This year’s Central Illinois Cyber (CIC24) event, hosted by Pearl Technology on October 16, was a vibrant gathering of cybersecurity professionals and enthusiasts. The event was packed with insightful talks, engaging activities, and valuable networking opportunities.
Capture the Flag (CTF) Competition
A standout feature of CIC24 was the CTF competition. Participants showcased their cybersecurity skills through a series of challenging puzzles. Congratulations to the winning team, ‘Dog4Shell’—who took home the trophy—and the event’s individual leader, Cil Olsen (SkillsUSA Illinois | CTRL + GEEK), for their exceptional talent and creativity.
Featured Speakers
CIC24 brought together an impressive lineup of speakers who shared their insights on various cybersecurity topics:
- Tony Collings from CISA discussed recent initiatives and field operation insights, emphasizing services designed to enhance cybersecurity defenses.
- Justin Harris from the Department of Justice highlighted developments in artificial intelligence and its use in combating cyber threats.
- Don Shafer, Executive Director of the Information Technology Workforce Accelerator, provided an overview of grant programs aimed at advancing IT education.
- Cory Robinson from Caterpillar emphasized the importance of returning to fundamental principles in incident response for greater effectiveness.
- Dave Johnson, Managing Partner at Pearl Technology, reviewed past activities and future plans for Peoria InfraGard.
- Clint Rezac, a detective with the Peoria Police Department, explored mobile forensics through case studies and best practices.
- Anthony Mini, President and CISO of Pearl Technology, discussed how threat actors use social engineering tactics to enhance targeting.
Networking and Education
Beyond the formal sessions, CIC24 offered ample networking opportunities. Attendees connected with peers, exchanged ideas, and explored emerging trends in cybersecurity. The event fostered a collaborative environment where participants could learn from each other and discover new strategies to tackle cyber challenges.
Conclusion
CIC24 was an enriching experience for all involved, providing a platform for knowledge sharing and professional growth. We look forward to next year’s event as we continue to strengthen the cybersecurity community in Central Illinois. Thank you to all speakers, participants, and organizers for making CIC24 a memorable occasion!
