This webinar will provide a high-level, practical guide to developing and executing effective simulation exercises, equipping LAC region CSIRTs with the methodology and tools to proactively test their readiness against diverse attack vectors. This directly supports the LAC region’s digital transformation by strengthening its defense against cyber threats.

This webinar is designed to strengthen the cyber readiness of the LAC region by enabling participants to understand the strategic importance of simulation exercises for enhancing CSIRT capabilities and organizational resilience. A core focus will be on  

• learning to identify and categorize various types of attack scenarios (e.g., Ransomware, Data Breach, Supply Chain Attack) suitable for CSIRT drills 

• acquiring practical steps and methodologies for designing, executing, and evaluating these exercises.  

• Discussing Blueprint for CSIRT Simulation (design, scope, and objective setting),  

• Scenario Deep Dive (e.g., modeling threats like Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) vs. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks),  

• Exploring common tools and technology utilized for managing and conducting these events. Ultimately, the session will guide CSIRTs through the post-exercise process of collecting Lessons Learned, documentation, and continuous improvement 

Speakers

Helio Sant’Ana is former CIO of the Presidency of Brazil, CISO and Data Protection Officer for the Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation of the São Francisco Valley in Brazil, Cyber Expert at EU Cybernet Pool and currently runs the CSIRT at FORVIA, one of the biggest companies in the automotive industry. With almost two decades of experience in cybersecurity, Helio led many initiatives in private and government organizations, working on policy development, establishing and running CSIRTs, cyber strategies and leading GRC and consultancy teams, enhancing organization’s cybersecurity posture.

Ian McWilliam is trainer and Senior Security Advisor for the Catalyst Cyber Range. He supports new scenarios and training sessions for Cyber Range participants. Ian has been in the cybersecurity space for over 18 years, with 14 of those years spent as an educator. He continues to be passionate about information technology and has recently been focusing on cloud security and the Cyber Range. Ian holds a Bachelor of Computer Science and a Master of Engineering in Computer Networks. He has a variety of certifications, including the Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) and Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) designations.

Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst is Toronto Metropolitan University’s national hub for cybersecurity training, innovation, and collaboration. Founded in 2018, it has grown into Canada’s most active cybersecurity centre, delivering high-impact programs and working with governments, industry, and academic partners to address critical security challenges.

Target audience  

Open to decision-makers, technical leads, and cybersecurity professionals from the public, private, and academic sectors who are involved in the planning, establishment, or enhancement of Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs), this seminar is intended for participants from LAC4 member countries — Antigua and Barbuda, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Colombia, The Bahamas, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Estonia, Guatemala, Honduras, the Netherlands, Panama, and Uruguay — with a focus on cybersecurity, digital affairs and diplomacy.

Duration: 3h

Language: Spanish or English with simultaneous translation.

Format: Interactive online seminar featuring expert speakers and participant contribution

How to participate: Please register by February 6^th 2026 to the seminar via registration link:  https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6BrV2xJhR32tCxtORsI0Kw

NB! Participation is limited up to 50 participants per country on a first-come-first-serve basis.