Swipe Right on Security: Cybersecurity in a Digital World

a detail from a larger painting by gary l. wolfe. Against a black grid with blue lines, a nude black woman holds her phone in front of her face, as though she is taking a selfie.

gary l. wolfe, 00110001 00110100 (detail), 2024. Oil on canvas on board, 60 x 27 x 3 inches. Courtesy of the artist.

Date and Time

Friday, February 14, 2025
Noon–1PM

Location

UB CFA Gallery
Second-Floor

Cost

Related Exhibition(s)

Description

This Valentine’s Day, let’s talk about trust—not just in relationships, but in the digital spaces we share. How can we build safer connections online while safeguarding both individual privacy and collective security? Join us for a lunchtime panel that explores the evolving challenges of cybersecurity, from protecting personal data to addressing broader societal implications of surveillance.

Set within Who Told You That You Were Naked? Surveillance and Human Vulnerability, an interactive installation by artist gary l. wolfe, the panel delves into the intersections of technology, vulnerability, and human agency. wolfe’s immersive exhibition examines the tension between connection and control, featuring 80 paintings, hidden surveillance cameras, and interactive digital elements that invite viewers to reflect on the dual nature of surveillance culture.

Panelists include:

gary l. wolfe: The artist behind Who Told You That You Were Naked?, wolfe draws on decades of experience in health and human services to create art that interrogates themes of pain, vulnerability, and surveillance.

Sarah Bystran-Pruski: Director of Security Operations for the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Vice President of Cybersecurity for Out in National Security, Sarah brings a wealth of experience in safeguarding digital systems and fostering inclusivity in cybersecurity practices.

George Hampton: An embedded software engineer with decades of experience, George specializes in integrating technology into complex systems, including his collaboration on the surveillance elements in Who Told You That You Were Naked?  He has collaborated with several local artists to use technology to help them achieve their artistic vision.

This engaging panel is perfect for students and lifelong learners who want to understand how to swipe right on security and make better digital decisions. Lunch will be provided.

Program Date: February 14, 2025