Trusting cybercriminals is inherently flawed; there is no honour among thieves. There is absolutely no reliable way to verify that an extortionist has permanently deleted stolen data. Copies are frequently retained, shared, or sold months down the line.
In this afternoon keynote, titled "Protecting the Arches: How McDonald's secures an iconic brand across multiple countries and cultures," Weston will discuss how his team leverages cutting-edge security solutions in order to defend crews, customers, and surrounding communities in the midst of shifting threats and geopolitical risks. He with also share five strategies for securing large or small brands - regardless of industry.
I started my career in law enforcement, working for many years (17) as a police officer. That experience grounded me in investigative work, crisis response, and people leadership under pressure. I later worked in high-risk international environments like Afghanistan and Libya, advising and managing complex security operations - experiences that deeply shaped my resilience and strategic thinking. After transitioning to the private sector in 2015, I held leadership roles in the retail and automotive industries before joining BASF in 2022.
It was at the Agency where I first truly understood the power of diverse teams," she says. "Success in the field depended on building inclusive, cross-functional units where every voice had value regardless of background, discipline, or rank. Just as critical was cultivating psychological safety: creating a space where people could speak truthfully, challenge assumptions, and innovate under pressure. That foundation of trust was essential to overcoming some of the hardest missions we faced, and it remains core to how I lead today.
The constant challenge, risks and uncertainties associated with Security made the role appealing. I see challenges as opportunities for growth, calculated risk-taking and a way to demonstrate our duty of care purpose, which I am passionate about.
