Are We Heading Into a Cyber "Cuban Missile Crisis" | Kathleen Kennedy Townsend | TEDxPacific Avenue
Drawing from her unique perspective as RFK's eldest child and President JFK's niece, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend parallels the dangers she witnessed firsthand—Senate Rackets Committee hearings, Mob threats, and the Cuban Missile Crisis—with today's critical software vulnerabilities.Our enemies can disable power grids, telecommunications, banking, hospitals, water systems, and breach military secrets through unsafe software. Yet unlike every other consumer product, software lacks safety requirements. We blame victims, forcing them to buy extra security while leaving Americans vulnerable to hackers, scammers, and foreign adversaries.With minimal regulation and weak consumer protections, our digital infrastructure remains dangerously exposed. Kathleen illuminates these hidden threats and champions the urgent need for secure software standards to protect "We The People" from 21st-century dangers that echo the threats her father fought 60 years ago. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend: KKT was Maryland's first woman's Lt Governor, and has served as Managing Director of Rock Creek, one of the largest women owned asset management firms in the country. She founded a Center on Retirement Security at Georgetown University and just recently served as Senior Advisor to the Secretary of the Navy where she focused on shipyard and shipbuilding, particularly submarines and aircraft carriers. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 18:07The Power of Small Starts: Actions That Echo | Vinit Kapoor | TEDxMall RoadThe talk emphasizes that meaningful change begins with conscious small steps. Through lessons on action, consistency, and belief, it shows how persistence and purpose-driven choices can transform lives, proving influence is earned by showing up, not perfection Vinit Kapoor is a former corporate manager who reinvented his career to become one of India’s most impactful English communication coaches. With a sharp understanding of professional challenges and a deep passion for public speaking, Vinit has empowered over 10,000 working professionals—from young managers to senior executives and CEOs—across 12 countries to communicate with confidence, clarity, and conviction. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 18:115 choices that shape our future | Prashant Mohan | TEDxMall RoadThe talk explores how today’s choices create lasting echoes—through consistency, adaptability, networking, ethics, and compassion. Drawing from business, leadership, and personal growth, it urges individuals to act consciously, leaving behind legacies that shape a better tomorrow Dr. Prashant Mohan is a seasoned marketing professional with over two decades of experience, having led the marketing operations of a Fortune 500 company in the FMCG sector. He holds a Ph.D. in Marketing Strategies and has been instrumental in launching niche products, driving marketing innovations, and achieving market leadership. Currently, he heads FusionTech Innovations, a tech venture focused on app development and digital marketing, and also leads Rajasree Marketing, an event and promotions company with successful international projects. He is the founder of Purestep Social Foundation, an NGO dedicated to medical crowdfunding, and also a Certified Independent Director. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 10:54Decommercialising Medical Education and Healthcare | Vivek Kumar | TEDxMall RoadThe talk advocates making healthcare and medical education accessible and affordable by removing commercial barriers. It emphasizes service-driven models where society, institutions, and governance collaborate to ensure equitable treatment and training for future generations Vivek Kumar is The Chief Marketing Officer of Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (SMSIMSR). He holds the position at the institute, which is located in Muddenahalli, Karnataka This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 10:50Empowering children through legal awareness | Venkat Sai | TEDxMall RoadThis talk shares a personal journey from childhood bullying and silence to becoming a legal advocate. It emphasises why early legal education empowers youth to break the cycle of injustice and speak their rights with confidence I’m K B S Venkat Sai, a final-year law student at ICFAI University, Hyderabad. My passion lies at the intersection of law, leadership, and public speaking. I authored an Book titled “ An Guide to womens Law and How to File an FIR which received an Golden Boon Award 2023. I'm also an Toastmaster for almost 4 years now and currently serving as Area A1 Director at D98. I also had the privilege of being a TEDx speaker on "Building Tomorrow's Leaders." I believe effective communication is just as crucial in a courtroom as it is in a club meeting. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 13:31From Silence to Spotlight | Raghavv Mutneja | TEDxMall RoadThe talk traces a journey from stage fright and self-doubt to national debating success. With resilience, consistency, and courage to try again, it shows how setbacks transform into strengths, ultimately enabling others to achieve their dreams Mr Raghav is India’s leading education consultant, a Josh Talks and TedX speaker, and a passionate changemaker committed to democratizing access to world-class education. With a proven track record of guiding over 1,500 students into the top global universities—including Ivy League schools, Oxbridge, and other elite institutions—he is known for building personalized, strategy-driven roadmaps to success. His mission is deeply personal: having navigated the challenges of his own college application journey without guidance, he now ensures that every student he mentors faces zero barriers on theirs.His work extends beyond borders and privilege. Through collaborations with multiple foundations across India, he leads initiatives that equip underprivileged students with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their future—whether in higher education or the workforce. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 18:50The rise of deepfakes | Prashasth Baliga | TEDxMall RoadThe talk explores the rise of deepfakes, their misuse in fraud, scams, and manipulation, and their threat to individuals and society. It emphasizes awareness, responsibility, and collective action to safeguard truth in an increasingly deceptive digital age Prashasth Baliga is an international voice in cybersecurity, known for leading large-scale security transformations and consulting for global enterprises. With deep expertise in cyber risk, automation, and AI security, he has led security teams at some of the world’s foremost cybersecurity companies, helping secure critical sectors including banking, fintech, government, and education.Beyond his corporate role, Prashasth is a passionate public speaker and mentor, having delivered keynotes and guest lectures at leading universities and conferences across Asia, Europe, and Australia. A strong advocate for cyber awareness and AI safety, he is committed to inspiring the next generation and promoting greater diversity in the cybersecurity field. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx