Cybersecurity in the Age of AI

Artificial intelligence is changing how organizations work, communicate, and compete. It is also changing the cybersecurity landscape.

This session will begin with a practical review of cybersecurity fundamentals and today’s threat environment before exploring how artificial intelligence is creating both new opportunities and new risks for businesses.

Attendees will learn how AI is being used to make phishing attempts, social engineering, and business email compromise more convincing and difficult to detect. The presenters will also discuss the risks of entering sensitive business information into public AI tools and the security considerations organizations should address as they experiment with emerging technologies.

Designed for business leaders, administrators, and operations professionals, this session will provide practical guidance for strengthening cybersecurity practices while making informed decisions about AI use.

What You’ll Learn

• Understand Today’s Threats – Review the current cybersecurity landscape and the risks facing small and midsize organizations.
• Recognize AI-Enhanced Attacks – Learn how artificial intelligence is making phishing, social engineering, and business email compromise more sophisticated.
• Protect Sensitive Business Data – Identify the risks associated with sharing confidential, client, employee, or company information through public AI tools.
• Evaluate AI Tools More Safely – Explore important security considerations for organizations testing or implementing artificial intelligence.
• Strengthen Cybersecurity Practices – Leave with practical recommendations that business leaders, administrators, and operations professionals can apply within their organizations.

 Who Should Attend

This session is ideal for AEC administrative and operations professionals who help manage technology, information, risk, policies, or business processes, including:

• Firm Administrators, Office Managers, and Operations Leads
• IT Coordinators and Technology Decision-Makers
• HR, Finance, Marketing, and Project Administration Professionals
• Principals and Business Leaders
• Anyone responsible for protecting company, employee, or client information

 Event Details

• Date & Time: Tuesday September 15, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (Pacific)
• Duration: 1 Hour
• Location: Virtual via Zoom
• Cost: $0 for SDA PNW members | $10 for SDA members of other Chapters | $20 for Non-Members

Register / purchase tickets via the link below – note tiered pricing options.  Attendees of the live event will receive a Certificate of Attendance and access to the recording (SDA Category: Office Administration). *For this online presentation, ticket holders may share the Zoom link with their coworkers (same location). Please note: Cancellations within 3 days of the event and no-shows are not eligible for a refund. If registration is closed, this session may be full.

Meet the Presenters

Tony Lesirge – Managing Principal, EXP Technical

As Managing Principal of EXP Technical, Tony Lesirge serves as the company’s chief technologist. He helps define technology strategy and direction for EXP Technical and many of its clients while remaining active as a consultant and advisor to organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Tony brings more than 20 years of IT leadership experience spanning consulting, cloud services, cybersecurity, and technology operations. Before joining EXP Technical, he served as Director of IT for a national healthcare organization.

Tony holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Computing and Information Systems and is a Certified Scrum Master.

Kelly Paletta – Director of Sales and Marketing, EXP Technical

Kelly Paletta is Director of Sales and Marketing at EXP Technical and the primary instructor for EXP Academy, a free online technology training platform.

During the past two decades, Kelly has helped hundreds of small and midsize organizations navigate technology decisions, cybersecurity challenges, and IT strategy. He regularly speaks about cybersecurity, technology leadership, and the practical business implications of emerging technologies.

Kelly holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Arizona.