Expel insider · 3 MIN READ · KELLY FIEDLER · JUN 16, 2022 · TAGS: Cloud security / Company news / MDR / Tech tools
That’s a wrap on RSA Conference 2022, and we’re still dazed from the four days we spent on the show floor. For many of us, it was the first major in-person conference since the onset of the pandemic, and our time back at Moscone was both exciting and familiar.
The Expel booth buzzed with friends old and new as we made our exhibitor debut. To kick things off, we popped champagne and heard from our founders about how Expel came to be. Then, through demos and conversations, we got to share our approach to security and show you why we think it can even be delightful.
Harry Mack brought down the house with a series of improvisational freestyle rap performances that had folks dancing in the aisle. We attended sessions and made connections with industry colleagues from around the world. And our friendly bots, Josie™ and Ruxie™, even made an appearance!
Now that we’ve had time to reflect on this year’s conference, here are three of the big takeaways and highlights from our time at Moscone.
- Hope and encouragement won over fear, uncertainty, and doubt.
In an industry that often relies on FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt) to compel action, the common thread from the keynote speakers was a message of hope. Notable leaders from industry giants (think: RSA, Cisco, and VMware) took to the stage to remind us that if we pull together, we have the power to change the world for the better.
Speakers took lessons learned from recent history to lay out trends they’re seeing across their customer bases, and we all left sessions feeling encouraged.
- Cybersecurity is for everyone.
The only way to stay ahead in a constantly evolving threat landscape is through an approach to security that’s also constantly evolving. What does that look like? Technological innovation, human ingenuity and expertise, and inclusivity in our defender community. Vasu Jakkal, Corporate Vice President for Microsoft Security, Compliance, Identity Management and Privacy, argued that the best way to overcome this challenge is to create a more inclusive environment where people from many different backgrounds are empowered to do their best work and thrive.
We echo this sentiment wholeheartedly at Expel, and stand by the belief that we’re “better when different.” We know we’re stronger when we recognize, celebrate, and learn from those whose backgrounds and perspectives are different from our own.
(More on Jakkal’s ideas for breaking down barriers in cybersecurity, and how we practice equity, diversity, and inclusion on a day-to-day basis at Expel in our day two RSA recap.)
- In a time of economic change, ROI is more important than ever.
While this year’s conference was a taste of normalcy, we can’t ignore that the current economic situation has and will have an effect on the industry—for customers and vendors alike. With so many companies vying for their share of the market, the security providers that will ultimately stand out are the ones that can demonstrate value and deliver a positive return on investment (ROI).
Companies that put an emphasis on enhanced reporting—helping customers understand and translate their investments to decision makers—will stand above the competition.
The overwhelming sentiment from the week was how happy security folks were to be back in person with this close-knit community. Our cheeks are still aching from all the smiling, as we reconnected with colleagues and even met some in-person for the first time.
It can sometimes be easy to forget, but there’s a human element that sits at the core of the security industry. It’s conferences like this—where we’re able to swap stories, trade lessons learned, and share a laugh—that remind us why we do what we do.
The jet lag is finally wearing off and we’re already getting excited to gear up for next year! ICYMI, we spent the week leading up to RSA sharing news about recent momentum, product advancements, and even a new partnership with Armis—and we can’t wait to keep the good news coming. If you’re curious about what makes Expel, Expel—we’d love to chat anytime.
