote inclusion.

Making Diversity a Priority in Security - Panel
Wednesday, July 26 | 15:00 – 16:00 | Banyan ABC, Level 3
The security industry is continuing to struggle to fill empty positions, and yet minorities and women currently represent less than 23% of the workforce. This panel, moderated by Kelly Jackson Higgins, executive editor of DarkReading.com, will discuss several programs and initiatives in-place to recruit and retain more LGBTQIA, minorities and women in the industry. Attendees will gain additional insight into what's currently being done and what needs to be done in order to build a more diverse security industry.

Peer-to-Peer Mentoring and Networking Event
Thursday, July 27 | 14:30 – 15:30 | Banyan D, Level 3
Presented by the Women in Security and Privacy Tandems program, which connects women with partners from diverse backgrounds, expertise and networks to encourage knowledge sharing at every career level, this peer-to-peer mentorship programs will provide individuals with the opportunity to connect and mingle with privacy and security professionals. 

ICMCP Grant
The International Consortium of Minority Cybersecurity Professionals (ICMCP), together with Black Hat, is awarding 25 Briefings packets to ICMCP students and practitioners. These programs, designed to promote inclusion, recruitment and retention, are working to achieve a more consistent representation of women and minorities in cybersecurity.

"ICMCP is thrilled to be working with Black Hat to welcome 25 deserving applicants a chance to experience the valuable research and networking opportunities available via their annual USA event," said Juliet Okafor, Strategic Advisory Board Member, ICMCP and Black Hat USA panelist. "This program promotes inclusion and provides a platform for women and minorities to make necessary strides in the InfoSec community."

Future Female Leaders Scholarship
For the third year in a row, Black Hat, together with The Executive Women's Forum, are awarding 50 complimentary Academic Passes to female university students that display a passion about Information Security through university coursework and experiences at the Future of Female Leaders Scholarship Program.

To learn more about each of these programs, please visit: blackhat.com/us-17/diversity-programs.html 

Register for the world's leading information security event by July 7 to save $300 on Briefings Pass: blackhat.com/us-17/ 

Top sponsors of Black Hat USA 2017 include: Diamond Sponsors: Cisco, FireEye, Forcepoint, LogRhythm, McAfee, Qualys, RSA and Tenable Network Security; Platinum Plus Sponsors: AlienVault, Arbor Networks, Carbon Black, CrowdStrike, Cylance, DarkMatter, Digital Guardian, ESET North America, Fidelis Cybersecurity, Fortinet, IBM, Leidos, Palo Alto Networks, Raytheon and Symantec; Platinum Sponsors: Bromium, Code42 Software, Core Security, Cybereason, Darktrace, F5 Networks, iboss cybersecurity, Malwarebytes, Optiv Security, Proofpoint, Inc., Rapid7, SentinelOne, StackPath, Tanium, Trend Micro and Webroot. For all sponsorship opportunities, visit: blackhat.com/us-17/sponsors.html

Connect with Black Hat (#BlackHat)

• Twitter: twitter.com/BlackHatEvents 
• Facebook: facebook.com/Black-Hat-Events-107691635153/ 
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=37658
• Flickr: flickr.com/photos/blackhatevents/

Future Black Hat Dates and Events

• Black Hat Europe 2017, London, England, December 4-7
• Black Hat Asia 2018, Singapore, March 20-23

About Black Hat
For 20 years, Black Hat has provided attendees with the very latest in information security research, development, and trends. These high-profile global events and trainings are driven by the needs of the security community, striving to bring together the best minds in the industry. Black Hat inspires professionals at all career levels, encouraging growth and collaboration among academia, world-class researchers, and leaders in the public and private sectors. Black Hat Briefings and Trainings are held annually in the United States, Europe and Asia. More information is available at: blackhat.com. Black Hat is organized by UBM plc. UBM is the largest pure-play B2B Events organizer in the world. Our 3,750+ people, based in more than 20 countries, serve more than 50 different sectors. Our deep knowledge and passion for these sectors allow us to create valuable experiences which enable our customers to succeed. Please visit www.ubm.com for the latest news and information about UBM. 

SOURCE Black Hat

Related Links

http://www.blackhat.com