Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Megan Bixler, Director of Technology, APCO International
Speaking to an audience with such a broad range of technical knowledge on what are often complex topics is no easy task. Megan Bixler, Director of Technology for APCO International, translated today’s evolving cybersecurity threats into practical, understandable concepts for everyone in the room. Bixler also reinforced a message that served as a counterpoint to the constant discussion surrounding artificial intelligence and automation. While many believe AI will replace jobs, she reminded attendees that “people and processes are greater than any technology you can buy to protect yourself from cyberattacks.”
Cyberattacks against organizations are no longer a matter of if, but when. Bixler brought cyber preparedness down to the public safety telecommunicator level, emphasizing that everyone should know the initial steps in responding to a cyber incident. Who to call, what to do and where to go next should all be part of an organization’s training. Every employee should understand what happens after clicking a malicious link and how to respond immediately.
Bixler introduced the SLAM method for critically evaluating suspicious emails: Sender, Link, Attachment and Message. While artificial intelligence is making fraudulent messages more convincing by correcting grammar and producing polished English, attendees were reminded to verify that an email address matches the person and organization it claims to represent. Likewise, hovering over a hyperlink to reveal its true destination remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to identify suspicious emails.
She also reminded attendees that we often make ourselves easier targets by voluntarily sharing personal information online. Popular social media trends asking users to share their favorite hobbies, foods, movies or vacation destinations can provide attackers with valuable information to predict passwords or answer security questions. Bixler encouraged attendees to think carefully about the information they share publicly and how it could be used against them.
Finally, Bixler cautioned attendees not to overlook low-tech vulnerabilities. Passwords written on sticky notes attached to monitors or desks can defeat even the most advanced cybersecurity protections. Organizations may invest in encryption, network segmentation and system isolation, but those safeguards lose their effectiveness if credentials are left in plain sight. Instead, she recommended using a password manager or secure password wallet to protect credentials while keeping them readily available to authorized personnel.
As the session concluded, Bixler left attendees with one final reminder: “You could spend all the money in the world on technology for cybersecurity, but without the people and processes in place, it will never be successful.”
By Cody Post
