Theme: "More Security with Less Budget: How AI, Automation, and Strategy Help CISOs Reduce Risks Effectively."

+ Earn 5 CPE credits – applicable for ISC², ISACA, GIAC, and other professional certifications.

#22 Cyber Knowledge Exchange

Anmelden
Sunrise Business
Thurgauerstrasse 101B
8152 Glattpark (Opfikon)
Thursday
Sept 4., 2025
Start: 13:20
End: 17:00 Apéro
English

#22 - Event

What to Expect?

Host: Sunrise Business

Theme:
More Security with Less Budget: AI, Automation & Smart Strategies for Swiss CISOs

The Challenge:
How can CISOs strengthen their security posture without breaking the budget?
This exclusive afternoon is dedicated to exploring how cybersecurity leaders can optimize their security strategies by making more efficient use of existing investments and consolidating tool landscapes. We’ll also examine the role of AI — can it already help, or is it the key to making these strategies possible in the first place?

The 6 Burning Questions Every CISO Faces Today:

>
How can you maximize existing cybersecurity investments?

> How do you reduce complexity without sacrificing protection?

> How do you convince management and the board to fund the right priorities?
> What projects truly deliver impact — and what can wait?

>How relevant are geopolitical dependencies in choosing security solutions?

> What’s realistically possible with AI — today and in the near future?

After a long pause since COVID, we’re thrilled to restart one of Switzerland’s most valued cybersecurity formats – now in its 22nd edition. This event series has always been more than just another industry meetup. It’s a trusted space for Swiss CISOs and security leaders to exchange openly, share real-world experiences, and learn from one another.True to the spirit of High-Tech Connect, we also introduce hand-picked, forward-thinking cybersecurity companies – often presenting in Switzerland for the very first time. These aren’t sales presentations. No pitches. No fluff. Every speaker is required to demonstrate how their solution is used in practice and directly addresses the core theme of the event.

Welcome back. Come to exchange, to challenge ideas, and to leave inspired.


Ira Winkler: How CISOs can achieve more with less
One of the world’s leading cybersecurity thought leaders shares how CISOs can achieve more with less — offering practical, experience-based advice from 35 years in government, enterprises, and startups.

Live Cyber Crisis Simulation with Cytactic
Nimrod Kozlovski, cybersecurity law expert and CEO of Cytactic, will guide participants through a live C-level crisis simulation. Experience how decision-makers react under pressure — and what you must prepare for today to be ready for tomorrow.

Top-Tier CISO Speakers & Security Experts
Senior cybersecurity leaders from Swiss corporations, global security firms, and high-growth startups will share how they deliver real security outcomes with limited resources — no sales pitches, just insights.

Exclusive Startup Showcase
Three leading Swiss cybersecurity startups, two top-tier innovators from the U.S., and one from Israel present curated tools and solutions tailored to CISO needs — selected for practical relevance and strategic value.

C-Level Panel Discussion
Moderated by Peter Kunz, this interactive discussion features seasoned CISOs debating what really works today — and what’s just buzz.

Networking & Apéro
Engage with peers, experts, and startups in a high-trust, professional setting over drinks and bites.

#22: Speakers

Who’s Invited?

CISOs, CIOs, and their direct reports from large Swiss companies and organizations.
In addition, our expert team will select 4–5 relevant IT security startups to join the event — including at least one from Switzerland and one from the EU.For this edition, three of the selected startups are Swiss.

Event Registration

Registration (see above) is required for all events.

