Key Takeaways from the 2025 Southern Maryland Cyber Summit by ePlus Technologies

The 2nd Annual Southern Maryland Cyber Summit, hosted by ePlus Technologies, brought together over 100 leaders from Maryland’s public sector cybersecurity community. With panelists, practitioners, and policymakers in one room, the summit provided a powerful platform for collaboration, insight, and strategic alignment. The Cybersecurity Association is honored to support this impactful event and contribute to discussions shaping the future of cybersecurity across state, local, and education organizations.

Ethical AI in Public Education: Guardrails for K–12 Cybersecurity

AI is entering classrooms, but how it’s deployed must reflect strong public sector cybersecurity standards. Panelists explored how to responsibly adopt AI in K–12 settings while safeguarding student data, minimizing algorithmic bias, and ensuring transparency. Discussions underscored the importance of setting proactive governance frameworks early.

Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure in the Public Sector

Securing critical infrastructure remains one of the most urgent priorities across Maryland. From utilities and transportation to emergency services, public sector organizations are under pressure to modernize defenses and improve cyber resilience. Panelists emphasized the value of cross-sector coordination, real-time threat intelligence sharing, and response playbooks.

Cyber Ranges and Workforce Development for a Stronger Cyber Future

Cyber talent gaps remain a challenge, but tools like cyber ranges and simulation labs are bridging that divide. Panelists highlighted successful public-private partnerships, hands-on training programs, and education pipelines that prepare the next generation of public sector cybersecurity professionals.

AI as a Double-Edged Sword in Cybersecurity Strategy

While AI enables faster detection and automation, it also creates new threat vectors. The summit featured timely conversations on balancing AI's potential with its risks, from adversarial use of AI by threat actors to the need for human oversight in decision-making systems.

Creative Cybersecurity Budgeting in Resource-Constrained Agencies

Tight budgets are a reality in the public sector, but panelists shared actionable strategies to keep cybersecurity initiatives moving forward. Topics included shared services models, creative grant funding, pooled resources, and outcome-based procurement, all tailored for cybersecurity in the public sector.

Leadership Voices: SentinelOne and Maryland State CISO Share Vision

The summit featured a fireside keynote with Brandon Wales, VP of Cybersecurity Strategy at SentinelOne and former Acting Director of CISA. His national-level insights on cyber strategy, resilience, and partnership were a standout moment. We also appreciated the introduction of James Saunders, Maryland’s new State CISO, who outlined his forward-thinking approach to statewide cybersecurity governance.

Thanks to ePlus Technologies and Our Cybersecurity Community Partners

Our thanks to ePlus Technologies for organizing such a successful event and convening key voices from across The Cybersecurity Association network. The conversations we had and the relationships we strengthened will help shape actionable solutions for a more secure public sector future.