A Recap of ‘Please Don’t Hack Me’: Montash's First CISO Event

On a crisp evening in Dresden, the Twist Bar became the backdrop for a fresh and innovative Cyber Security event. 'Please Don’t Hack Me,' a relaxed gathering for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), brought together industry leaders, problem solvers and visionaries to tackle the complex challenges of cybersecurity. 

Organised by Felix Rosbach and Charlotte Christensen, with sponsorship from Montash, AirITSystems GmbH and comforte AG, the event stood out as a fresh and engaging alternative to traditional conferences.

How It All Began

The idea for 'Please Don’t Hack Me' stemmed from a simple yet ambitious vision: create a space where Cyber Security professionals could gather to exchange ideas, share experiences and build lasting connections—all without the stale formality of typical industry events. Felix and Charlotte envisioned something more personal, more interactive and most importantly, more fun.

The sponsors—Montash, AirITSystems GmbH and comforte AG — were carefully selected and briefed to align with this vision. The guiding principle? This wasn’t a sales pitch. Instead, it was an opportunity for authentic engagement, where every participant was hand-picked to ensure meaningful contributions to the event

The Code of Conduct: Breaking (Almost) All the Rules

• Real Added Value: From participants to speakers, every interaction was designed to leave a lasting impact. The aim was to ensure attendees walked away with more than just memories of the beer and cool venue.
• No Bullet Points: Ironically. Say goodbye to long-winded PowerPoint presentations. Speakers had just 10 minutes to captivate the audience, leaving ample time for free-flowing discussions.
• Have Fun: Yes, it’s Cyber Security, but who says it has to be dull? Attendees were encouraged to embrace the quirkiest aspects of their field, bringing along tales of their craziest and most embarrassing security incidents. Black hoodies optional.

• Networking First: By keeping the event intimate and the setting inviting, the organisers fostered a relaxed atmosphere conducive to meaningful conversations.

Six Speakers, Endless Insights

The heart of the event lay in its speakers—six experts who shared their perspectives on the ever-evolving challenges of Cyber Security. With their 10-minute, no-frills slots, they cut straight to the heart of the matter, delivering insights that sparked deeper discussions.

Topics ranged from combating sophisticated ransomware attacks to fostering cybersecurity awareness across organisations. Attendees explored questions like:

• How can CISOs balance the need for robust security measures with user experience?
• What are the latest strategies for managing insider threats?
• How can organisations stay ahead in an environment where the rules of engagement are constantly shifting?

Our speakers

• Carina Thomas highlighted the importance of tailored solutions for implementing standards, warning against pitfalls like misconfigured firewalls (#factorysettings).
• Martin Krueger unpacked the EU’s NIS2 Directive, offering timelines and tips for seamless compliance through ISMS integration.
• Nico Schoenfeld emphasized realistic emergency simulations, sharing how collaboration with the BKA drives prevention through hands-on exercises.
• Mirza Salihagic prioritized data security, presenting steps to document, protect, and adapt data landscapes effectively.
• Tim Cappelmann called for alignment between IT and security teams to avoid costly, underperforming systems.
• Marcus Ewald delivered a concise crisis management guide, underscoring the value of preparation to reduce impact during emergencies.

Building Connections That Last

The true success of 'Please Don’t Hack Me' wasn’t just in the discussions — it was in the connections. By prioritising networking and keeping the event small, Felix and Charlotte ensured that every attendee had the chance to form meaningful relationships. The venue, Twist Bar, played a significant role in creating this relaxed atmosphere, encouraging casual conversations.

Looking Ahead

The inaugural 'Please Don’t Hack Me' event was a resounding success, setting a new standard for Cyber Security gatherings. By blending expert insights with genuine camaraderie, it proved that even in a field as serious as Cyber Security, there’s room for creativity, fun and authentic human connection.

Montash, along with AirITSystems GmbH and comforte AG, is proud to have sponsored such an innovative and impactful event. We look forward to seeing how this unique format evolves and continues to bring the Cyber Security community together.

Until next time—stay safe, stay curious, and please, don’t hack me.

To get in touch regarding Cyber Security permanent work opportunities or hiring support, you can connect with Charlotte Christensen here.