AFSecurity at UiO
Joseph Slowik from Dataminr and Paralus LLC gives a talk on how threat actors are able to compromise Internet components, and what to do about it.
TIME: 4 May 2026, at 14:00h
PLACE: Kristen Nygaard's Hall, 5th floor, IFI, UiO
All interested are welcome. Coffee and snacks served.
AGENDA:
14:00h Welcome to AFSecurity at UiO
14:05h Invited talk
- TITLE: Weaponizing the Neutral Internet
- SPEAKER: Joseph Slowik, cyber alerting strategist at Dataminr
- ABSTRACT: Historically, networked devices can be divided between adversary and victim space, with the former used to attack the latter. Separate from either is a "neutral" space of infrastructure through which attacks could flow (e.g., proxies) but otherwise undisturbed through offensive cyber operations. Over the past twenty years, however, this neutral space is increasingly weaponized to enable various types of offensive operations. Starting with fairly direct operations in the form of simple botnets, adversaries have created shifting networks of compromised devices to facilitate intrusions and attacks while making defense significantly more difficult using traditional measures and techniques. In this discussion we will examine this history through several campaigns and note the state of the now with respect to adversary interactions with the "neutral internet." From this exploration we will then look to identify defense and response measures, as well as discussing the roles and responsibilities of various entities in an increasingly hostile networked environment.
14:45h Discussion.
| BIO: Joseph Slowik has over 15 years of practical experience in various forms of cyber operations. Currently, Joe directs cyber alerting strategy for Dataminr while also teaching through his company, Paralus LLC. Previously, Joe has worked at various organizations across both the public and and private sector in roles ranging from offensive operations to incident response to threat intelligence. Joe is currently based in the Washington DC area and is a frequent collaborator in multiple international forums and organizations. |   |
| AFSecurity seminars on cybersecurity are organised by the UiO Digital Security Research Group. |  |