Saint Louis University (SLU) hosted Trend Micro PH’s annual Cyber Defense Society Conference on 20 March 2025 at the Fr. Francis Gevers Hall, SLU Main Campus. This event was held in partnership with the SLU Data Protection Office (SLU-DPO) and the Information Technology (IT) and Computer Science – Computer Applications (CS-CA) Departments of the SLU School of Accountancy, Management, Computing and Information Studies (SAMCIS).
The event brought together students, faculty, and industry professionals to go in-depth on the evolving world of cybersecurity. It highlighted three expert-led tech-talks that addressed the latest trends and challenges in the field of cybersecurity.
- Tech Talk #1: Tech Helpers: Becoming Cyber Advocates at Home
- By Mr. Raimon Gonzales, Ambassador of Trend Micro on Internet Safety for Kids and Families
- Tech Talk #2: The Search for Truth in a Library of Information
- By Mr. Paul Babon,Senior Threat and Data Science Research Engineer
- Tech Talk #3: AI PC Threat
- By Ms. Jessica Balaquit, Senior Threat and Data Science Research Engineer
Beyond the technical insights, the talks also focused on fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, particularly for future professionals in the field.
The collaboration between SLU and Trend Micro PH is a testament to the shared vision of educating students on the importance of cyber defense and its critical role in today’s digitally connected world, which aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education), 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). As one of the world’s leaders in cybersecurity, Trend Micro has been at the forefront of research and development, offering solutions that tackle a wide range of cyber threats. Through this partnership, Trend Micro PH and SLU aim to increase awareness on the importance of cybersecurity, especially in educational settings, where the next generation of IT professionals are being trained.
Impact on Saint Louis University
The Cyber Defense Society conference reinforced SLU’s commitment to technological advancement and cybersecurity education. Louisians had the unique opportunity to interact with industry professionals and learn from their talks. The event also opened doors for future collaborations positioning the University as a strong player in spreading cybersecurity education.
Looking Ahead
With cybersecurity threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, the importance of hosting events like the Cyber Defense Society cannot be overstated. The event provided valuable insights and equipped participants with the tools to better understand and defend against cyber threats. Looking ahead, Saint Louis University and its partners, like Trend Micro PH, will continue to be key players in advancing the cybersecurity education landscape in North Luzon.
In the digital age, initiatives like these are crucial in ensuring that the next generation of professionals are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of an ever-evolving cyber landscape. (Article by Mr. Bench Bacani, Photos by Trend Micro PH)
