Conference Description
Key Takeaways
- Focuses on cybersecurity for software-defined, virtualized, and cloud-based infrastructures
- Explores advanced detection and response mechanisms for cyber threats in critical systems
- Brings together leading research projects and industry experts in SDN, NFV, IoT, and cyber-physical systems
- Addresses operational challenges in securing complex, distributed digital environments
- Co-hosted with IEEE NetSoft 2026, emphasizing technical depth and collaborative innovation
The 8th International Workshop on Cyber-Security in Software-Defined and Virtualized Infrastructures (SecSoft) convenes a specialized community of cybersecurity professionals, researchers, and industry leaders. As digital services increasingly depend on the convergence of cloud computing, software-defined networking, network function virtualization, and the Internet of Things, the event addresses the urgent need for new security paradigms tailored to these evolving environments.
Industry Context and Relevance
SecSoft emerges at a time when traditional security models struggle to keep pace with the rapid evolution of virtualized and software-defined infrastructures. The proliferation of SDN, NFV, and IoT technologies has introduced new operational complexities and attack surfaces, making robust, adaptive security strategies more critical than ever. The workshop’s focus on dynamic, agile, and autonomic detection and response mechanisms reflects the industry’s shift toward proactive defense in highly distributed and heterogeneous systems.
Core Discussion Themes
- Security, safety, trust, and privacy in virtualized environments
- Softwarization of security appliances and orchestration
- Federation and interoperability across multiple domains
- Advanced threat detection, response, and forensics
- Legal investigation and trustworthiness in digital services
- Pervasive monitoring and deep inspection for situational awareness
- Automated control and management of orchestratable systems
These topics reflect the operational realities faced by organizations managing critical infrastructure and complex digital ecosystems. The workshop encourages open dialogue on the practical implications of securing interconnected systems, where human error, limited visibility, and slow response times can have significant consequences.
Audience and Value Proposition
SecSoft is tailored for cybersecurity researchers, network architects, IT security professionals, and representatives from critical infrastructure sectors. The event provides a platform for sharing research, discussing emerging trends, and building partnerships that drive innovation in securing next-generation digital services. Attendees gain exposure to the latest advancements in SDN, NFV, IoT, and cyber-physical security, with opportunities to engage directly with leading projects such as MIRANDA, CASTOR, INTACT, CyberNEMO, ResilMesh, EMPYREAN, 6GCLOUD, CRI 4.0, and EDIT4MCC.
Operational Challenges and Emerging Trends
As organizations transition to more agile and virtualized infrastructures, they encounter new challenges in maintaining security, trust, and compliance. The workshop addresses these issues by spotlighting dynamic detection and response, pervasive monitoring, and the orchestration of security functions across federated domains. The emphasis on legal investigation and trustworthiness highlights the growing importance of accountability and transparency in digital operations.
Format and Experience
Held in-person and co-located with the IEEE NetSoft 2026 conference in Berlin, SecSoft offers a highly technical, workshop-led experience. The format encourages deep technical exchange, collaborative problem-solving, and the formation of research partnerships. The event’s joint initiative structure, involving nine leading cybersecurity projects, ensures a diverse and forward-looking agenda.
Event Classification
Category: Cybersecurity Workshop (Software-Defined & Virtualized Infrastructures)
Primary Audience: Cybersecurity professionals and researchers in SDN, NFV, IoT, and cloud domains
Primary Problem Solved: Securing complex, virtualized, and software-defined infrastructures against advanced cyber threats
Commercial Goal: Education, thought leadership, and community building