SecureWorld Toronto 2025

Kenrick Bagnall has 17 years of law enforcement experience, the last eight of which were in the Coordinated Cyber Centre (C3) as a Cybercrime Investigator. Prior to law enforcement, he spent two decades working in the Information Technology industry primarily in the financial services sector. During this time, he spent twelve years in Bermuda where he was a Senior Network Analyst for the Bank of Butterfield, then an IT Manager for FLAG Telecom and then Senior Vice President of Information Technology for CAPITAL G Bank (now Clarien Bank) before returning to Canada in 2005. Kenrick is also a cybersecurity instructor, writer, and host of the KONCYBER podcast.

Lisa Plaggemier is Executive Director at the National Cybersecurity Alliance. She is a recognized thought leader in security awareness and education with a track record of engaging and empowering people to protect themselves, their families, and their organizations. Lisa is a University of Michigan graduate (Go Blue!) and while she wasn’t born in Austin, Texas, she got there as fast as she could.

Sumona Banerji is a futurist, cyber-psychology expert, and founder of MindShield Institute, a think-tank developing products that build emotional intelligence, cyber-resilience, and cognitive security. The goal is to mitigate risks to human cognition, connection, and security, in the face of exponential technology, through innovation in education, mental health, and ethical technology.

Farzia Khan is an award-winning tech leader, cybersecurity advocate, and champion of innovation. As the Senior Manager of Information Security at TD Bank, she has spearheaded enterprise-wide cyber resiliency initiatives, strengthening defences, raising awareness, and equipping colleagues and customers with the knowledge to navigate evolving cyber threats. Farzia’s career began when she was selected as one of the Top 30 female students to advise the CEO on the Future of Work at BMO, where she helped drive impactful technology initiatives.

A passionate advocate for Women in STEM, she founded ElleHacks, Canada’s largest all-women hackathon, and Robocon, the first international hackathon focused on service robots. As the founder of NextGen Digital Defender, Farzia is dedicated to demystifying cybersecurity careers and empowering the next generation with cyber awareness through education, storytelling, and advocacy. She is also a children’s book author, using engaging narratives to teach kids about cyber safety and digital responsibility. Fluent in six languages, she provides free translation services for underprivileged immigrants and is deeply committed to supporting students from diverse backgrounds—actively mentoring aspiring technologists and having established a scholarship at her alma mater.

Her contributions to STEM and cybersecurity have earned her prestigious accolades, including recognition as a Top 10 Under 40 in Canadian Security, Top Community Influencer, Top 30 Under 30 Changemaker, CILAR Aspiring Innovator Award winner and Women in Science & Engineering Champion.

Daniel is an accomplished cybersecurity professional with more than two decades of experience, serving diverse clients across North America and Europe across the financial, public, and technology sectors. His expertise encompasses technical roles and leadership positions, including leading the implementation and certification of essential security frameworks, such as PCI DSS, ISO 27001, and NIST CSF.

Daniel holds the CSO position at CDW Canada and has the following certifications: CCISO, CISM, CISA, CRISC, and CISSP. He is committed to leadership, effective communication, and personal development. He shares insights through writing, public speaking, and mentoring others.

Vinay is an ex-veteran and a leader in cybersecurity with two decades of experience. He possess incisive analytical skills and has innovative ideas to identify gaps in cybersecurity posture and has helped many organizations in architecting complete security frameworks. Vinay holds dual masters in Computer Science and Information Warfare from the United States Naval Postgraduate School and possesses niche certifications in the cyber space, which include ISSO, ISSM, ISSP, SABSA, ECSA, CEH, and CCNA.

With more than 16 years in IT leadership, Ali specializes in Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC), aligning with ISO 27001, NIST and SOC 2 to build secure and compliant infrastructures. His expertise spans IT security, risk management, and developing high-performing teams.

In post-secondary education, he has taught at institutions across Canada, including Algoma University, Sheridan College, and York University, and served as Academic Chair for IT at the University of Fredericton. He also led the expansion of Durham College's Cybersecurity Innovation Center and established AI & Cybersecurity labs.

His experience includes senior roles at ORION, managing connectivity projects and leading cybersecurity initiatives across Ontario, from tabletop exercises to keynotes at Graylog GO. As a strategic advisor at SiberX and VP of Cybersecurity and Technology at Computek College & 369 Global, he also led cyber training for Youth Employment Services, shaping talent through specialized programs.

