Archimedes Executive Director David Nathans Shares Cyberattack Response Lessons at Black Hat USA and DEF CON
In August 2026, Archimedes Executive Director David Nathans joined healthcare and cybersecurity leaders at Black Hat USA and the Biohacking Village at DEF CON to share firsthand lessons from responding to a major cyberattack.
While serving as Global Chief Information Security Officer at Stryker, David helped navigate a disruptive attack claimed by an Iran-linked hacking group. Drawing on that experience, he discussed what it takes to respond effectively when the stakes are high: remain calm, establish clear priorities, communicate with transparency, and keep teams focused on protecting healthcare operations and the patients who depend on them.
At Black Hat USA, David participated in “Life on the Line: Securing Medical Devices and Connected Infrastructure in Modern Healthcare.” Led by Biohacking Village Executive Director Janine Medina, the panel brought together Jorge A. Canabal, Michael Aguilar, and Andrew Carney to examine cybersecurity from the perspectives of healthcare, government, research, and industry.
David also joined FDA Division Director Nastassia Tamari and Bruce A. James for the Biohacking Village’s “Snap, Crackle, Pop” panel at DEF CON. Together, they explored what happens when a healthcare organization is attacked through the distinct perspectives of a medical device manufacturer, the FDA, and a hospital security leader, all informed by real-world experience.
These conversations demonstrated why healthcare cyber resilience depends on more than technology. It requires calm leadership, practiced response plans, trusted relationships, and candid exchanges among people who have faced these challenges firsthand.
Archimedes thanks Black Hat USA and the Biohacking Village for creating spaces where the community can learn from lived experience, challenge conventional thinking, and work together toward a safer and more resilient healthcare ecosystem.
