Amadou Ouattara is an emerging cybersecurity enthusiast with a strong interest in digital protection, threat detection, and the security of modern information systems. Passionate about technology from a young age, he developed skills in network defense, incident analysis, and cybersecurity best practices through academic projects and hands-on learning.
He has particularly focused on understanding cyber threats affecting organizations in West Africa and aims to contribute to strengthening digital resilience in the region. Amadou is currently preparing to pursue advanced research in cybersecurity, with an interest in areas such as cyber threat intelligence, AI for cyber defense, and the protection of critical infrastructures.
Motivated, curious, and committed to continuous learning, he hopes to use his research and expertise to support both academic innovation and national cybersecurity development.

Anatole Nseka is a seasoned cybersecurity professional and digital forensics expert with strong technical and leadership experience across the African insurance and financial services sector. He currently leads cybersecurity for ACTIVA Group, a Panafrican multinational insurance and reinsurance company operating across AFRICA. In this role, Anatole develops and governs security strategy across a hybrid technology environment, balancing cloud and on-premise systems to protect critical business assets.
He is responsible for incident management, threat detection, security governance, forensic readiness, and regulatory compliance. Anatole plays a central role in defining cybersecurity architecture, deploying endpoint security tools (EDR), enabling secure API ecosystems, and implementing access controls (MFA) and mobile management (MDM). He has overseen investigations involving ransomware, phishing campaigns, and API-based attacks applying his forensic skills to preserve digital evidence and support remediation.
A passionate advocate for cyber resilience in Africa, Anatole leverages his expertise to build security maturity in emerging markets, promote continuous awareness, and mentor security teams. He holds a Master of Engineering and has contributed to regional cybersecurity initiatives, helping align business goals with global cybersecurity standards.

I began my journey in computing on a humble 64K Spectrum, where I wrote my first programs in BASIC and discovered a fascination with technology that has stayed with me throughout my life. Over the past 26 years, I have built a broad and versatile career spanning technical support, software development, infrastructure engineering, quality assurance, project and team management, and, in recent years, cybersecurity. This diverse background has given me a holistic, end-to-end understanding of IT environments, not only from a technical standpoint but also from operational, strategic, and risk-management perspectives.
My professional growth has been supported by continuous learning: I currently hold 21 industry certifications, including CEH, CHFI, Azure Security Engineer, AWS Security Specialty, and several others covering cloud, security, and digital forensics. I am actively pursuing additional certifications to stay aligned with the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape.
Alongside my technical work, I have strong personal interests that keep me balanced and motivated. I enjoy programming in Python, experimenting with tools and small automations, and I am passionate about historical wargaming, especially the Napoleonic era. Sports also play a significant role in my routine, helping me stay grounded and focused.
Overall, I bring a combination of deep technical expertise, broad IT experience, and genuine enthusiasm for continuous improvement—both in my professional life and in my personal pursuits.

Blessing Ese Egerega “Ese” has over 20 years’ experience in information security, software engineering, IT Training, and IT Audit, that spans several industries, including healthcare, technology, service, and education.
Ese is skilled in delivering optimal results in security risk assessment, security audit, mitigation, and tactical planning. Ese also has in-depth knowledge of computer forensics, penetration testing, and intrusion detection in both Windows and Linux platforms.
Currently serving as a Manager in the Cybersecurity Practice at Plante Moran in Denver, Colorado, where he focuses on leading projects related to SOC audits, ISO 27001 compliance assessments, and computer forensics. Before joining Plante Moran in 2023, Ese held several leadership roles, including Technical Support Team Lead at HCSS in Sugar Land, Texas; Deputy General Manager at AfriHUB in Nigeria; and Director of Global Strategy and Business Development at the Global Distance Learning Institute in Abuja, Nigeria.
Ese holds a master’s degree in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from Western Governors University (Austin, Texas), an MBA, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Business Information Technology from NCC Education (United Kingdom), along with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Benin (Nigeria).
Additionally, Ese maintains multiple industry-recognized certifications, including Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), ISO 27001 Lead Auditor, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI), and Microsoft Certified Educator.

Kashif Shahzad is a distinguished IT Manager and Network Security Specialist with over 15 years of experience in orchestrating secure digital infrastructures for the enterprise sector. Currently leading IT operations for a premier contracting and trading organization in Kuwait, Kashif directs the technology strategy for large-scale commercial developments and critical operational camps, ensuring 99.9% uptime and robust data protection.
Kashif’s expertise is defined by a powerful convergence of software engineering and advanced cybersecurity. He holds a comprehensive portfolio of industry-recognized certifications, including the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI), Certified Ethical Hacker (Master), and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). This technical depth allows him to expertly manage complex penetration testing, digital forensics investigations, and vulnerability assessments across multi-tiered network environments.
Beyond his management role, Kashif has a strong history of technical innovation. He has been recognized with national awards for robotics engineering and successfully developed commercial automation software used in the agricultural processing industry. His ability to bridge the gap between theoretical security frameworks and practical, on-the-ground implementation makes him a versatile leader in the field.
As a dedicated member of the CHFI Scheme Committee, Kashif is committed to advancing the standards of digital forensics education. He advocates for rigorous certification methodologies that equip modern investigators with the practical skills needed to navigate an increasingly sophisticated cyber threat landscape.

With 25 years of experience in Information Security, Nuno Arroz is a seasoned Information Security Specialist recognized for shaping and maintaining enterprise-wide security vision, strategy, architecture, and programs. His expertise spans security governance, SOC operations, incident response, vulnerability management, and network security. Throughout his career, Nuno has helped organizations protect critical information assets by strengthening defenses, enhancing detection capabilities and aligning security initiatives with business goals. A strategic leader with strong technical depth, he excels at guiding teams, solving complex security challenges and promoting continuous improvement.

