Conference Description
What the event is about:
BSides Ume 2026 is the fourth edition of a community-driven conference focused on IT security and related fields, held in Umeå, Sweden, on June 16–17, 2026. As part of the global BSides network, the event aims to foster knowledge sharing, collaboration, and networking among security professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts. The conference is organized by the Academic Computer Club at Umeå University and features a mix of keynote presentations, technical talks, workshops, and interactive sessions. The keynote for 2026 is Prof. Alexandre Bartel, presenting on “Benign-Looking Code Changes for Software Supply Chain Attacks.” The event emphasizes community engagement, practical learning, and the exploration of current and emerging security challenges.
Subject Matter:
The main topics include IT security, software supply chain attacks, cybersecurity research, practical security solutions, and community-driven security initiatives. The event also features a Capture The Flag (CTF) competition, indicating a focus on hands-on technical skills and real-world security scenarios.
Niche:
The event operates within the Information Security and Cybersecurity niche, with a particular emphasis on community-driven research, practical security, and software supply chain security.
Target Audience:
The conference is designed for IT security professionals, researchers, students, academics, penetration testers, security engineers, developers, and members of the cybersecurity community. Likely attendees include individuals from universities, research institutions, security consultancies, and technology companies, ranging from students to senior professionals.
Problems the Event Helps Solve:
BSides Ume addresses challenges such as staying updated on the latest security threats, understanding software supply chain vulnerabilities, fostering collaboration between academia and industry, and providing practical, hands-on security training. It also helps attendees build professional networks and share solutions to real-world security problems.
Commercial Intent Signals:
The event is primarily focused on education, networking, community building, and thought leadership. There are sponsorship opportunities, indicating some lead generation and partnership intent, but the core emphasis is on knowledge sharing and community engagement.
Key Messaging & Positioning:
Recurring themes include “community conference,” “IT security,” “part of the global BSides community,” and “arranged by Academic Computer Club.” The event positions itself as an inclusive, collaborative, and practical forum for security professionals and enthusiasts.
Sponsors / Vendors / Technologies Mentioned:
– Gold sponsors: (not listed)
– Silver sponsors: Truesec, Omegapoint, NetNordic
– Bronze sponsors: (not listed)
– Technologies: Indico (event platform), CTF (Capture The Flag competition)
Format & Experience:
The event is in-person, held at Umeå University. It includes keynote talks, technical sessions, workshops, and a CTF competition, providing a mix of executive-level insights and hands-on technical experiences.
Final Classification:
– Event Category: Information Security / Cybersecurity Conference
– Primary Audience: IT security professionals, researchers, students, and academics
– Primary Problem Solved: Knowledge sharing and practical skill development in cybersecurity, with a focus on emerging threats like software supply chain attacks
– Commercial Goal of the Event: Community building, education, networking, and thought leadership
– 5 relevant keywords: cybersecurity, community, software supply chain, IT security, CTF