Cybersecurity needs more and better ambassadors, particularly on topics that relate to cybersafety, where creating positive social change is more time-sensitive to avoid public harm. A significant part of this is learning how to work with the many media outlets and publications that regularly cover cybersecurity stories. Unfortunately, security coverage can often be sensationalist and counter-productive. It falls to us to provide reporters with the right information to cover complex and sensitive cybersafety topics appropriately. To help attendees learn how best to work with reporters, the I Am The Cavalry Track will have two complementary back-to-back sessions on “Engaging the Media.” Come for one or stay for both.
“Telling your story” is a short interactive workshop, during which, three of our expert reporters will walk attendees through tips and tricks for building compelling and credible cybersecurity stories. The session leads will take you through what makes a story “newsworthy”, how to create “hooks” to grab a reporter’s attention, and how best to get your message across. They will also explain how you can pitch your story to other reporters like them, and you may get a chance to get them interested in your story right then and there. This session will include opportunities for brave audience members to engage in live practice with the reporters, but participation is not mandatory.
Steve Ragan, Sean Gallagher, Paul Wagenseil, Iain Thomson