Quentin Blue Horse is an Information Security Manager, cybersecurity strategist, and digital forensics practitioner with more than a decade of progressive experience in IT, cybersecurity, and executive technology leadership. His career spans technical engineering, systems administration, cybersecurity operations, IT management, and strategic advisory work for education, tribal governments, healthcare systems, law enforcement agencies, and gaming enterprises.
Quentin specializes in incident response, forensic investigation, identity and access management, network security, and compliance programs aligned with NIST, CIS Controls, FERPA, GLBA, HIPAA, CJIS, PCI DSS, and ISO 27001 frameworks. His work includes leading enterprise security assessments, firewall audits, threat detection engineering, vulnerability management, cloud governance, and the implementation of modern security architectures across hybrid and distributed environments.
He is the Founder and Principal Security Auditor of Intertribal Networks, where he provides cybersecurity reviews, infrastructure modernization guidance, and digital sovereignty consulting to tribal governments and tribally operated organizations. His commitment to strengthening cybersecurity maturity in Native communities is a defining part of his professional mission.
Quentin holds multiple certifications including Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and PenTest+, and has completed Harvard University’s professional education program Cybersecurity: Managing Risk in the Information Age. He is also pursuing a Master of Science in Cybersecurity & Information Assurance.

Ryan Perry is an experienced and passionate Cybersecurity Engineer committed to advancing the security posture of modern enterprises. With over 10 years of hands-on experience in vulnerability management, network defense, and secure IT architecture, Ryan has a proven track record of designing, implementing, and maintaining secure networks.
Ryan specializes in Enterprise Security and is certified by several certification bodies, including holding EC-Council’s CEH and CHFI certifications.
Driven by a desire to give back to the professional community, Ryan’s personal mission is to educate and empower every organization and person they encounter with the knowledge they need to build a safer and more secure world. They are focused on translating their real-world experience into actionable knowledge and resources that cultivate the next generation of security professionals.

Sebastián José Arratta is a specialist in cybersecurity and computer forensics with solid experience in digital investigation, data recovery, and information systems protection. He currently works at BBVA Argentina, where he leads projects related to information security and incident management.
His academic background at the Universidad del CEMA and his international certifications — including Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI), SANS GCCC, Scrum Foundation Professional Certificate, and Lean Six Sigma White Belt — demonstrate his commitment to technical excellence and continuous improvement. As a retired officer of the Argentine Federal Police, Sebastián gained extensive field experience by participating in judicial cases against drug trafficking, human trafficking, and child pornography crimes, which strengthened his expertise in forensic investigation and law enforcement collaboration.
He has been recognized by institutions such as Microsoft and the Argentine Federal Police, highlighting his contributions to the field of computer forensics and his dedication to lifelong learning.

Steve Petrie is a Cyber Engineer at COLSA Corporation with more than 30 years of experience in information technology and cybersecurity. He provides advanced technical and security services in support of Department of War missions and commercial organizations.
He is a retired United States Air Force veteran with 20 years of service and has served in senior technical and advisory roles throughout his career. His expertise includes technical and physical security assessments, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing. Mr. Petrie holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and maintains multiple industry certifications, including CEH, CHFI, ECSA, OPST, and CISSP.

Yulian Sani, M.T., ECSA, CHFI, ECIH, is an experienced professional in IT audit, cybersecurity, and data analytics, with more than a decade of proven expertise in the banking industry and cybersecurity consulting. He currently serves as a Senior Manager of Audit Data Science/CAATs at a leading digital bank in Indonesia, a position he has held since 2020. His work focuses on cyber audit, application security assessment, continuous data analytics, and the development of data-driven forensic audit systems. In this role, he has led and contributed to various strategic initiatives, including digital banking security audits, red team exercises, data analytics-driven audit engagements, and machine-learning-based sentiment analysis audit projects. He also acts as an Internal Auditor for technology, security, and compliance-related programs.
Previously, Sani built his career as a Senior Manager of Audit Data Analytics at several international banks and as a Technology Risk and Cyber Security professional, handling numerous cybersecurity assessment projects for major banks, finance companies, manufacturing enterprises, and telecommunications organizations.
He holds multiple international certifications such as CCISO, CEH, CTIA, CHFI, ECIH, ECSA, CAP, CCFA, and ISO 27001 Lead Auditor. Academically, he completed a Master’s degree in Informatics Engineering and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration at Telkom Institute of Technology / Telkom University with a specialization in digital innovation.

An accomplished IT professional with nearly 20 years of experience, Yuman Chau holds a Doctorate degree and multiple master’s degrees in Business Administration, Information Security, Media Management, and Linguistics. Certified in CISSP, CHFI, CISA, CISM, CRISC, CDPSE, CCSK, ISO 27001 Senior Lead Auditor, PMI-PMP, PMI-ACP, PMI-PBA, ITIL, Prince2, and CISP, he demonstrates broad expertise across IT infrastructure, cloud security, cybersecurity, IoT, audit, project management, and agile methodologies.
Currently serving as a Senior Manager and Advisor, he provides expert advisory services to government departments and large enterprises, guiding their cybersecurity strategies and governance. He has also authored independent investigation reports for Hong Kong’s listed regulatory bodies and produced independent cybersecurity reports for the Hong Kong government.
In his leadership roles as Programme Director for the (ISC)² Hong Kong Chapter and Committee Member of the HKCNSA Youth Development Committee, he actively fosters professional growth and youth talent in cybersecurity. Additionally, as a Senior Lecturer in MSc and BSc Cybersecurity programs, he is dedicated to educating and mentoring the next generation of security professionals.
His career reflects a strong commitment to aligning technology solutions with organizational goals while driving innovation, security, governance, and effective risk management practices.