Brunch & Learn: From Rhetoric to Resilience; Decoding Social Engineering in the Age of AI

In an era where artificial intelligence can craft flawless, persuasive narratives at scale, our defense against social engineering must evolve beyond technical fixes. This presentation will reframe cybersecurity not as a purely technological problem, but as a deeply human one, rooted in the ancient art of rhetoric. We will explore how classical principles of persuasion (Ethos, Pathos, Logos) are being weaponized by modern attackers and supercharged by AI, and chart a path toward building robust, cognitive resilience for every member of our digital community.

Speaker Bio:  Ben Syn is the Director of University and Career Education at KnowBe4, the world's largest security awareness training provider. He operates at the unique intersection of cybersecurity, education, and the humanities, leading the charge to prepare the next generation for the sophisticated social engineering threats of tomorrow. Ben believes that our most effective defense is not found in code, but in the timeless principles of critical thinking and communication. He champions a new approach to security - one that values empathy, storytelling, and the human element as central to building a truly resilient culture.
Ben’s path to becoming a cybersecurity leader was unconventional. With a Master's degree in English focused on Rhetoric and the Teaching of Writing, he spent over a decade as a university English instructor, where he specialized in how language is used to persuade, influence, and deceive. Today, as a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), he applies that deep humanistic understanding to decode modern digital threats. His work focuses on translating complex security concepts into engaging learning experiences, equipping students and professionals alike with the cognitive tools to navigate an age of increasing digital deception, especially as it is amplified by artificial intelligence.