Cybersecurity experts will discuss current cybersecurity threats and trends for 2025 and beyond at a forum hosted by Niagara University’s NSA-designated Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. The event takes place on Tuesday, May 6, at 6 p.m. in the Salvatore Dining Commons on the Niagara University campus. The event is free and open to the public.
Panelists include:
Jonathan Sandonato, senior analyst on the cyber threat intelligence team at New York Life Insurance Company. Sandonato is an accomplished cybersecurity professional with a distinguished track record of success across diverse organizations, including Fortune 100 companies and the U.S. Army Special Operations. He excels in collecting actionable intelligence to support critical investigations.
Salvatore Vescio, a cryptocurrency accounting specialist at Kugelman Law. Vescio has created and hosted a podcast related to all things cryptocurrency taxation and blockchain technology, interviewing experts, analysts, and leaders in the space to help demystify the rules and regulations of cryptocurrency taxation. In addition to cryptocurrency accounting, Vescio assists individuals who have lost cryptocurrency in "pig butchering" scams to recover some of their lost funds in the form of tax benefits, and helps educate them about the types of risks that can run rampant in the fintech space.
Darrick Kristich, CEO of Sedara, a Buffalo, N.Y.-based information security service provider. Kristich is a results-driven leader with deep expertise in information security, enterprise IT, shared services, and business transformation. He brings a strategic vision and hands-on approach to cybersecurity engineering and architecture across diverse market sectors. With a proven track record of leading complex initiatives, from IT migrations to resilience-focused security programs, Kristich consistently drives operational efficiency and measurable results. His commitment to innovation, strong leadership, and deep technical acumen make him a trusted voice in the cybersecurity community.
Timothy Carroll, a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations. Carroll is assigned to the HSI Border Enforcement Taskforce Group, which was established to combat emerging and existing transnational criminal organizations by employing the full range of federal, state, local, tribal, and international law enforcement authorities and resources in the fight to identify, investigate, disrupt, and dismantle these organizations at every level of operation. Carroll conducts investigations primarily involving darknet weapons trafficking, human smuggling, and narcotics trafficking. He is also a member of the HSI Buffalo’s Special Response Team.
Greg Machin, a data analyst for the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Buffalo field office. Machin completed a full career in the British Army as a musician before he started to learn coding and analytics as a hobby. After moving to New York state, Machin utilized his “hobby” to facilitate management of a website for the Eastman School of Music. He has been with the FBI since 2021.
Michael Fortin, digital operations specialist in the FBI’s Buffalo division. Affixed to the cyber program, Fortin utilizes a variety of technical skills to enhance complex internet-enabled investigations. While most of his time is spent assisting with investigations involving dark web marketplaces, ransomware, and computer intrusions, he also serves as a resource to any investigation involving technology, regardless of the over-arching program.
Mick Weimer, an intelligence analyst for the FBI. For the past four years, Weimer’s focus has been working cyber threats in the Western New York area and internationally. Prior to the FBI, Weimer’s work and studies primarily focused on information technology, cybersecurity, criminal psychology, and intelligence studies.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn more about Niagara University's NSA-validated M.S. Information Security and Digital Forensics (cybersecurity) program, and how its innovative curricula are designed to meet the needs of a fast-growing industry.