“Securing Tomorrow: AI, Quantum Computing, and the Future of Cybersecurity
“Quantum computing is going to change the world.” (Satya Nadella)
Don’t blink! AI and quantum computing are transforming the cybersecurity landscape – literally at the speed of light. Now, in conjunction with Alvernia University, your chapter presents a hands-on, interactive look at the convergence of artificial intelligence and quantum computing – and how they’re reshaping the cybersecurity landscape.
Come out to Alvernia’s beautiful campus for an outstanding, real-world learning opportunity!
This all-day session will explore how AI and quantum computing work, how they differ from traditional computing, and how they’re transforming the cybersecurity landscape. Through guided demonstrations and hands-on exercises, you’ll gain practical experience with AI-enabled cybersecurity tools and learn how these technologies can enhance threat detection, security operations, and decision-making. We’ll also examine the cybersecurity implications of quantum computing, including post-quantum cryptography and strategies for preparing organizations for future technological change. In one day, you’ll get a practical understanding of AI, quantum computing and cybersecurity, and be better prepared to evaluate and adopt these emerging technologies.
IMPORTANT: You’ll need to bring your laptop; see the attached agenda for full details.
Date: Thursday, July 23
Place: Alvernia University – Flynn Complex (“The PLEX”) 465 St. Bernardine Street, Reading, PA 19607 (directions)
Agenda
8:00 – 8:30 Continental breakfast
8:30 – 9:30 Quantum Computing: Preparing for the next computing revolution
Teri Price, PhD., Assistant Professor, Alvernia University
Quantum is truly the next generation in computing, creating exciting new opportunities – and
important cybersecurity considerations. This session introduces the fundamentals of quantum
mechanics and explains how they support an entirely new model of computing. You’ll learn how
quantum differs from classical computing systems, what current hardware can realistically do, and
the challenges that remain. You’ll also separate hype from reality by exploring current limitations,
emerging applications, and ongoing research, concluding with a discussion of cybersecurity
implications, including post-quantum cryptography and ongoing standardization efforts.
9:30 – 9:45 Break
9:45 – 10:45 The AI Landscape: Understanding Today’s Models, Tools and Opportunities
Michael Durant, Professional Specialist, Computer Science, Alvernia University
Artificial Intelligence is transforming “everything,” but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to separate
meaningful advances from marketing hype. This session provides a practical overview of today’s AI
ecosystem, introducing the major categories of AI models, the capabilities that distinguish them, and
the leading commercial and open-source platforms available today. Attendees will explore large
language models, reasoning models, multimodal AI, image and video generation, coding assistants,
autonomous AI agents, and local versus cloud-hosted AI solutions. We’ll compare the strengths,
limitations, costs, privacy considerations, and ideal use cases for today’s most popular AI platforms,
helping understand which tools are best suited for different business and cybersecurity challenges.
We’ll conclude with a look at emerging trends that will shape the next generation of AI and prepare
for the hands-on workshops that follow, where you’ll build and deploy AI-powered cybersecurity
solutions of their own.
10:45 – 11:00 Break
11:00 – Noon Build with AI: Creating Software Using Natural Language
Eric Robuck, Professor, Cybersecurity, Alvernia University
Michael Durant, Professional Specialist, Computer Science, Alvernia University
Move beyond theory and start building with AI. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll configure a modern
AI-assisted development environment, turning your computer into an AI-powered software
development platform. You’ll learn to use natural language to design, write, debug, and refine
software. No advanced programming experience is required; participants will see how plain-English
prompts can generate functional applications, scripts, automations, and cybersecurity tools in real
time. During the session, they will build programs from scratch, practice prompt-engineering
techniques that produce high-quality code, and learn how AI can accelerate development while
preserving human oversight and creativity. You’ll leave with a fully functioning AI-powered
development environment and the ability to create software by describing what they want in natural
language.
Noon – 1:00 Working lunch
Relax and network over lunch – and feel free to continue working on your coding setup. Michael and
Eric will be available to ensure you are ready for the next step
1:00 – 2:30 AI-Powered Cyber Operations: Building Your First AI Security Analyst
Eric Robuck, Professor, Cybersecurity, Alvernia University
Michael Durant, Professional Specialist, Computer Science, Alvernia University
AI is changing how cybersecurity professionals identify threats, analyze systems, and automate
routine security tasks. Now you can put your newly acquired AI development skills to work by
building an AI-powered cybersecurity tool from the ground up. Working in a secure, isolated cyber
range designed specifically for the conference, you’ll use natural language and AI-assisted coding to
create software that performs reconnaissance against an authorized target, analyzes network
services, interprets scan results, and assists with identifying potential security issues. Along the way,
you’ll see how AI can accelerate common cybersecurity workflows while reinforcing the importance
of human oversight, ethical practices, and responsible security testing. Instead of simply using
existing security tools, you’ll build your own with the assistance of AI, gaining practical experience in
prompt engineering, software development, and cybersecurity automation. By the end of the
session, you’ll have developed a working AI-assisted cybersecurity application, gained experience
operating within a professional cyber range, and learned techniques you can immediately apply
within your own organizations to improve efficiency, automate repetitive tasks, and enhance security
operations.
2:30 – 2:45 Break
2:45 – 3:30 Understanding Today’s (Cyber) Threat Landscape
Rosemarie Vesci, Special Agent, FBI Philadelphia
This session will provide an overview of the FBI’s Cyber program and will highlight services, guidance,
and intelligence available through partnership with the FBI and other organizations.
Bring your laptop!
Having your laptop will enable you to participate in all class activities and get the
most out of this hands-on learning experience. Please install the needed software
before attending the workshop.
Required hardware: laptop computer (Windows 11, macOS or Linux)
– at least 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended)
– Minimum 20 GB of free disk space
– Reliable Wi-Fi capability
– Power adapter/charger
Required software (install before the workshop)
– Visual Studio Code (latest version)
– Git
– Python 3.12 or later
– A modern web browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari)
Accounts to create before arrival
– GitHub account (free)
– Anthropic account with access to Claude (free or paid)
– Visual Studio Code Marketplace access enabled
Questions? Email info@philadelphiainfragard.org
