2026-08-15 –, Stage 1
As attackers increasingly leverage AI to automate, the timeline of cyber attacks is compressing. What once unfolded over days or weeks now happens in minutes. In this environment, speed is no longer a competitive advantage for defenders but a baseline requirement.
Security Operations Centers (SOCs) are being pushed to operate at unprecedented velocity to match these attackers, but many are not designed for sustained high-speed decision-making. Faster detection and response can improve outcomes, but it can also amplify false positives, accelerate poor decisions, and introduce operational instability if not implemented carefully.
This talk explores the evolving role of speed in modern cyber defense, examining how AI is reshaping both attacker and defender dynamics. It introduces practical strategies for building a high-velocity SOC that maintains accuracy, control, and resilience: focusing on detection quality, feedback loops, and measured automation. Attendees will leave with a framework for operating at speed without sacrificing effectiveness.
Gabrielle Hempel is a Security Operations Strategist at Exabeam, specializing in threat intelligence, detection engineering, and AI-driven defense. She holds a master’s degree in cybersecurity/global affairs from NYU and serves as an adjunct professor, bridging academic and real-world security operations. Gabrielle has spoken at industry conferences including Black Hat and DEF CON, and contributes to national cybersecurity efforts through the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and National Guard, where she serves as a Division Chief and Deputy Incident Commander. She is currently pursuing her J.D. with a focus on technology and AI law.