​Topic: From Battlefields to Breaches – DFIR Trends and the Veteran Pathway into Cybersecurity

• ​Lunch will be provided

​Overview:

​Join GuidePoint Security’s Tony Cook and Paul Keener for a dynamic session that bridges the front lines of Digital Forensics & Incident Response (DFIR) with the untapped potential of military veterans in cybersecurity.

The session kicks off with a look at the latest DFIR trends shaping the threat landscape, including a live walkthrough of a recent case leveraging AI. From ransomware evolution to AI-assisted investigations, attendees will gain firsthand insight into how today’s incident responders are adapting to an increasingly complex battlefield.

The conversation then shifts to one of cybersecurity’s greatest force multipliers: military veterans. The transition from military service to a civilian cybersecurity career is one of the most disorienting, and rewarding journeys a veteran can take. Tony and Paul will share their own transition stories, the lessons learned, and why veterans bring a built-in competitive edge: mission focus, composure under pressure, team-first mentality, and a security mindset forged in environments where the stakes are real.

Whether you’re a transitioning service member exploring your options, a hiring manager looking to tap into veteran talent, or a cybersecurity professional curious about the veteran-to-cyber pipeline, this session delivers actionable insights and real-world perspective. Attendees will also learn about the VetSec program and community, a mentorship-driven network of veterans helping veterans accelerate their path into cybersecurity careers.