KC Thomas

Job Title: IT Security Manager
Organization: Gila River Resorts and Casinos

Sessions:

• Security Awareness- the human factor (8th layer)- best practices and programs

KC Thomas is the IT Security Manager for Gila River Resorts and Casinos. Before this role, she served in election security, strengthening supply chain security and ensuring secure-by-design software and hardware. She proudly volunteers as a Synk Ambassador with a focus on helping security professionals foster security culture on software development teams.  KC has become a trusted figure in cultivating a security-first culture within diverse enterprises and uses her background in Forensic Psychology and prior experience as a black hat hacker to spearhead initiatives that educate employees at all levels on the nuances of cyber hygiene and risk mitigation strategies. KC’s approach emphasizes technological solutions alongside fostering a vigilant mindset. Her focus on tailored training modules, simulated phishing exercises, and cross-functional collaboration has led to innovative awareness campaigns that resonate with employees, strengthened Gila River’s resilience against cyber threats, and fostered a culture where cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility.