Conference Description
Key Takeaways
- Cybersecurity conference designed specifically for rural and small broadband providers
- Two learning tracks accommodate both technical staff and nontechnical executives
- Interactive workshops and sessions led by government and industry experts
- Addresses compliance requirements and funding opportunities tied to cybersecurity practices
- Supported by major industry associations including ACA Connects, Fiber Broadband Association and WISPA
About the Event
The CyberShare Summit brings together professionals from rural broadband providers, cooperatives and small ISPs for focused cybersecurity education. Unlike larger industry conferences, the summit maintains a smaller scale to facilitate direct engagement between attendees and presenters. The in-person event takes place at Hilton Columbus Downtown and features technical sessions, interactive workshops and networking opportunities.
The programme is structured around two customized learning tracks. One track serves technical professionals including IT staff, network engineers and cybersecurity practitioners. The second track addresses the needs of executives, managers and other nontechnical decision-makers who oversee security strategy and resource allocation.
Cybersecurity Challenges for Rural Broadband
Rural and small broadband providers face distinct cybersecurity challenges compared to larger telecommunications companies. Limited budgets and smaller teams often constrain the security resources available to these organizations. The summit addresses this reality by delivering practical guidance that attendees can implement with the resources typically available to smaller providers.
Sessions cover threats, technologies and strategies relevant to rural broadband networks and infrastructure. Topics span network security, threat intelligence and operational resilience, with content drawn from both government sources and industry practitioners.
Regulatory and Funding Context
Expanding regulatory requirements increasingly mandate robust cybersecurity practices for broadband providers. Funding programmes tied to rural broadband expansion often include security compliance as a condition. The summit helps attendees understand these requirements and develop strategies that satisfy both operational security needs and external obligations.
Industry Support
The event draws support from across the rural telecommunications sector. Sponsors and exhibitors include Calix, Cato Networks, CyberESI, IP Pathways, NISC, Vantage Point, JSI, CoBank, MACC and Womble Bond Dickinson. Industry association partners include ACA Connects, Competitive Carriers Association, Fiber Broadband Association, NRECA Broadband, Rural Wireless Association and WISPA.
Who Should Attend
The summit serves professionals responsible for protecting rural broadband networks. This includes network engineers, IT staff and cybersecurity practitioners seeking technical knowledge, as well as executives and managers who set security priorities and allocate resources. Decision-makers from small broadband providers, cooperatives and rural ISPs will find sector-specific content addressing their operational environment.