Gennady Duchovich is an Information Security leader with more than two decades of experience in IT governance and security operations. His unique background combines military service with extensive industry expertise. Gennady specializes in driving transformation and adoption of next-generation cybersecurity solutions, aligning security policies with global standards. As a former Head of Cybersecurity at a Canadian bank and an active member of the Toronto CISO governing body, he inspires cultural change through leadership, peer influence, and by demonstrating tangible business value. Gennady is a frequent speaker at industry events, sharing insights on cybersecurity transformation and resilience.

Evgeniy is built and wired differently. As a father of four, including twins, he has mastered the art of remaining unflappable in the face of adversity. His career, which began on the technical frontlines as a firewall deployment engineer, has evolved remarkably to a VP of Architecture at The Herjavec Group. This journey has provided him with a panoramic view of cybersecurity, showcasing his ability to navigate and lead across all its domains. Beyond his corporate achievements, Evgeniy's passion for the field extends to founding two podcasts—one technical Security Architecture, the other business-focused Cyebr Inspiration—and moderating panels and interviews for the industry. He uniquely blends his personal passions with his professional life by co-founding a cybersecurity-focused ski and snowboard conference, creatively merging lifestyle with industry engagement. Evgeniy now runs his own cyber/media consulting services, leveraging his extensive industry knowledge and media expertise to guide clients through the complexities of cybersecurity.

Peter Stickle is a Senior Systems Engineer at Veeam Software Canada, Inc., located in Ontario. With extensive expertise in Data Protection, Peter has been pivotal in advancing technical excellence and innovation within the organization, as well as with large commercial, public sector, and enterprise clients. Peter collaborates closely with customers and various teams to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance of Veeam's solutions, serving as a trusted advisor to clients.

Helen Oakley, CISSP, GPCS, GSTRT, is a cybersecurity leader driving standards for AI transparency and security. She co-leads key initiatives, including CISA.gov’s AIBOM and OWASP’s Agentic AI Security – threats and mitigations, shaping frameworks to address emerging risks in AI. As Director of Secure Software Supply Chains and Secure Development at SAP’s Global Security and Cloud Compliance, she defines and enforces security requirements and policies at every stage of development and across all technologies, ensuring robust protection, including in AI-driven systems. A Founding Partner of the AI Integrity and Safe Use Foundation (AISUF.org), Helen advises startups and speaks at major industry events, sharing practical insights to advance cybersecurity and AI innovation. She is also a co-founder of LeadingCyberLadies.com, a global network empowering women in cybersecurity, and was recognized as one of the Top 20 Canadian Women in Cybersecurity.

Lisa Plaggemier is Executive Director at the National Cybersecurity Alliance. She is a recognized thought leader in security awareness and education with a track record of engaging and empowering people to protect themselves, their families, and their organizations. Lisa is a University of Michigan graduate (Go Blue!) and while she wasn’t born in Austin, Texas, she got there as fast as she could.

Shruti is a seasoned Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) professional with over six years of experience designing and executing robust GRC programs for global organizations. With expertise in ISO certifications (9001, 27001, 27701, 27017/18, 42001), data privacy frameworks, and audit management, Shruti has consistently delivered improved compliance efficiency and minimized operational risks.

Known for leading cross-functional teams, mentoring professionals, and cultivating a culture of accountability, Shruti excels at aligning GRC strategies with business objectives to drive sustainable growth and strengthen stakeholder trust. Whether addressing regulatory challenges or optimizing organizational processes, Shruti brings a pragmatic and impactful approach to fostering compliance and resilience in today’s dynamic business environment.

Arif Hameed is a seasoned and award-winning Cybersecurity leader with more than 20 years of technology experience. He is a Chief Information Security Officer and has had roles in Security Advisory, IT Risk and IT Audit at various Financial Institutions and Service Providers. He actively volunteers for professional associations including ISACA, Cloud Security Alliance, EC-Council and participates in advisory committees for academic programs in Cybersecurity and IT Audit. He also has presented, moderated, and took part in panels for Cyber conferences including the RSA Conference, InfoSec World, Secure World etc. He has obtained the CISSP, CISA, CRISC, GSTRT, ISO27001 LA and ABCP certifications. He also has a Level II (Secret) Canadian Federal Government clearance.

Rana Khurram is a seasoned security professional with 15+ years of experience working in different security domain such as GRC (Governance, Risk & Compliance), incident response, and customer trust. He has led security programs successfully across various industries (banking, business processing, credit unions, software development) and helped organizations to obtain certifications/attestations from frameworks like SOC1-2, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, and NIST CSF.

