Join us for an intimate fireside chat exploring how Artificial Intelligence is transforming cybersecurity and creating both unprecedented opportunities and complex challenges for today’s leaders. In this candid conversation, Academy Sports and Fortinet will share real-world insights and emerging trends that are reshaping how organizations defend against cyber threats. This isn’t your typical presentation—it’s an open dialogue designed to spark meaningful follow-up discussion about the intersection of AI and cybersecurity.
What You’ll Experience:
- Frank discussion about what you need to know about AI and cybersecurity—get beyond the buzzwords and hype
- challenges, explore practical solutions, and learn from fellow leaders navigating similar decisions
- Strategic insights on future-proofing your organization against evolving threats while harnessing AI’s potential for competitive advantage
Matt Fryer
CISO Architect and Field CTO
Fortinet, Inc
Matt Fryer is an accomplished cybersecurity professional and leader with extensive experience across various organizations within the Financial, O&G, Hospitality and Healthcare sectors, currently serving as a CISO Architect and Field CTO at Fortinet. Matt has spent most of his career in cybersecurity, starting as a PM and Security Analyst through to serving as Executive and CISO for several organizations.
Mark Alvarado
Director of Cybersecurity
Academy Sports & Outdoors
With over 19 years of experience in IT, Mark Alvarado is a digital risk expert. As the Director of Cyber Security & IT Compliance at Academy Sports + Outdoors, he assists corporate organizations in identifying areas where digital hazards are present and making recommendations for controls or solutions to close any gaps. Additionally, he has had formal training in IT security and is knowledgeable in endpoint security, vulnerability management, identity management, DLP, threat remediation, and best practices for protecting IT infrastructure.
Mark spent 11 years in high-speed production prior to his stint in IT, working for organizations including Pepsi, Cold Water Seafood, and Caltex Citrus Juice.
His three children range in age from 26 to 16 years old. He holds three degrees: a bachelor’s degree in information technology, an MBA in information technology management, and a master’s degree in cybersecurity and information assurance.
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Founded more than 20 years ago in Sunnyvale, California, Fortinet continues to be a driving force in the evolution of cybersecurity and the convergence of networking and security. Securing people, devices, and data everywhere is our mission. To that end, our portfolio of over 50 enterprise-grade products is the largest integrated offering available, delivering proven cybersecurity everywhere you need it. More than 755,000 customers trust Fortinet solutions, which are among the most deployed, most patented, and most validated in the industry.
