Conference Description
Key Takeaways
- Two-day regional conference focused on practical defensive security skills and after-hours threat scenarios
- Hands-on villages covering physical security, wireless and drone security, and Capture the Flag competitions
- Technical sessions on threat hunting with Wazuh, NIST Cybersecurity Framework compliance, and amateur radio for emergency communications
- Designed for security analysts, incident responders, IT managers, and compliance officers in West Virginia and surrounding regions
About SecureWV 2026
SecureWV 2026 is a two-day, in-person cybersecurity conference held at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center in Charleston, West Virginia. The event brings together cybersecurity professionals, IT staff, and technical teams from private sector organizations, public institutions, educational entities, and government agencies across the region.
The conference format combines keynote presentations, technical workshops, hands-on villages, competitions, and community sessions. This structure emphasizes interactive and team-based learning over passive attendance, giving participants opportunities to practice defensive techniques in realistic scenarios.
Technical Focus Areas
SecureWV covers threat detection and response alongside several specialized security domains. The Lockpick Village addresses physical security architecture and bypass techniques, while the RF and Drone Village explores wireless security vulnerabilities and countermeasures. A Capture the Flag competition provides a competitive environment for testing offensive and defensive skills.
Technical sessions include threat hunting and endpoint visibility using Wazuh, an open-source security monitoring platform. The program also covers governance, risk, and compliance through the lens of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Sophos presents a session on responsible security solutions, and amateur radio licensing sessions address emergency communications preparedness.
Addressing After-Hours Threats
The conference specifically addresses the challenge of persistent cyber threats that continue outside traditional business hours. Programming is designed for security professionals responsible for defending organizations during nights, weekends, and holidays when staffing is reduced and response times may be slower. Sessions focus on improving incident response readiness and building skills that translate directly to real-world defensive operations.
Who Should Attend
The conference targets security analysts, SOC analysts, IT managers, network engineers, CISOs, incident responders, compliance officers, and cybersecurity students and educators. Attendees benefit from hands-on skill development in defensive security, improved awareness of physical and wireless attack vectors, and practical guidance on compliance frameworks. The event also serves as a regional networking opportunity for building professional connections within the West Virginia cybersecurity community.
Sponsors and Partners
SecureWV 2026 is supported by sponsors including Sophos, Alpha Innovations, Spilman Thomas and Battle, RED CELL SECURITY, and Link Solutions, along with several regional educational institutions.