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.

Intelligent Architecture: Tech Choices in the Smart Manufacturing Era

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.

Podcast
Getting Thought Leadership Right – Lessons from Vendor Research

Henry Rõigas is the CEO and Founder of evisec.xyz, a cybersecurity research and consulting firm delivering evidence-based analysis for security leaders. He is also the lead author of evisec’s Cybersecurity Research Digest, a regular data-led cybersecurity trends overview. Alongside his work at evisec, Henry is a Non-Resident Fellow at ICDS, providing analysis on international security and digital threats. Henry has held various roles in the information security industry, including as a Researcher at NATO CCDCOE, Principal Threat Analyst at Nortal, Head of R&D Collaboration at Guardtime, and Chief Strategy Officer at Sentinel.ai/NFTPort.

Jürgen is an Information Security Specialist with a mission to help businesses and individuals protect themselves from cyber threats. Leveraging his 14+ years of experience in the IT industry, where he has held various managerial and technical roles in security operations, incident response, digital forensics, vulnerability management, security assessments, threat hunting, and more. Jürgen strongly believes that expensive security solutions are ineffective without trained people and refined processes, and that fighting cybercrime ultimately comes down to building stronger communities.

As Chief of International Affairs at Neverhack Group, the world’s leading cybersecurity firm, I lead global partnerships with governments, international organizations, and policymakers to strengthen our global presence.
With over seven years in cyber defense, digital transformation, and public-private collaboration, I’ve worked at the intersection of policy and tech in Estonia’s public sector. My past roles include Head of Government Relations at Accelerate Estonia and Cyber Defence Policy Adviser at Estonia’s Ministry of Defence, focusing on NATO and EU cyber policy.
I’ve also advised governments on digital transformation at the e-Estonia Briefing Centre and founded a consultancy supporting cyber education and digital strategy.

Pavel Laptev is the Global SOC Transformation & Strategy Lead at NEVERHACK Estonia, with a strong background in cybersecurity. Pavel has extensive experience in security operations, incident response, and forensics, including roles in Security Operations Center (SOC) management and as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Previously, Pavel held positions such as Head of Security Operations Center at NEVERHACK Estonia, Senior Forensic Analyst/Incident Response Analyst at Kyndryl, and Head of Digital Forensics Department at the Estonian Forensic Science Institute. Pavel has also been an external lecturer at the University of Tartu School of Law and TalTech – Tallinn University of Technology, where he taught digital forensics.

Ronnie Jaanhold has been around in cyber security for over 20 years with experience spanning technical, operational and business domains. As Business Developer at NEVERHACK Estonia he plays a role in shaping partnerships and helping customers navigate the complex intersection of technology, risk, and real-world business outcomes. Ronnie is being recognized for bridging the gap between the boardroom and the technical wizz-wazz. He is not afraid of asking hard questions or explore uncomfortable truths that is often buried beneath dashboards and buzzwords.

Beyond daily role, Ronnie is the host of CYBERCAST podcast show that is offering grounded view of what’s going on in cyber – from frontline realities to higher viewpoints and also proudly part of Nordic Baltic Security Summit conference content planning.

Don’t be afraid to step up and approach when you see me somewhere. He is much nicer than he looks.

Giorgi is a Senior Penetration Tester at NEVERHACK Estonia specializing in web and mobile application security. He is experienced in uncovering complex vulnerabilities through manual testing and advanced logic flaw exploitation. Giorgi conducts ethical social engineering engagements to identify and improve human-related security weaknesses. He also brings a practical, business-aware approach to offensive security, helping teams turn findings into real improvements. On top of everything he is a creator of Security Summit CTF Challenge.