Talk All Audiences 10:15 - 10:45 August 09, 2024

Aleise McGowan

Tennisha Martin

In the casino industry, a surge of ransomware attacks has marked an era of unprecedented threats and vulnerabilities. This session will focus on a critical aspect of security within this industry, exploring how ransomware has specifically impacted applications and associated systems. Attendees will gain insights into the methods used by malicious actors to compromise casino applications, the resulting financial and operational disruptions, (i.e., affected customer data security etc.) and responses developed to counter these threats. By researching industry giants like MGM and Caesars, we will highlight the importance of robust application security measures and the future landscape of cybersecurity in this sector. Unique security challenges faced by the casino industry will be explored, along with examples of vulnerabilities and their exploitation. The session will also delve into the interplay between ICT, IoT, and application security in the casino context.

Aleise McGowan

CISO BlackGirlsHack

Dr. Aleise H. McGowan is a cybersecurity leader and academic with over 20 years of experience in the field. She serves as the CISO for BlackGirlsHack, an organization dedicated to increasing diversity in cybersecurity, while also holding the position of Assistant Professor at the University of Southern Mississippi.


Tennisha Martin

Founder/Executive Director BlackGirlsHack

Tennisha Martin is the founder and Executive Director of BlackGirlsHack (BGH Foundation), a national cybersecurity nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education and resources to underserved communities and increasing the diversity in cyber. BlackGirlsHack provides its members with resources, mentorship, direction, and training required to enter and excel in the cybersecurity field. Tennisha has a bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and several Master’s Degrees including in Cybersecurity and Business Administration. She has worked in a consulting capacity for over 15 years and is a best selling author, award winning hacker, and an advocate for diversity.