Conference Description
Key Takeaways
- Immersive cyber crisis simulation targeting critical Canadian sectors
- Focus on AI-driven decision-making and its operational risks
- Hands-on tabletop exercises covering the full lifecycle of a cyber incident
- Emphasis on transparency, trust, and leadership under pressure
- Opportunities for CPE credits, networking, and industry collaboration
Operation: Defend the North 2026 (Ottawa) brings together Canada’s cybersecurity leadership for a high-stakes readiness exercise. The event is designed to test and refine the crisis response capabilities of senior decision-makers and cybersecurity professionals as they confront the realities of AI-driven errors and large-scale cyber attacks on critical infrastructure.
Simulating the Frontline of Cyber Defence
At the heart of the event is a live, scenario-based simulation that challenges participants to manage a coordinated cyber attack across sectors such as energy, finance, healthcare, government services, and telecommunications. The exercise unfolds in real time, requiring teams to detect, analyze, contain, eradicate, and recover from evolving threats—all while navigating the complexities introduced by AI-powered decision systems.
This year’s scenario places a spotlight on the operational risks of automated decision-making. As AI systems increasingly shape government and critical infrastructure responses, the event explores what happens when those systems make the wrong call. Participants are pushed to balance technical containment with the need for transparency, trust, and decisive leadership—especially when public scrutiny is high and the stakes are national.
Industry Context: Why AI Governance Matters Now
AI is rapidly transforming public sector operations, but with new capabilities come new vulnerabilities. The event addresses the urgent need for robust governance frameworks that ensure accountability and oversight in automated systems. As critical infrastructure becomes more interconnected and reliant on AI, the consequences of errors—whether technical or ethical—can be far-reaching. This simulation offers a rare opportunity for leaders to stress-test their crisis management strategies in a controlled, yet realistic, environment.
Who Should Attend
Operation: Defend the North 2026 is tailored for senior cybersecurity and IT leaders, risk managers, policymakers, and professionals from sectors where operational resilience is non-negotiable. The event also welcomes those seeking CPE credits, as well as organizations looking to strengthen cross-sector collaboration and build trusted networks within Canada’s cyber community.
Event Experience and Format
The hybrid format allows for both in-person participation at Ottawa’s National Arts Centre and virtual engagement. Attendees can expect a blend of live tabletop exercises, modular scenario-based learning, and interactive exhibitor booths. The event is supported by leading industry sponsors, including HPE Aruba Networking, Bell Cyber, CyberJutsu, ReadySetCyber, Cybersecurity Escape Room, CyberBPO, and Cyber Gamified, each contributing expertise and hands-on demonstrations.
Building Trust and Leadership in the Age of AI
As the line between human and automated decision-making blurs, the ability to lead with transparency and build trust becomes as critical as technical proficiency. Operation: Defend the North 2026 is more than a simulation—it’s a proving ground for the next generation of crisis leaders, offering practical insights and real-world scenarios that reflect the evolving landscape of AI governance and cybersecurity.