Ethical AI and Responsible Innovation in Cyber Defence

1. Ethical AI in Threat Intelligence & Security Operations
   • AI should enhance, not replace, human decision-making.
   • Avoid automation without oversight—responsible use is key.
   • Focus on AI-driven efficiency without ethical compromises.
2. Transparency, Traceability & Accountability
   • No black-box AI—models must be explainable.
   • Ensure AI actions are auditable and justifiable.
   • Security teams remain accountable for AI decisions.
3. Privacy-Conscious AI in Cyber Defense
   • Balance security with privacy—avoid overreach.
   • Use privacy-preserving techniques (e.g., federated learning).
   • Align with global regulations while maintaining defense.

Jaya Baloo has been working in the field of information security with a focus on secure network architecture for over 20 years. She is the former CISO at Avast, and prior to that was CISO at KPN, the largest telecommunications carrier in the Netherlands. Jaya serves on boards of the NL’s National Cyber Security Centre, TIIN Capital, NOS, and the EU Quantum Flagship. Jaya is recognized as a top 100 global CISO and ranks among the top 100 security influencers worldwide. In 2019, she was selected as one of the 50 most inspiring women in the Netherlands by Inspiring Fifty. In 2022 she received an honorary doctorate from the University of Twente for her contributions to the field of Cybersecurity.

Ransomware Reality Check: Are You Ready to Face Organised Cybercrime?

Raj Samani is a computer security expert working as the SVP, Chief Scientist, for cybersecurity firm Rapid7. Raj has assisted multiple law enforcement agencies in cybercrime cases, and is special advisor to the European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) in The Hague.
Raj has been recognized for his contribution to the computer security industry through numerous awards, including the Infosecurity Europe hall of Fame, Peter Szor award, Intel Achievement Award, among others. Raj is also the co-author of the book ‘Applied Cyber Security and the Smart Grid’, CSA Guide to Cloud computing, as well as technical editor for numerous other publications.
He can be found on twitter @Raj_Samani

AI Governance: Estonia’s Experience So Far and the Road Ahead

• Do budget cuts accelerate or slow down AI adoption?
• What are the current and future security challenges?
• Can security be delegated to AI agents?
• How does AI impact workflows from a security perspective?

Dr. Ott Velsberg is a renowned Estonian IT specialist and government official, known for his expertise in data governance and artificial intelligence. As the current Chief Data Officer (CDO) of Estonia, he is responsible for driving the country’s data and AI policy and its implementation. Velsberg has a wealth of experience in coordinating data governance and data science, with a focus on domains such as artificial intelligence, open data, citizen-centric data governance, data management, and digital transformation. Under his leadership, Estonia has become a global leader in data governance, open data, and artificial intelligence. With his passion for technology and data, he is making significant contributions to Estonia’s digital transformation and shaping the country’s future in data governance and artificial intelligence.

Podcast
Human: The First and Last Line of Defense in Cybersecurity

Andero Teras is a psychologist and expert in team and leadership training with a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Tartu. He enhances his expertise through doctoral research and teaches “”Practical Positive Psychology”” at Tartu University’s Pärnu College. He has also expanded his knowledge at universities in Finland and the United States. His international experience includes training leaders and teams across Europe, the U.S., Asia, and Latin America. He is also a highly regarded public speaker at major conferences in Estonia.

Paul is currently the Head of IT, Digitalisation and Security at Sunly, overseeing key domains like cybersecurity, digitalisation, business intelligence and data, AI, microservices, software development, support services etc in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. Previously, he served as Division Lead at ADM Interactive, merging and restructuring software development teams, fostering client partnerships in the Baltics, UK, and Germany. He is a strategic forward-thinking leader with the ability to implement changes to foster innovation.

Priit Lepasepp is the co-founder and CEO of Sunly, a renewable energy company advancing the transition to sustainable power in the Baltics and Poland. With a background in law and extensive experience in energy markets and project development, Priit combines strategic vision with a commitment to innovation. Under his leadership, Sunly has become a key player in wind, solar, and energy storage, contributing not only to the green transition but also to the region’s energy security and resilience.

Mihkel Tikk is the Deputy Commander of Cyber Command in Estonian Defence Forces. His main areas of responsibility are Cyber and ICT operations and capability development. Previously Mr Tikk was Director of Cyber Policy and Information Technology Department at the Estonian Ministry of Defence. In addition to the development and implementation of cyber security and defence related policies, he also coordinated information security management throughout the MoD’s area of administration, including the Estonian Defence Forces. He was the representative of Estonia in various NATO and EU committees and at the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence.Before joining the Ministry, Mr Tikk designed business processes and e-services for the Estonian government. At the Estonian Information Systems Authority he was responsible for the development of Estonia’s State Portal, which has been acknowledged by the European Commission as the best State Portal in Europe. Mr Tikk is also co-founder of Estonian cyber reserves unit Cyber Defence League.

By education, a theoretical physicist and computer scientist specializing in numerical simulations of quantum mechanical spin systems with the application to quantum computing and nuclear magnetic resonance. Worked in the field of computer simulations, complex mathematical optimization, software development and advanced system architecture for more than 20 years. A co-founder in a couple of organizations and startups that have successfully scaled out. Currently a Lead I4.0 and smart manufacturing systems architect in Ericsson, leading the Ericsson global smart manufacturing from a holistic perspective and focusing on topics like advanced AI, production optimization, next-generation communication technologies (5G-Advanced, 6G).

AI Agents – opportunities, risks and mitigation

Andreas Horn leads IBM’s AIOps service portfolio for EMEA, driving AI-powered transformation across enterprises. He specializes in strategic AI deployment for IT Operations, ensuring businesses leverage AI to enhance resilience, efficiency and innovation in this new era of AI. Beyond IBM, Andreas is a university lecturer, educating the next generation on practical AI applications that boost productivity and streamline workflows. His mission: turn AI from hype into real-world impact.

Louis grew up in a small coastal town in Australia and attended the University of Newcastle, gaining a first class Honors Degree in Computer Science and worked in the industry as a Consultant and Trainer for 10 years, specializing in enterprise integration services. Having left the world of IT consultancy behind, Louis now uses his public speaking and communication skills to lead tech focused conferences, combining both his broad technical and entertainment skills to provide a larger than life presence on stage when he hosts.