Currently, as Head of Information Security-GRC at Jonas Software (doing business as C&R Software), Rana manages global security framework, customer trust initiatives, and provides mentorship to security teams. He holds certifications including CISSP, CISM, PCI-ISA/PCIP, and ISO 27001 Lead Auditor. Rana is skilled in aligning security with business goals, customer handling from security perspective, managing risks, and promoting cybersecurity awareness across organizations.

Bart Lenaerts is a Senior Threat Intelligence Product Marketing Manager with Infoblox. Bart is a 20+ year veteran in Network Systems & Security with a focus in Digital Risk Management and Automated Investigations.

Rafael Ramirez is a cybersecurity professional with over 20 years of experience in global network routing, IT management, and cybersecurity. He has worked with major enterprises, including Magna International, IBM, TD Bank, and Telefonica, leading initiatives across the health, finance, technology, and mobility sectors. Currently, at Manulife, he is developing GenAI agents for Third-Party Risk Management to assess vendor cybersecurity.

Sanjay Sharma is a cybersecurity leader and military veteran with over 20 years of experience in enterprise security, risk management, and IT governance. As CISO at Zafin, he drives security strategy, compliance, and incident response, having led cybersecurity programs for Fortune 500 companies, global enterprises, and government agencies. With expertise in Zero Trust, security automation, and third-party risk management, he has held key roles at Pathway Communications, Toronto Hydro, PwC, Deloitte, and the United Nations.

A former military officer, Sanjay applies a disciplined, strategic approach to securing enterprise environments and critical infrastructure. His C|CISO, CISSP, CISA, and PMP certifications highlight his commitment to security excellence. A frequent speaker and panelist, he shares insights on cyber risk, AI-driven security, and cloud security best practices, helping organizations stay ahead of evolving threats.

Kevin Dreyer is an IT Director and CISO with over 25 years of industry experience for a General Contractor securing a national network and its 400 users across a hybrid cloud infrastructure. He fell in love with computers at age 12 when a cousin introduced him to programming, and has never looked back. Having dropped out of college due to the lures of the darker side of computer security, he has spent his adult life working on the defensive side while finishing a college diploma and working on certifications from IBM, Cisco, Novell, Microsoft, Mile2, and finally CISSP about two years ago.

Evgeniy is built and wired differently. As a father of four, including twins, he has mastered the art of remaining unflappable in the face of adversity. His career, which began on the technical frontlines as a firewall deployment engineer, has evolved remarkably to a VP of Architecture at The Herjavec Group. This journey has provided him with a panoramic view of cybersecurity, showcasing his ability to navigate and lead across all its domains. Beyond his corporate achievements, Evgeniy's passion for the field extends to founding two podcasts—one technical Security Architecture, the other business-focused Cyebr Inspiration—and moderating panels and interviews for the industry. He uniquely blends his personal passions with his professional life by co-founding a cybersecurity-focused ski and snowboard conference, creatively merging lifestyle with industry engagement. Evgeniy now runs his own cyber/media consulting services, leveraging his extensive industry knowledge and media expertise to guide clients through the complexities of cybersecurity.

Intuitive, result-driven Cybersecurity Leader with notable success directing a broad range of enterprise Cybersecurity initiatives with over 15 years of experience in the financial cybersecurity vertical. Defining Cybersecurity strategy and roadmap, implementing cloud security, managing an annual budget of over $4 million. Effective management experience steering and directing all aspects of operations, metrics reporting, compliance, and resource planning. Outstanding leader inspiring high-performance team through coaching, training and mentoring. Processing strong business acumen, interpersonal and communication skills and be able to proactively convey operational and security needs to Senior Executives. Regular speaker at Cybersecurity events and non-profit organization for new comers.

Gennady Duchovich is an Information Security leader with more than two decades of experience in IT governance and security operations. His unique background combines military service with extensive industry expertise. Gennady specializes in driving transformation and adoption of next-generation cybersecurity solutions, aligning security policies with global standards. As a former Head of Cybersecurity at a Canadian bank and an active member of the Toronto CISO governing body, he inspires cultural change through leadership, peer influence, and by demonstrating tangible business value. Gennady is a frequent speaker at industry events, sharing insights on cybersecurity transformation and resilience.

Michaela Clouston is a cybersecurity leader specializing in workforce development, security education, and risk management. As the Senior Manager of Enterprise Security Education at Bank of Montreal, she designs and leads training programs, exercises, and cybersecurity behavioral remediation initiatives to strengthen awareness across the enterprise.
Passionate about career growth in cybersecurity, Michaela actively mentors professionals and collaborates on workforce development strategies. She is a GIAC Advisory Board member, holds the GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF) and ISC2 Certified in Cyber Security certifications, as well as a bachelor’s degree from the University of Toronto.

