The Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute (OCII) at The University of Tulsa recently hosted its third annual CISO Summit, bringing together cybersecurity leaders from across Oklahoma for a day of networking, collaboration and candid discussion about the challenges facing today’s information security community.
The gathering provides a private forum where cybersecurity executives, security practitioners and technology leaders can openly exchange ideas, share lessons learned and discuss emerging threats with peers who face many of the same challenges. By encouraging direct conversations among the people responsible for securing some of Oklahoma’s largest organizations, the summit strengthens individual organizations and the broader cybersecurity community.
This year’s attendees represented a cross-section of industries, including financial services, energy, manufacturing, healthcare, government, higher education, retail and technology. Participants explored issues shaping the cybersecurity landscape with conversations about artificial intelligence governance, shadow AI, ransomware prevention, third-party and supply-chain risk management, operational technology security, vulnerability management, cybersecurity workforce development and measuring the effectiveness of security operations. Attendees shared practical experiences from their organizations while learning how peers approach similar challenges.
Several common themes emerged throughout the day. As organizations continue to adopt AI-enabled technologies, security leaders are working to balance innovation with governance, risk management and compliance requirements. Participants discussed the growing complexity of protecting critical infrastructure, managing vendor risk and demonstrating the business value of cybersecurity investments.
The summit reflects OCII’s mission to drive innovative cyber improvements across Oklahoma. Bringing the region’s cybersecurity leadership into one room creates opportunities for collaboration that rarely occur during normal business operations.
“The value of this summit comes from the people in the room,” said Nathan Sweaney, OCII cyber innovation advisor and event organizer. “When security leaders from across Oklahoma can openly share experiences, discuss emerging threats and learn from one another, the entire cybersecurity community becomes stronger.”
As cyber threats evolve, collaboration remains one of the most effective tools available to security professionals. By convening cyber leaders, OCII supports the conversations and partnerships that prepare Oklahoma’s organizations for future challenges.