Conference Description
Key Takeaways
- Focuses on defending against autonomous AI-driven cyberattacks with practical, cost-effective strategies
- Designed for MSPs, MSSPs, SOC teams, CISOs, CIOs and cybersecurity consultants across Canada
- Covers incident response, cyber insurance, compliance frameworks, identity management and supply chain security
- Features panel discussions, case studies, workshops and a solution expo with vendor presentations
- Sponsors include Acronis, ThreatLocker, GoSecure.ai, ISC2 Toronto Chapter and Channel Partner Alliance
About the Event
The Cybersecurity Defense Ecosystem Summit 2026 (CDES) is a one-day, in-person event in Toronto bringing together Canada’s cybersecurity community. Organized by Cybersecurity Defense Ecosystem (CDE), the summit prioritizes peer-to-peer learning and real-world case studies over product marketing. Panel discussions comprise approximately 90% of the programme content, supplemented by keynote presentations, interactive workshops and an open town hall format.
The event includes a solution expo and a “Lions’ Den” session where vendors present their offerings. Secure On Point and Mythos (an AI platform referenced in the keynote) are among the technologies featured.
Threat Landscape and Technical Focus
The summit addresses the emergence of autonomous AI agent hacking, examining how large language models and automation are reshaping both attack methods and defensive capabilities. Sessions cover ransomware, fraud prevention, shadow AI and shadow IT risks, data leakage and insider threats. Security awareness training receives attention in the context of deepfakes and AI-powered phishing campaigns.
Identity management discussions extend to non-human identities, reflecting the growing complexity of access control in automated environments. Supply chain security and vendor solution evaluation are also on the agenda.
Compliance and Risk Management
The programme includes sessions on cyber risk assessment, posture evaluation and regulatory compliance. Incident response planning, tabletop exercises and cyber insurance considerations are covered, addressing how organizations can improve recovery capabilities while managing costs and demonstrating ROI on security investments to boards and executives.
Who Should Attend
The summit targets managed security service providers, cybersecurity-focused MSPs, security operations centre personnel, CISOs, CIOs and C-suite executives. Cybersecurity consultants, AI consultants, vendors and business leaders seeking to understand cyber risk mitigation will also find relevant content. The event addresses challenges including tool sprawl, workforce shortages and the skills gap affecting mid-market and enterprise organizations.