Hendra T. Hendrawan has more than 25 years of experience in IT and cybersecurity.

He currently is a Technical Counselor in the Security & Privacy Practice at Info-Tech Research Group focusing on IS strategy initiative, policy development, risk management, and cybersecurity best practices. Prior to joining Info-Tech Research Group, Hendra managed an information security team at a university, oversaw a PCI compliance program, spoke at conferences, and managed risk portfolios for an online bank and a Capital Markets business unit at a Canadian financial institution.

Hendra holds an MBA from Ted Rogers School of Management, Toronto Metropolitan University, a BSc in Computer Science, and a BA in Information Systems from York University. He has also completed and holds numerous certifications, including CISSP, CCSP, PCIP, GSNA, ITIL, GCIH, GWAS, GPPA, and GSEC.

Hendra is passionate about learning and sharing knowledge. He is currently a professor at Seneca Polytechnic, and an adjunct professor at University of Toronto.

Camille Kloppenburg is a distinguished cybersecurity leader with more than 20 years of experience in financial services and cybersecurity technology sectors. Her unique blend of business acumen and technical expertise allows her to guide organizations in building secure products from the ground up.

Her career has been shaped by a diverse range of roles including coding elliptic curve cryptography solutions, product management of cybersecurity and banking products, business consulting, technology delivery for enterprise risk management, and running her own consulting firm. Each experience contributes to her holistic approach in cybersecurity.

Currently, Camille serves as the VP and Treasurer for the ISC2 Toronto Chapter. As the Director at Security Compass, she heads the Security Program Management team, ensuring that customers thrive with Security Compass’ offerings.

A registered Professional Engineer (P. Eng.), Camille also holds active certifications in CISSP, CISM, and PMP, and is certified in the fundamentals of Factor Analysis of Information Risk (FAIR). She earned her B.A.Sc. in Engineering Science, Aerospace Engineering, from the University of Toronto.

Raphael Adeyemo is a seasoned risk management and cybersecurity leader with over 15 years of experience spanning IT risk management, cyber resilience, digital investigations, service delivery, process optimization, strategy, and digital transformation across banking, insurance, energy, technology, and academia. He is the Senior Manager of Information Risk Management at Manulife, where he develops and executes risk analysis strategies to proactively identify and mitigate risks, enabling informed decision-making and business resilience.

As President and Chair of the Board of Directors for the ISC2 Toronto Chapter, Raphael has strengthened the Chapter’s presence in Canada through strategic governance, industry partnerships, and community-driven initiatives. Committed to education and thought leadership, he is an adjunct professor at Conestoga College, a Program Advisory Council (PAC) Member at Northeastern University, Toronto. He serves on the Harvard Business Review Advisory Board, contributing to discussions on leadership and resilience.

Raphael holds a dual MBA from Cornell University and Queen’s University and a Digital Leadership Certificate from Cornell University. His expertise bridges cybersecurity, risk management, and business strategy, making him a key contributor to organizational resilience and industry advancement.

With more than 16 years in IT leadership, Ali specializes in Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC), aligning with ISO 27001, NIST and SOC 2 to build secure and compliant infrastructures. His expertise spans IT security, risk management, and developing high-performing teams.

In post-secondary education, he has taught at institutions across Canada, including Algoma University, Sheridan College, and York University, and served as Academic Chair for IT at the University of Fredericton. He also led the expansion of Durham College's Cybersecurity Innovation Center and established AI & Cybersecurity labs.

His experience includes senior roles at ORION, managing connectivity projects and leading cybersecurity initiatives across Ontario, from tabletop exercises to keynotes at Graylog GO. As a strategic advisor at SiberX and VP of Cybersecurity and Technology at Computek College & 369 Global, he also led cyber training for Youth Employment Services, shaping talent through specialized programs.

Imran Ahmad is the Canadian head of our technology sector and Canadian co-head of our information governance, privacy and cybersecurity practice. He is based in our Toronto and Montreal offices and is recognized as a leading cybersecurity lawyer by several legal directories.

Imran advises clients across all industries on a wide array of technology-related matters, including outsourcing, cloud computing, SaaS, strategic alliances, technology development, system procurement and implementation, technology licensing and transfer, distribution, open source software, and electronic commerce.

