AI and its Utilization as an Offensive Weapon for Cybersecurity Attacks

Multiple vendors with extended supply chains support State DOT's. Each of these vendors has critical elements within the connectivity to support vehicle-to-anything (V2X) and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). Each of these vendors in turn has sub vendors, contractors and supply chain vulnerabilities as well. In turn each of the vendors becomes a component or attack vector within the V2X and ITS environment. We will discuss real life examples from our work in defending Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) as well as protecting communications infrastructure. With the advent of AI being used by adversaries it is increasingly difficult for even larger agencies, companies and enterprise to defend against such attackers and especially against Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) launched by foreign adversaries. V2X in particular as well as Transportation Systems is a highly correlated threat vector that has already been targeted by Russia and done so with effect into Ukraine as well as breaches within the US. Within the transportation sector the elements of the critical infrastructure include and are not limited to; LMR, PTT, Video distribution, Private Networks, 5G and LTE, IOT, IIOT, ICS, OT, SCADA, backhaul (MW and Fiber) as well as the IT infrastructure associated with the preceding. With the advent and rapid development and dependency on V2X including autonomous driving and the ability to disrupt traffic to military bases the transportation sector is in the cross hairs as well as others from foreign adversaries. Specifically we are seeing both Chinese and Iranian (IRGC) actors penetrating critical infrastructure networks, as well as Russian penetration to wireless networks (also considered critical infrastructure). We will cover examples around the world including cyber kinetic events that have destroyed physical critical infrastructure as well as examples of ones that we have mitigated. We will address defense in terms architecture, processes, training and systems as well as the advent of Artificial Intelligence used offensively and defensively and where this is heading. We will also address the NIST framework as applied to CI (Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover) for wireless and wired networks. Within this framework we will discuss the implications of Quantum Computing and the threats of Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) upon encryption schemas that are used in communications and supporting infrastructure. The outcome will be a greater level of awareness, process and steps to increase protection/defense/resiliency and iterative approaches to cybersecurity defense.

Adam has been a successful senior executive and entrepreneur in network and cyber for more than 20 years. Adam has demonstrated success in complex technology deployments, as well as strategic planning, corporate development M&A, business development, operations and general management. This includes several significant liquidity events for shareholders. Adam founded Waterleaf International LLC (Waterleaf) and developed the worlds first commercial low latency microwave networks for the High Frequency Trading (HFT) markets. Waterleaf is an advanced systems integrator comprised of engineers and scientists designing, building and operating smart cities, complex network infrastructure and became a prime contractor for the DoD and other agencies. Waterleaf launched Cyberleaf managed Cyber Security as a Service (CSaaS) in 2021 to meet the needs for advanced cyber defense for network and ICS/OT environments. Adam has experience in cybersecurity from offensive and defensive cyber as well as development of Side Channel Analysis and integration of complex cyber defense for network operations on a global basis. He has been an SME addressing vulnerabilities, resiliency and system defense for critical infrastructure, ICS/OT as well as ground based launch platforms with the NCCOE and next gen networks. Prior to Waterleaf, Adam was the President and CEO of T3 Communications Inc., a next generation CLEC based in Florida. Other past executive positions include: SVP, Bus Dev and Operations at Fastmobile inc. (Fastmobile sold to RIM in 2007); Entrepreneur-in-Residence/Venture Partner at Comventures (now Fuse Capital), a $2B California-based Venture Capital fund; CEO of Spectrum Wireless OEM/ODM of wireless hardware for last mile solutions (routing at the edge); Executive management positions (CMO at Trivnet), an M-Commerce infrastructure provider sold to Gemalto; He has also held executive management positions in operations, strategic planning and corporate development at T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless. Adam's technical background includes work in RF engineering, SDR, mobile s/w development, hardware engineering and telecommunications architecture. His project management and operations background include certifications in project management, GSM/PCS, numerous telecom standards and the successful integration of complex infrastructure as well as global deployments of software and communications networks. He holds a BS Degree from SUNY and has completed graduate studies in engineering, finance, mathematics and economics at Stevens Institute, Columbia and Pace Universities. MSEE (2024) University Colorado, Boulder. He serves on various company boards and has been a fundraiser for community causes over the course of his professional career.