WILLEMSTAD - Digital trust is crucial in today’s society, as it serves as the foundation for secure interactions, transactions, and communications in the online world. No one wants their personal information exposed, and everyone hopes that internet security is assured. This sentiment was strongly evident at the tenth conference of the ISACA Curaçao Chapter, held at the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten auditorium in Scharloo.
Interest in the conference was high, and unfortunately, late registrants were turned away, as the two-day event sold out two weeks in advance. The program featured an array of insightful speakers from Mexico, the United States, Canada, Belgium, the Netherlands, Aruba, and Curaçao, all of whom focused on various aspects of digital trust. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions relevant to their personal or professional circumstances.
Amid the presentations, attendees took time to network and exchange information, recognizing new business opportunities that have emerged with the advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI). As borders have opened and new companies have formed, it has become increasingly important to ensure that cyber and information security protect the integrity and safety of digital data for users.
Joe Bloemendaal from the Netherlands highlighted the rise of 'deepfake' technology in personal identification and emphasized the need to distinguish between real and fake. Additionally, Nick Scheurkogel from Canada discussed the growing cyber threats facing Curaçao, identifying the types of businesses most vulnerable to cyberattacks. Paulino Calderon, a Mexican ethical hacker, gave a compelling presentation on secure coding. Calderon, who was falsely accused of tampering with the 2019 Bolivian elections, successfully defended himself, proving he had no involvement.
ISACA is a global professional association specializing in IT governance, IT auditing, information security, cybersecurity, and automation risk management. Founded in 1967, ISACA aims to elevate these fields by professionalizing its members through research, certifications, and the establishment of a registry for professionals who have demonstrable experience and have passed the exams in the fields. ISACA has 180,000 members across 225 chapters worldwide. ISACA Curaçao Chapter (www.isacacuracao.com) was established in 2014 and has earned the title of “Best Small Chapter Worldwide” three times—in 2015, 2016, and 2018. Over the years, membership has grown to 102. The annual two-day ISACA Conference has become the largest IT event in Curaçao, attracting not only local professionals from various sectors but also an increasing number of participants from the region thanks to its lineup of international speakers and high attendance.