Keynote Day 2

“Mission Possible: Securing Nonprofits in the Age of AI”

Abstract:
Cybersecurity has long been built for those with the deepest pockets—governments, corporations, and traditional critical infrastructure. But what about the nonprofits that serve as society’s safety net? From humanitarian relief to social justice initiatives, these organizations are increasingly targeted by cyber threats yet remain under-resourced and overlooked. As AI accelerates both risks and opportunities, we stand at a crossroads: Will AI widen the security gap, or can it be leveraged to secure all organizations, not just the privileged few?

This keynote goes beyond theory to provide real-world, immediately actionable strategies for security professionals, researchers, students, and industry leaders—because whether we realize it or not, nonprofits intersect with all of our lives. We donate, we volunteer, we rely on their services. Their security is our security. Attendees will leave with practical steps to help safeguard the nonprofits they hold dear about while ensuring AI and other emerging technologies empower these organizations to advance their mission—rather than expose them to new risks. AI-driven security challenges and solutions are relevant not only to nonprofits but to the broader ecosystem of enterprise organizations, funders, and professionals who interact with and support them.

Security cannot be a privilege—it must be a right. If nonprofits are left behind, the communities they serve are left vulnerable. Join this conversation to discover how we can bridge the gap, drive real impact, and ensure a future where security is for all—not just some.

Bio:
Dr. Kelley Misata, a distinguished cybersecurity expert and speaker, Founder and Chief Trailblazer of Sightline Security. and serves as President of the Open Information Security Foundation (OISF). Dr. Misata’s expertise spans cybersecurity, specializing in nonprofit security, network security, assessments, and the strategic use of open-source technologies. She is a renowned speaker and advocate for improving cybersecurity practices within underserved enterprises, nonprofits, and community sectors through her groundbreaking work at Sightline Security.

Her commitment to cybersecurity is deeply personal, informed by her experiences as a cyberstalking survivor, and she brings a unique perspective to her work, pairing technical expertise with strategic leadership. She has contributed significantly to advancing open- source security through her leadership at OISF and past work with organizations like the Tor Project. Dr. Misata holds a Ph.D. in Information Security from Purdue University, a Master’s in Business Administration and Marketing, and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Bentley University. Her comprehensive educational background and professional accomplishments establish her as a pivotal leader in cybersecurity innovation and advocacy, especially in bridging the gap between security frameworks and practical applications for nonprofits and mission-based organizations.