Conference Description
Key Takeaways
- Three regional summits in Arizona, New Jersey, and Louisiana focused on defending public infrastructure from cyber threats
- Addresses the rise of ransomware and low-level attacks targeting community organizations
- Convenes cybersecurity professionals, academics, policymakers, and grassroots defenders to build regional networks
- Hosted by UC Berkeley Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity with state-level co-hosts in each region
About the Event
The Cyber Civil Defense Summit is a series of three in-person regional events in 2026, organized by the UC Berkeley Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity. Each summit brings together cyber defenders, academics, and public servants to strengthen the cyber defense capabilities of local and regional institutions. The format includes speaker sessions, fireside chats, and networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
The summits take place in Arizona, New Jersey, and Louisiana, with regional co-hosts providing local expertise. Arizona’s event is co-hosted by the Arizona Department of Homeland Security. New Jersey’s summit partners with the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell and Kean University’s Center for Cybersecurity. Louisiana’s event is co-hosted by the Louisiana Cyber Reserve Team and LSU Division of Computer Science and Engineering.
Defending Public Infrastructure from Ransomware and Low-Level Attacks
The summit series responds to the growing challenge of cyber threats targeting community organizations and public infrastructure. Ransomware and other low-level attacks increasingly affect institutions that lack the resources of large enterprises, including local government agencies, educational institutions, and non-profits. The events focus on practical defense strategies, policy considerations, and academic research to help these organizations improve their security posture.
Sessions cover regional cyber defense approaches, collaboration between public and private sectors, and community-driven cybersecurity initiatives. The goal is to bridge gaps between local, regional, and national cybersecurity efforts through knowledge sharing and partnership building.
Who Should Attend
The summit is designed for professionals working to protect public sector and community organizations. Relevant attendees include CISOs, IT directors, and cybersecurity analysts from government agencies, educational institutions, and non-profits. Policymakers, policy advisors, and public safety officials will find value in the strategic discussions. University researchers and academics studying cybersecurity policy and practice are also part of the target audience, along with members of grassroots cyber defense initiatives.
Sponsors and Partners
The summit series is supported by Craig Newmark Philanthropies and Okta for Good, alongside the UC Berkeley Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity. The regional co-hosts provide connections to state and local cybersecurity communities in each location.