Nimrod Kozlovski
Founder & CEO, Cytactic, Adj Prof. Cyber Studies
Nimrod Kozlovski is the founder and CEO of Cytactic, a cyber crisis readiness platform helping organizations build resilience before, during, and after cyber incidents. A seasoned cyber crisis manager and professor of cyber law and management, he brings deep expertise in cybersecurity, big data, and tech regulation. Previously, he was a partner at Herzog, Fox & Neeman, leading its Tech & Regulation practice, and served as a Venture Partner at JVP Cyber Labs, focusing on early-stage investments in cybersecurity and big data. Nimrod also lectures at Tel Aviv University and the Kellogg Executive MBA program. He is a serial entrepreneur and advisor to governments, startups, and high-tech firms.
Ira Winkler
CISO and Vice President at CYE
Highly skilled cyberscurity and intelligence professional, especially in the fields of human intelligence and security, with more than 35 years of experience in private industry and government. Successful serial entrepreneur. Consistently top-rated speaker at international events. Wrote 6 acclaimed and bestselling books, as well as more than 1,000 professional, trade and academic articles. Received many notable awards, including 2 lifetime achievement awards.
Nataliya Guts
Security Solutions Engineer, Futurae Technologies
Nataliya Guts is a Security Solutions Engineer at Futurae, with a background in computer science and formal verification. She holds a PhD for her research at the Microsoft Research–Inria Joint Centre and has worked in both academia and industry, focusing on secure distributed systems and authentication technologies.
Michael Büttler
Senior Director Solutions & Indirect Sales, Sunrise Business
Michael Büttler brings over 15 years of experience in the IT, security, and telecommunications industries. He has held key roles at companies such as Zscaler (cloud security), Fortinet (network security), and ReliaQuest (security operations).In these positions, he has helped clients tackle complex challenges using modern technologies — always with a strong focus on ROI.
Roselle Safran
CEO & Founder at KeyCaliber
Roselle Safran has a diverse work experience spanning over 15 years. In 2002, they were the CEO & Founder of CityAthletes. In 2004, they were a Computer Crime Investigator at Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP. In 2007, they were a Computer Forensics Analyst at Knowledge Consulting Group. In 2008, they were a Senior Consultant, Forensic Technology & Discovery Services at Ernst & Young. In 2009, they were the Digital Analytics Deputy Branch Chief at the US Department of Homeland Security. In 2013, they were the Cyber Security Operations Branch Chief at the Executive Office of the President. In 2014, they were the CEO & Co-founder at Uplevel Security. In 2017, they were an Entrepreneur In Residence at Lytical Ventures, LLC. In 2019, they were the CEO & Founder of KeyCaliber. In 2022, they became a Member at Chief. Roselle Safran obtained a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) in Civil Engineering from Princeton University between 1995 and 1999. In 2004, they were certified as a CISSP.
Gregor Erismann
Co-CEO at Exeon Analytics
As Co-CEO of Exeon Analytics, Gregor Erismann is responsible for building the business and organization of the cybersecurity specialist.After various roles in the IT industry, he joined Exeon Analytics in early 2021 and has since driven the international expansion of the software provider.During this time, Exeon Analytics has grown from a Swiss company into a European Network Detection & Response provider, serving clients and partners in Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, Italy, Eastern Europe, and the MENA region.
Olivier Eyries
Co-Founder & CEO at Saporo
Currently working on making it simple for organisations to gain visibility and disrupt the attack path leading to critical assets, in the cloud or on premise.
Stefan Mettler
Deputy CISO / Information Security Officer (ISO) SRG SSR, Founder & CEO CRYPTRON Security GmbH
Stefan Mettler brings over 20 years of experience in IT security, supporting a wide range of national and international organizations—including corporations, government agencies in assessing and improving their security posture. He studied Information Security at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and holds several industry-recognized offensive security certifications. His expertise covers the evaluation of complex cloud platforms and web applications, network analysis, and targeted penetration testing in sophisticated ICT environments. Stefan also provides strategic consulting for large-scale SAP and cloud transformation projects. As CEO from CRYPTRON Security, he is committed to knowledge transfer, designing tailored workshops and delivering practical lectures. He is a recognized lecturer in Switzerland, teaching information security modules at university and vocational levels. Stefan is also a regular participant at leading security conferences such as Black Hat and DEF CON in the USA and Singapore, staying at the forefront of emerging trends and techniques. He has advised organizations across industries such as banking, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, and insurance—combining deep technical expertise with a pragmatic, results-focused approach.
Peter Kunz
Seasoned & Passionate Information Security Executive | VC/Startup/Scaleup Advisor & Investor
Various leadership roles in global information security from startups to corporations. Expert in Information Security, in manufacturing, high-tech, financial services, automotive, public sector, chemicals, healthcare and startups. Information Security and Risk - Risk management (identify, analyze and quantify, integrate, evaluate and prioritize, manage, monitor), governance and compliance - Develop and implement solutions / architectures - Carry out assessments and due diligence - Successful solution development, supplier selection, contract management (support procurement and the bidding process), standardization - Monitor product & service selection processes from the definition of requirements to contract signing - Establish the Systems Intelligence Program, an initiative to select and implement a global vulnerability management solution
Ralf Haller
President High-Tech Connect
Ralf is the founder of High-Tech Connect, a nonprofit focused on advocating for increased investments in high-tech to drive job creation and competitiveness in Switzerland and Europe. With nearly 30 years of global (US, Asia, Europe) experience in the high-tech industry, Ralf specializes in Sales, Marketing, IT, AI, and Data Science, and is highly skilled in developing go-to-market strategies. Holding master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering (KIT) and Data Science & Statistics (MIT), along with certifications in AI Product Management, Digital Marketing, and Digital Partnerships (INSEAD). Ralf is passionate about leveraging global networks to advance technology and create business opportunities. In addition to his professional work, Ralf lectures on digital marketing and data-driven strategies and mentors PhD researchers on startup development pro bono.

