Conference Description
Key Takeaways
- Annual hybrid conference in Riga, Latvia, addressing cybersecurity challenges in the Baltic region and NATO-allied Europe
- Technical tracks cover DNS security, cyber threat intelligence, AI security and cyber-physical systems
- Combines policy discussions with hands-on Capture the Flag competitions for skills development
- Draws cybersecurity professionals, policymakers, military representatives and domain registry operators
- Supported by CERT.LV, ICANN, ESET, Bitdefender, Palo Alto, Fortinet, Cisco and Recorded Future
About CyberChess 2026
CyberChess 2026 is an international cybersecurity conference that convenes technical experts, government officials, military representatives, internet service providers and domain registries. The hybrid event takes place in Riga, Latvia, with online participation available. Programming spans main sessions on national and European cybersecurity development, thematic tracks examining industry trends, technical demonstrations and DNS security deep dives.
The conference positions itself as a leading industry gathering in the Baltic region, facilitating knowledge exchange and international cooperation among public and private sector organizations. Capture the Flag competitions provide hands-on opportunities for participants to develop practical cybersecurity skills.
Technical and Policy Focus Areas
The programme addresses both strategic policy alignment and technical defense challenges. Main topics include:
- Secure use and understanding of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity contexts
- Cyber attacks, threat actors and defense strategies
- Cyber threat intelligence, big data analytics and visibility
- Cyber-physical systems and physical security integration
- Domain Name System threats, protection mechanisms and governance
DNS security receives particular attention, reflecting the involvement of domain registry operators and ICANN among the supporting organizations. The intersection of national security policy with technical implementation runs throughout the conference tracks.
Regional and Geopolitical Context
CyberChess addresses cybersecurity within the context of geopolitical tensions affecting the Baltic region and broader European security landscape. Sessions examine national and European policy development, with content relevant to NATO-allied nations facing shared threat environments. The Ministry of Defence and National Cyber Security Center participation underscores the governmental dimension of the conference.
Who Should Attend
The conference serves cybersecurity professionals including analysts, engineers, IT managers and CISOs. Policymakers and government officials will find sessions on national and European cybersecurity strategy. Military sector representatives, internet and telecom service providers, and domain registry operators form core audience segments. Academia and students in cybersecurity can participate in both educational sessions and CTF competitions. Organizations from public and private sectors in the Baltic and NATO regions represent the primary geographic focus.
Supporting Organizations
Sponsors and partners include CERT.LV, the Ministry of Defence, National Cyber Security Center, ICANN, ESET, Hack The Box, Bitdefender, Palo Alto, Fortinet, Cisco, Recorded Future, VMRay, SQUALIO, ISACA and Women4Cyber.