Protect, Defend, Survive!
Safeguarding Against Cybersecurity Threats
As much as we hate to think about it, it is unlikely that any of us will make it through the next few years without becoming a victim of a cyberattack personally or professionally. The Indiana Construction Roundtable will be hosting an in-depth program on threats posed by cybersecurity criminals and how they can impact daily operations in our offices and on our jobsites.
Hear insights from industry professionals that have survived attacks. Gain a better understanding of negotiating with cybercriminals and the process of successfully restoring the sensitive data that we use to operate our businesses. Panelists will share best practices to protect our companies, clients and employees; and will offer a glimpse into the future as hackers continue to develop strategies to assault our IT systems in the coming years.
Cybersecurity is increasingly important, especially in industries like construction where sensitive data and operational continuity are at stake. Join us on Thursday, November 14 at Indiana Landmarks, 1201 Central Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46202. Registration and networking opens at 7:30 a.m. The program will run from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. ET and include time for Q & A. We hope you will join us for this insightful program!
Panelists include:
- Jeff Deramus, Director of Technology for Shook Construction
- Alicia Nicholes, Director of Information Technology for SME
- Andres Ruz, Chief Information Security Officer at 5 Factor Technology
- Ed Valasek, IT Security Director at American Structurepoint
About Our Panelists
Jeff DeRamus, Director of Technology
Shook Construction
Jeff DeRamus started his career at Shook Construction after graduating college. Over the past (27) years, he has helped the organization build a best-in-class technology infrastructure. He was introduced to the current cybersecurity landscape the hard way, survived the ordeal & now hopes to help others avoid the catastrophic impact of cybercrime.
Alicia Nicholes, Senior IT Manager
SME
Alicia Nicholes currently leads SME’s Information Technology group as the IT Manager. She is responsible for ensuring the effective management of IT operations, maintaining IT Systems and Infrastructure, cybersecurity, end-user hardware, software applications, licensing, new hire training, and technical support. With 18 years of experience in the IT field and over 25 years of experience in the consulting engineering field, she works closely with the leadership team to ensure SME’s IT policies and practices align with its core values and strategic vision. She serves on the strategic planning committee and is involved in the planning and execution of SME’s IT-related strategic initiatives.
Alicia is deeply committed to helping people overcome their fears and embrace new technology tools with confidence. She believes that by guiding team members to understand and utilize technology, they can unlock untapped potential and excel in their areas of expertise. Her compassionate approach ensures that everyone feels supported and empowered throughout their technological journey. Throughout her career, Alicia has become a leader in various IT domains such as customer service, technical support, hardware setup for both users and networks, BIM management, security analysis, app development, and internal ISO auditing.
She was awarded the SME President’s Award for Excellence in 2018 and the One|SME Award in 2015.
She is an active member of the ACEC IT Forum and the new ACEC Technology Committee formed in 2024. She is also an active member of WiCyS (Women in Cybersecurity) Organization.
Andres Ruz, Chief Information Security Officer
5 Factor Technology
Andres Ruz is an Executive with over 20 years of Global experience in IT and Information Security. He has an MBA in MIS, a bachelor’s in computer science, and ten certificates in Information Technology Management and Information Security. He graduated from the FBI Citizen’s Academy in 2022.
He started his career as a Help Desk technician at the University where he studied. He built his path from the infrastructure side of IT, doing Information Security as part of his job. He has had multiple Global Roles and has been part of different Executive Leadership Teams (ELT) for other companies and roles.
He is the founder of the Houston Banking Information Sharing and Analysis Organization (ISAO), where he collaborates with leaders in this sector, helping each other better protect their companies.
He is also part of the Board of Directors and Sector Chief for InfraGard’s Telecommunications and Transportation Cross-Sectors Councils (CSC) with the FBI. This group also has an ISAO format, where leaders from different companies collaborate and share knowledge about this sector.
Edward Valasek, CISSP, CCUE – IT Security Director
American Structurepoint, Inc.
Currently serving as the IT Security Director for American Structurepoint, Inc., Ed Valasek is responsible for strategizing, leading, developing, and overseeing the execution of IT security initiatives and compliance for the company. Additionally, he leads the IT consulting division.
With over 25 years of experience as an IT professional, consultant, and Chief Executive, he has worked across various industries, including Manufacturing, Financial Services, Engineering, Construction, and Public Safety.
A graduate of Indiana University (1998) with a degree in Criminal Justice, he is also a 13-year veteran of law enforcement. Valasek has been an active member of ISC2, holding the CISSP credential since 2022, and is a member of InfraGard, the FBI’s Indianapolis, IN chapter.