Conference Description
Key Takeaways
- Regional summit series focused on community and public sector cybersecurity
- Emphasis on defending at-risk public infrastructure from cyber threats
- Brings together cyber defenders, academics, and policymakers
- Highlights grassroots initiatives and regional collaboration
- Addresses operational, technical, and policy challenges in cyber defense
The Cyber Civil Defense Summit is a regional event series in 2026, organized by the UC Berkeley Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity. This summit is dedicated to strengthening the defense of public infrastructure against evolving cyber threats. By convening experts and leaders from across the nation, the event aims to foster collaboration and share best practices for community-driven cybersecurity.
Building Regional Networks for Cyber Defense
The summit is designed to catalyze the formation of regional networks among cyber defenders, academics, and policymakers. These networks are essential for protecting critical public infrastructure, especially as cyber threats such as ransomware increasingly target community organizations. By encouraging cooperation at the local and regional levels, the event helps participants develop strategies to address both immediate and long-term cybersecurity challenges.
Collaboration is a central theme, with sessions focused on sharing operational strategies and policy insights. Attendees gain valuable knowledge from grassroots initiatives and learn how to apply these lessons within their own communities. The summit underscores that no organization faces these challenges alone, and that collective action is vital for effective defense.
Key Topics and Audience
Main topics include cyber defense for public infrastructure, community and regional collaboration, and the mitigation of low-level cyber threats such as ransomware. The summit also explores public-private partnerships, academic research, and operational best practices for defending community organizations.
The event is tailored for cybersecurity professionals, public sector leaders, academics, and policymakers. Likely participants include CISOs, IT directors, government officials, university researchers, and members of state and local agencies. These attendees are united by a shared commitment to strengthening community cyber resilience.
Format, Experience, and Strategic Impact
The summit is held in-person across regions such as Arizona, New Jersey, and Louisiana. It features collaborative sessions, fireside chats, and networking opportunities, all designed to facilitate executive-level and technical discussions. Notable partners and sponsors include the UC Berkeley Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Okta for Good, and several state agencies and universities.
By focusing on education, networking, and thought leadership, the Cyber Civil Defense Summit serves as a catalyst for building resilient regional networks. The event’s core message is clear: defending public life against cyber threats requires unified, community-driven action and ongoing knowledge sharing.