Presentation Abstract

BIO

Sarah Adams is a distinguished targeting officer and global threat advisor with a proven track record in government, private, and non-profit sectors. Renowned for her counterterrorism expertise, she has served on the frontlines of U.S. intelligence operations, deploying her skills across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. From covert assignments to high-stakes missions, Sarah has been a driving force behind efforts to protect national security.

Currently, she leads groundbreaking research and development projects for the Department of Defense, focusing on discovering and deploying innovative solutions to address the world’s most complex security challenges. Prior to this, Sarah served as a Senior Advisor to the U.S. House of Representatives, following an executive appointment from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), where she leveraged her counterterrorism expertise.

A published author, Sarah co-wrote Benghazi: Know Thy Enemy, an in-depth cold case investigation into the al-Qaeda operatives behind the 2012 attack on the U.S. Consulate and CIA Annex in Benghazi. Her relentless pursuit of justice and truth has earned her recognition as a leading authority in homeland security and threat mitigation.

Sarah holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of San Diego and a Bachelor of Science in International Business from the University of Central Florida.

The Emerging Technologies presentation by George Perera, Major, Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, examines how advancements in AI, robotics, IoT, quantum technology, and cybersecurity pose both opportunities and threats to critical infrastructure. AI-driven automation and connected systems enhance efficiency but also introduce vulnerabilities, with disinformation, cyberattacks, and AI-powered exploits emerging as significant risks. The growing reliance on smart sensors, biometric analytics, and ambient intelligence increases the attack surface for adversaries targeting 911 systems, transportation networks, and public utilities. The presentation underscores the urgent need for proactive security strategies, real-time threat detection, and resilient infrastructure to counteract the evolving landscape of technological threats and cyber-enabled sabotage.

Major George Perera serves as the Commander of the Miami-Dade Police Department’s Cyber Crimes Bureau and the South Florida Cyber Crime Task Force, one of the largest task forces of its kind in the United States. He is also the Co-Chair of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Computer Crimes and Digital Evidence Committee and a former Chair of the Law Enforcement Information Technology (LEIT) Board.

An internationally recognized subject matter expert in the criminal use of artificial intelligence and law enforcement technology, Major Perera frequently collaborates with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the IACP. He is an active member and chair of multiple cybersecurity and artificial intelligence working groups, contributing to critical discussions and policy development. Major Perera is often called upon by DHS and IACP to participate in policy forums, offer expert insights, and deliver keynote addresses. His speaking engagements span the nation and the globe, where he has presented extensively on the criminal exploitation of artificial intelligence.

Major Perera holds a Bachelor of Science from Florida International University, a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Lynn University, and a Master’s degree in Security Studies from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. In addition to his law enforcement duties, he is an adjunct faculty member at Florida International University, teaching courses on digital crimes. He also serves as the Director of the Cybersecurity Master’s Program and a professor at St. Thomas University School of Law, where he teaches advanced courses in cybersecurity.