Michael Garcia is a senior policy advisor for the Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans at the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) where he develops and supports interagency cybersecurity policies. Prior to joining CISA, Michael was a professional staff member for the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, where he worked on the Cyber Incident Reporting for the Critical Infrastructure Act of 2022 and other cybersecurity legislation. Before working for the Senate, Michael held several other cyber policy positions, including working at Third Way as a senior policy advisor for their Cyber Enforcement Initiative, serving as director for external engagement and outreach for the U.S. Cyberspace Solarium Commission, and advising governors’ offices on cybersecurity policy issues at the National Governors Association. Michael was a 2020 fellow for New America and the Global Public Policy Institute's Transatlantic Digital Debate and a 2021 Next Gen National Security Fellow for the Center for New American Security. His work has been published and quoted by Politico, Lawfare, The Hill, Just Security, and the Council on Foreign Relations.
Michael will uncover the cybersecurity challenges that may arise from the increasing adoption of AR/VR applications such as data privacy concerns; virtual currency theft; digital identity management; and other cybersecurity areas. Michael will also delve into Chinese companies’ investment in AR/VR applications, software, and hardware, and how their involvement in this budding market may impact U.S. national security.