Carolyn Basista
Senior Director of Information Security at AccelerEd
Carolyn Basista
Senior Director of Information Security at AccelerEd
Carolyn Basista is an experienced information security and risk management professional, currently serving as the Senior Director of Information Security at AccelerEd. In her role, Carolyn oversees the organization’s information security strategies, ensuring data protection, compliance, and the implementation of robust security frameworks that support AccelerEd’s mission of enhancing operational efficiency in higher education.
Carolyn brings a wealth of experience from her extensive career in the legal and technology sectors. Before joining AccelerEd, she was a Risk and Project Manager Associate at WireWheel, focusing on security and privacy solutions. Her earlier roles included Manager of Information Risk at Hogan Lovells from 2010 to 2023 and positions at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, where she worked in Practice Technology, and at Kasowitz, Benson & Torres LLP as Manager of Litigation Support. Carolyn also served as an IP Paralegal at Chadbourne & Parke, building a strong foundation in legal research, intellectual property, and litigation support.
A proud alumna of Rutgers University, Carolyn holds a Bachelor of Arts degree. Her robust skill set includes expertise in IPRO, document review, litigation support, legal research, and intellectual property management, making her an invaluable asset in the intersection of law, technology, and security.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Carolyn is actively engaged in community initiatives and recently participated in the Always Ready 5K run, reflecting her commitment to health and community engagement.
Carolyn Basista exemplifies excellence in leadership, leveraging her diverse background and technical expertise to drive innovation and security in higher education technology solutions. She will also be moderating the Fireside Chat session titled “Cybersecurity as a Catalyst for Development in Africa” at the SLinT Tech Expo 2025, where she will guide an engaging discussion on the transformative role of cybersecurity in fostering growth and innovation on the continent.
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Moderator: Cybersecurity as a Catalyst for Development in Africa
Description
This session examines the pivotal role of cybersecurity in supporting and sustaining development across Africa. As digital transformation accelerates, ensuring the security of information systems becomes crucial to protect innovations and infrastructures that drive economic growth and social stability. The discussion will highlight how cybersecurity practices can enable more secure, reliable, and inclusive digital environments.
Objective
Identify Key Problems: Address the increasing risks of cyber threats and data breaches accompanying digital expansion in African economies and their impact on trust and investment.
Discuss Challenges: Explore challenges such as the lack of legal frameworks, inadequate cybersecurity awareness, and the scarcity of skilled cybersecurity professionals within the continent.
Propose Solutions: Present strategies for building resilient cybersecurity frameworks, including developing national cybersecurity policies, investing in education and training, and fostering international collaborations for knowledge and resource exchange.
Expected Outcome
Equip the audience with practical strategies and guidelines for enhancing cybersecurity measures in their organizations and communities. The session will empower participants to advocate for stronger cybersecurity policies, invest in skills development, and implement best practices that will help secure Africa’s digital future.