PBC Connect – RSAC 2025 and the Security Community

Dana, Mark, and Rohan reflect on a packed week at RSA Conference 2025—starting with The Purple Book Community’s PBC Connect event. With panel discussions led by a diverse forum of leaders (including industry luminaries from Google Cloud, Microsoft, Fortinet, and S&P Global) and a book signing session with 10 celebrated cyber authors, PBC Connect was the perfect start to a week of dialogue and learning from security experts. Mark shares highlights from practitioner-led conversations on the rise of Agentic AI, evolving challenges and opportunities for women in cybersecurity, and what it takes to secure software at enterprise scale today. Rohan offers insight into the community’s growing momentum, from seasoned AppSec professionals to newcomers eager to help close the talent gap. Across all discussions, one theme stands out: AI isn’t just a risk—it’s a tool the next generation of security leaders is ready to put to work.