#22: Event-agenda

Cyber Knowledge Exchange Theme

More Security with Less Budget: AI, Automation & Smart Strategies for Swiss CISOs

Time - CET
Type
speaker, company
ThemE
13:20
Welcome, Intro
Ralf Haller, High-Tech Connect
Welcome & Introduction
13:25
Keynote
Ira Winkler, CYE
Doing More with Less – Building a Resilient Security Organization
13:45
Live Simulation
Nimrod Kozlovski, Cytactic
C-Level Cyber Crisis Simulation – Are You Ready?
14:30
Deep Dive
Gregor Erismann, Exeon
The Needle in the Haystack – How ML Detects Unknown Threats
14:45
Tech Talk
Nataliya Guts, Futurae
Fraud Unmasked – New Attacks, New Defense Strategies
15:00
☕️ Networking-Break
Startup Exhibition
Coffee & Networking with CISOs and Security Startups
15:45
Tech Talk
Olivier Eyries, Saporo
Identity is the #1 Target – Stopping Attacks Before They Start
16:00
Tech Talk
Roselle Safran, KeyCaliber
Cyber Budget Optimization: Impact Over Chaos
16:15
Case Study
Michael Büttler, Sunrise Business
State of the Art Security Operations with Sunrise Business
16:30
CISO Panel
Peter Kunz (Moderation), Stefan Mettler
Reality or Buzzword? AI, Budget Pressure & Consolidation in Practice
17:00
🥂 Apéro & Networking
All Participants
In-Depth Exchange with Speakers, Startups & Peers

Expert Advisory

Expert Advisory

Our advisory team helps select the topics and speakers, ensuring that all content is valuable and highly relevant to you.

Stefan Mettler
Deputy CISO / Information Security Officer (ISO) SRG SSR, Founder & CEO CRYPTRON Security GmbH
Stefan Mettler brings over 20 years of experience in IT security, supporting a wide range of national and international organizations—including corporations, government agencies in assessing and improving their security posture. He studied Information Security at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and holds several industry-recognized offensive security certifications. His expertise covers the evaluation of complex cloud platforms and web applications, network analysis, and targeted penetration testing in sophisticated ICT environments. Stefan also provides strategic consulting for large-scale SAP and cloud transformation projects. As CEO from CRYPTRON Security, he is committed to knowledge transfer, designing tailored workshops and delivering practical lectures. He is a recognized lecturer in Switzerland, teaching information security modules at university and vocational levels. Stefan is also a regular participant at leading security conferences such as Black Hat and DEF CON in the USA and Singapore, staying at the forefront of emerging trends and techniques. He has advised organizations across industries such as banking, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, and insurance—combining deep technical expertise with a pragmatic, results-focused approach.
Peter Kunz
Seasoned & Passionate Information Security Executive | VC/Startup/Scaleup Advisor & Investor
Various leadership roles in global information security from startups to corporations. Expert in Information Security, in manufacturing, high-tech, financial services, automotive, public sector, chemicals, healthcare and startups. Information Security and Risk - Risk management (identify, analyze and quantify, integrate, evaluate and prioritize, manage, monitor), governance and compliance - Develop and implement solutions / architectures - Carry out assessments and due diligence - Successful solution development, supplier selection, contract management (support procurement and the bidding process), standardization - Monitor product & service selection processes from the definition of requirements to contract signing - Establish the Systems Intelligence Program, an initiative to select and implement a global vulnerability management solution
Candid Wüest
Cyber Security Advisor
Candid Wuest is an experienced cybersecurity expert with over 25 years of passion in the field of security. He currently works as a Principal Security Advocate for xorlab a messaging security startup in Switzerland. Previously, he was the VP of Cyber Protection Research at Acronis, where he led the creation of the security department and the development of their EDR product. Before that, he spent more than sixteen years building Symantec's global security response team as the tech lead, analyzing malware and threats – from NetSky to Stuxnet. Wuest has published a book and various whitepapers and has been featured as a security expert in top-tier media outlets. He is a frequent speaker at security-related conferences, including RSAC and BlackHat, and organizer of AREA41. He learned coding and the English language on a Commodore 64. He holds a Master of Computer Science from ETH Zurich and has various patents and certifications.