Cyberwars: protecting businesses and people
ABOUT THE EVENT
For many of us, cyber-attacks are no longer the stuff of spy movies or headlines. We’ve experienced them firsthand, losing connectivity, access to banking systems, or risking personal data through services with weak security. Business leaders understand the reputational and financial costs of inadequate protection against cyber threats, while tech experts know the painstaking efforts of information recovery.
Join us for an engaging fireside chat with Nick Gicinto, a cybersecurity and internal threats expert with over 25 years of experience. Nick has worked for the CIA, developed security systems for companies like Tesla and Uber, served as vice president of RiskIQ (now part of Microsoft), and currently teaches cybersecurity at William Jewell College in Missouri and SET University.
The conversation will be moderated by Alex Yankovskiy – partner and head of the technology and cybersecurity at KPMG in Ukraine, as well as co-founder and Vice President of the Kyiv chapter of the international professional non-profit association ISACA. Alex has more than 25 years of experience in senior management positions in private companies and the Big Four, advising and implementing projects across various industries, from finance to oil and gas, and from telecommunications to chemicals. He has extensive experience of working with public sector. Alex implemented complex projects on cyber strategy and transformation, response to large-scale cyber-attacks, cyber audit of the critical infrastructure.
Our conversation will cover strategies for enhancing company information security, addressing insider threats, leadership in cybersecurity, and insights from Nick’s career.
This event will appeal to business owners, technical experts, and anyone interested in cybersecurity. The event will be conducted in English. Following the fireside chat, we invite all attendees to stay for networking.
Attendance is free but requires registration.
SPEAKER
Nick Gicinto
Former CIA officer, ex-cybersecurity executive at Tesla and Uber, founder of SET Cyber Labs, and professor at SET University & William Jewell College
Nick spent 10 years at the CIA, where he served as an operations officer and was responsible for recruiting and training personnel. After transitioning to the private sector, he applied intelligence-agency leadership approaches in high-pressure environments like Uber and Tesla.
What helped him succeed? Soft skills — honest communication, vulnerability, and adaptability — became his go-to tools. Nick knows what it means to lead when there’s no playbook.
He now teaches at William Jewell College and SET University, preparing future leaders to thrive under pressure. In 2024, he co-founded SET Cyber Labs — a Ukraine-based cybersecurity startup built in partnership with Hilltop Technologies (USA).
МОДЕРАТОР
Alex Yankovski
Partner, Head of Technology and Cybersecurity at KPMG in Ukraine, co-founder and Vice President of the Kyiv chapter of the international professional non-profit association ISACA. Alex has more than 25 years of experience in senior management positions in private companies and the Big Four, advising and implementing projects across various industries, from finance to oil and gas, and from telecommunications to chemicals. He has extensive experience of working with public sector. Alex implemented complex projects on cyber strategy and transformation, response to large-scale cyber-attacks, cyber audit of the critical infrastructure.
FAQ
Will the event be recorded?
No, recording is not planned. We look forward to seeing you offline at the UNIT.City hall during the event.
Is there a plan in case of air raids during the event?
Yes. The event will occur in the specially equipped Shelter hall. So, even in case of an air raid, all guests and speakers will be safe.