As part of his cybersecurity practice, Imran works very closely with clients to develop and implement practical strategies related to cyber threats and data breaches. He advises on legal risk assessments, compliance, due diligence and risk allocation advice, security, and data breach incident preparedness and response.

In addition, Imran often acts as "breach counsel" in the event of a cybersecurity incident, such as a data or privacy breach, and has extensive experience in managing complex security incidents and cross-border breaches. He also provides representation in the event of an investigation, an enforcement action or a litigation.

Imran is the author of Canada's first legal incident preparation and response handbook titled Cybersecurity in Canada: A Guide to Best Practices, Planning, and Management (LexisNexis, August 2017). Imran is the author of Canada's first legal incident preparation and response handbook titled Cybersecurity in Canada: A Guide to Best Practices, Planning, and Management (2nd Edition) (LexisNexis, March 2021).

In his privacy law practice, he advises clients on compliance with all Canadian federal and provincial privacy and data management laws. He has a particular focus on cross-border data transfer issues and enterprise-wide governance programs related to privacy and information governance. Imran is the former chair of the Privacy and Access to Information Section of the Ontario Bar Association.

Imran is an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Law, where he teaches cybersecurity and privacy law.

Alpha Chan is the Chief Information Security Officer for the Toronto Police Service. As a former police Staff Sergeant, his 30 years of innovative investigative experiences include specialized functions that range from surveillance, covert projects, and cyber operations.

Along with cybersecurity responsibilities, Alpha created Toronto Police's groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence governance, the first Canadian public safety organization to address the emerging technology with best practices.

Alpha continues to leverage his experience by building partnerships from industry leaders to address issues that impact the delivery of public safety services.

Aaron Chow is currently Principal Cryptographer and Director of Cloud Security Patterns and Policy-as-Code at Scotiabank, leading a diverse team to accelerate and secure the bank’s cloud transformation. As the Principal Cryptographer, he is responsible for the Cryptography domain at Scotiabank, providing cryptographic expertise and heads up the Crypto Council at the Bank. He is co-chair of the Canadian Financial Institution Quantum Working Group, and is also an active participant in industry-government-academic quantum working groups. He is also a part-time faculty at Georgian College where he teaches cryptography. Academically, he was trained in mathematics, economics, and statistics, and holds a PhD in number theory from the University of Toronto where he contributed to the “hardness of factoring” problem.

Maggie Calle is the Chief Information Security Officer at Varicent, with more than 25 years of experience in cybersecurity leadership across the financial, insurance, retail, and technology sectors. She is known for successfully implementing cybersecurity and risk management programs that enable the business and drive innovation and digital transformations.

In 2024, she was recognized in the CISOs Top 100 Accelerated list for her impact in the field. She also received the 2023 Trailblazer Award from Ted Rogers School of Management, which honors a distinguished Ted Rogers graduate who has demonstrated exceptional accomplishments in their chosen profession and was inducted into its Alumni Wall of Distinction. Other accolades include being named one of Canada’s Top 20 Women in Cybersecurity by IT World Canada, Women to Watch by Risky Women organization, a Global Top Influencer in Cybersecurity by IFSEC Global, Woman in Leadership by SiberX and also receiving employers’ recognitions such as Varicent's Leadership Vantage, Aviva’s CIO and BMO's Best of the Best awards.

She is a public speaker, mentor, and a co-author of two #1 international bestsellers: "Evolution of Leadership in STEM" and "Women Transforming the Landscape of Science and Technology." Maggie holds CISSP, PMP, and Chartered Director certifications. Her academic achievements include a Bachelor of Commerce in IT Management from Toronto Metropolitan University, an MBA in Risk Management and Corporate Governance from Athabasca University, Masters in Project Management from Schulich University, and Diplomas in Human Resources and Computer Programming and Analysis from Seneca Polytechnic.

Lina Dabit joined the RCMP in 1994 and started her career in British Columbia where she spent 13 years posted to detachments up and down eastern Vancouver Island. She was lucky for the opportunity to work a variety of duties ranging from uniform patrol, drug section, major crime, intelligence, border integrity, and running a police boat while working solo in the Gulf Islands.

After transferring to Ontario in 2008, she focused on organized crime and national security, and as an Investigative Interviewing Subject Matter Expert, she went on to establish the RCMP interview team in Ontario.

She was commissioned to Inspector in 2017 and became the commander of the Air Marshal Toronto Field Unit. In 2021, she was selected to lead the Cybercrime Investigative Team in Ontario. She is currently working to establish an innovative operational Cyber hub focused on collaboration between federal, international and private sector partnerships.