At the RSAC Conference in San Francisco, discussions were heavily centered around the pressing threats of deepfake technologies and the challenges of establishing trust in the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. While these topics took center stage, concerns about the sustainability of government support for cybersecurity initiatives loomed large over the conversations. As experts dissected the happenings of the conference, the uncertainty surrounding continued funding became a significant point of focus.

A particular concern was the U.S. government’s recent decision to cut funding for the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) program, an essential asset for vulnerability management. Mathew Schwartz, the executive editor for DataBreachToday and Europe, highlighted the industry’s promising response to this funding cut. He noted that despite these federal budget reductions, CVE would continue to thrive with private investment, expanding beyond the government-backed framework provided by Mitre. Tod Beardsley of runZero was quoted as saying, “There’s a plan for how we’re going to make it better,” illustrating the industry’s proactive stance.

The panel, comprising Anna Delaney, Tom Field, Mathew Schwartz, Rahul Neel Mani, Michael Novinson, and Aseem Jakhar, explored several critical issues. These included the persistent vulnerabilities caused by default credentials in embedded systems and industrial sectors, the expansion of the global community at the RSAC Conference beyond traditional regional boundaries, and the venture capital funding crisis, which necessitates innovative secondary market solutions to ensure investor returns.

For those seeking further insights into the RSAC Conference, ISMG’s platforms offer a wealth of resources, including video interviews and articles covering significant sessions and key players in the cybersecurity field. Interested parties are encouraged to visit the RSAC Conference 2025 page to explore more detailed coverage and analysis of the event’s highlights.

In conclusion, while the RSAC Conference addressed several emerging threats and challenges within cybersecurity, it also sparked an important dialogue about the resilience and adaptability of the industry in the face of financial constraints. The commitment to overcoming funding challenges and enhancing vulnerability management frameworks underscores the sector’s dedication to safeguarding digital environments in an era of rapid technological advancement.