Welcome

Overview: Erin, organizer of fwd:cloudsec, delivers the welcome address emphasizing the conference's role as an independent cloud security practitioner community now in its fourth year.

Key Topics: The need for vendor-independent cloud security dialogue; growth of the cloud security Forum Slack community; record submission numbers; and responding to claims that cloud security tools are oversaturated.

Technical Details: Erin notes the cloud security Forum Slack grew 25% year-over-year and fwd:cloudsec received record talk submissions. She pushes back against RSA commentary suggesting only three CSPM vendors matter, arguing significant cloud security work remains.

Takeaways: Independent practitioner communities provide essential spaces for honest cloud security dialogue free from vendor marketing. fwd:cloudsec fills a gap that vendor-sponsored events cannot address.