October 16, 2025 | Jenessa Lu
Last week, Duke’s Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity students traveled to Philadelphia to attend this year’s NetDiligence Cyber Risk Summit. The three-day event brought together leaders in cybersecurity, insurance, and law to tackle today’s most pressing digital threats. The first day of the conference was devoted to helping students and young professionals with resumes, networking, interviewing while exploring unique cybersecurity opportunities at the intersection of cyber careers that support the insurance market. The rest of the summit featured panels, breakout sessions, and exhibitor showcases where students learned how leading organizations tackle real-world cyber challenges.
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Pictured left to right: Roja Chowdhury, Puminun Prommark, Mayur Patil, Jai Pruthi, Kim Kotlar, Varun Bhanushali, Jenessa Lu, Jenson Goh, Marvion Criddle (not pictured) Duke MEng Cybersecurity students attending the NetDiligence Cyber Risk Summit 2025 in Philadelphia. |
From deepfake deception to ransomware resilience, students attended sessions such as The Evolution & Innovation of Top Security Controls, Social Engineering by Deepfake Technology, and Innovation in the Cyber Market along with studying recent innovations such as SuperFile, a trackable and retractable file technology. In these discussions, students gained a front row perspective on how organizations are adapting to increasingly sophisticated cyber risks, while balancing technical defense with business strategy.
Outside the panels, the exhibitor hall was a hub of energy and opportunity. Industry representatives engaged students in constructive and professional dialogue, many noting how Duke attendees stood out for their curiosity and articulate questions. The same was true in the breakout sessions, where many students posed insightful questions on topics such as the future of biometric authentication amid the rise of deepfakes, organizational ransomware readiness, and cybersecurity geopolitics. Between the demos and conversations, it was clear that the next generation of cybersecurity talent is ready to meet the moment. One speaker even noted the growing need for new professionals to help bridge the cybersecurity talent gap, a reminder that the skills students are developing now will be crucial in shaping the field’s future.
"Thanks to Professor Art Ehuan and the NetDiligence Team for providing an opportunity for our students to participate. This was a great event and many of the cyber vendors remarked about the high caliber of Duke students," said Professor Kim Kotlar, Director of Duke's Mentoring for Cybersecurity Achievement Program (MCAP).
Of course, the trip wasn’t all firewalls and frameworks. At the F1 Arcade after-party, Duke student Jenson Goh raced his way to third place and walked away $200 richer. Others made time to conquer the iconic Rocky Steps, channeling their inner Rocky after a knockout week of cybersecurity.
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Duke MEng Cybersecurity student, Jenson Goh, celebrates a third-place finish at the F1 Arcade after-party during the 2025 NetDiligence Cyber Risk Summit in Philadelphia, earning a cash prize and some well-deserved bragging rights. |
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No cybersecurity challenge too tough! Duke MEng Cybersecurity students struck their best “Rocky” pose in Philly after conquering the NetDiligence Cyber Risk Summit 2025. |
Stay tuned: Next up, Duke’s Cybersecurity students will be defending home turf at the upcoming Duke Cybersecurity Conference later this month.
Want to attend? Sign up to purchase tickets here: https://www.cybersecurityatduke.com/