Topic: Convergence of Networking and Security
As digital infrastructure becomes increasingly complex and interconnected, the traditional boundaries between networking and security are dissolving. This talk explores the foundational principles of security—defining risk, the core triad of confidentiality, integrity, and availability—and how these principles underpin every secure system. We’ll examine the critical role of identity in modern architectures and trace the historical evolution of networking alongside the reactive development of security controls.
With this context, the session will delve into the challenges of implementing a true Zero Trust model in today’s dynamic environments, where perimeter-based defenses are no longer sufficient. Finally, we’ll explore how the advent of 5G technology exemplifies the convergence of networking and security, enabling orchestration, automation, and policy enforcement at unprecedented scale and speed. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how integrated approaches are shaping the future of secure, resilient networks.
Speaker: David Henning, Global Director Cybersecurity Operations, Hughes Network Systems – An EchoStar Company
David has over 26 years of experience in the Information Security field, 21 of them with Hughes Network Systems. He has worked for major universities, large government agencies, and as a consultant for a variety of corporations. David is currently the Director of the Security Operations Center team at HughesNet. He started out as a firewall and IDS analyst heading up the first IDS ever installed at the USDA. He went on to perform penetration testing, risk assessments, and worked at an MSSP monitoring customer IDS. David earned his CISSP in 2005, GCPM Gold in 2009, PCI ISA in 2015, and GSTRT in 2024. Previously, David has worked for SANS building demonstration networks at security conferences and mentoring CISSP training sessions. At Hughes, David is also responsible for PCI and other compliance efforts. He is looking forward to sharing his experiences ensuring the security of manufacturing systems.
