The conference, held in partnership with The Business Council of Westchester (BCW), focused on artificial intelligence's role in cybersecurity

Pace University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems, in collaboration with The Business Council of Westchester (BCW), hosted a conference exploring cutting-edge advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and its transformative role in fortifying cybersecurity measures.

As part of the BCW’s yearlong AI Alliance 360° program, the conference examined advances and challenges in artificial intelligence and how it is impacting the world of cybersecurity in business and academia within the context of Westchester County.

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The panel consisted of business leaders, cybersecurity experts, and faculty from the Seidenberg School of at Pace University. This includes Vipul Nagrath, senior vice president of product development for ADP, Robert Cioffi, CTO and co-founder of Progressive Computing, Antony K. Haynes, partner for Dorf Nelson & Zauderer LLP, Jonathan Hill, dean of the Seidenberg School, Joe Acampora, clinical assistant professor of information technology and director of Pace Cyber Range, Li-Chiou Chen, professor of information technology and executive director of Pace Cyber Center, and David Sachs, professor of information technology.

“We’re honored to host such an important conversation about the role of AI in cybersecurity and proud of our continued partnership with the Business Council of Westchester,” said Marvin Krislov, president of Pace University. ”AI is changing the ways in which we do work and we’re constantly identifying ways to harness it on behalf of our students. With our cutting-edge research, exceptional & dedicated faculty, and world-class facilities like our Cyber Range, we are prepared for what the future holds and are ready to lead the way in this field.”

“Here at Pace, we’re blessed with a deep bench of faculty and staff doing exceptional work on the frontlines of AI and cybersecurity,” said Jonathan Hill, dean of the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems. “At the same time, there are very intelligent people working to undermine those efforts.”

“Our reliance on digital infrastructure increases every day, making cybersecurity more important than ever,” said Marsha Gordon, president and CEO of BCW. “BCW is proud to lead these critical discussions on how AI's role in cybersecurity, especially for the business community.”

“AI can be used as a tool to defend our technological systems, but it can also be used and exploited to attack them,” said Li-Chiou Chen., Professor of Information Technology and Executive Director of Pace Cyber Center “How we train, reinforce, and maintain the AI systems that we use to protect our cybersecurity will ultimately determine their success.”

“AI is an amazing thing, but we have to remember that it’s not a set and forget technological solution for cybersecurity,” said Joe Acampora, Clinical Assistant Professor of Information Technology and Director of Pace Cyber Range. “We need to be constantly monitoring and upgrading because hackers are doing the same.”

Pace has focused on experiential learning, expanding its commitment in academic areas such as IT, artificial intelligence and cyber. Pace University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems is one of the country’s few Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) with a re-designation from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Security Agency (NSA). In addition, Pace recently signed an Education Partnership Agreement with the NSA to play a major role in developing talent and tools for possible national security challenges.

The Seidenberg School recently opened an intelligence lab on Pace’s. The AI lab offers training opportunities for students, staff, faculty business and community members. On the Pleasantville campus, Pace openeda Cyber Range, a state-of-the-art lab where students learn how to identify and defend against cybersecurity attacks in real-time through interactive, simulated platforms.

Next year, Pace plans to offer two new graduate programs focused on Artificial Intelligence. These programs include a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence, which places a strong emphasis on theory and the development of AI applications. The second program will be a Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence and provide students with hands-on training on how AI can be used in business and other areas to generate value.

About Pace University

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

About the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems at Pace University

The Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems at Pace University is a leading institute of technology education. Students experience a dynamic and expansive technology education at the undergraduate and graduate levels. One of the first comprehensive schools of computing in the nation, the Seidenberg School is strategically located in the heart of NYC’s tech scene, right on the doorstep of New York’s most promising companies. With access to established tech giants and exciting new start-ups from both the New York City and the Westchester campus, Seidenberg offers the opportunity to connect, intern with, and enjoy lucrative tech jobs following graduation. Through partnerships with leading tech firms, banks, federal agencies, and global institutions, the school’s curricula and programs are designed to ground students in the fundamentals while offering numerous hands-on experiential learning opportunities. The faculty includes numerous experts in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, game development, software engineering, and much more, who operate labs and centers providing students with practical experience and connections that lead to impressive internships and jobs.