CyberSmart 2026 - The Two Edges of AI's Sword

This event qualifies for .3 CEUs

This event qualifies for 3 CPEs

This event qualifies for 3 CLPs

Cybersecurity is always a volatile topic – new threats, new approaches to defense, emerging new attack surfaces. The emergence of AI as a commercially viable technology introduces new considerations, including growing recognition that it substantially increases the need for risk management.

Join us as thought leaders from government and industry discuss what is happening now, and what threats and opportunities may arise from current trends.

Learning Objectives:

Identify where new AI tools can reinforce existing cyber defenses
Examine how to protect data privacy within an AI-enabled system
Evaluate your software supply chain to determine how and where to implement zero trust requirements
Delineate the elements of a universally applied ZT architecture, including identities, accounts, assets, resources, authentication, behavior, and data
Review your agency’s operations to locate where OT is used and conduct risk assessments to determine corrective measures

Speaker and Presenter Information

11:30am - 1:00pm: Check-in, Welcome Remarks, Networking & Snacks
Welcome! Register or check in with our FedInsider team.

Claudia Hosky, Publisher, FedInsider

Claudia Hosky
Publisher,
FedInsider

Michael Kennedy, Moderator & Contributing Editor, FedInsider

Michael Kennedy
Contributing Editor,
FedInsider

1:00pm - 2:00pm: The Intersection of AI and Cyber (and Cyber Defense)
The cyber cold war between U.S. agencies and hostile interests Â– from criminals to nation-states Â– has entered a new phase with the widespread use of artificial intelligence (AI), which has emerged as a true two-edged sword in the conflict. AI can be a powerful tool in cyber defense, but it will have to be used against AI-driven cyber attacks.

2:00pm - 3:00pm: Zero Trust and Supply Chain Security Belong Together
The concept of Zero Trust is summarized in its slogan: Never trust, always verify. This concept is the basis of federal policy mandating that agencies adopt ZT architectures. Today, however, the premise must be expanded to include supply chain security Â– as more agencies rely on open-source software and commercial software from multiple vendors, they risk encountering bugs and malware that are already embedded in software codes from those sources.

3:00pm - 4:00pm: Bringing Cybersecurity to Critical Infrastructure
The need for stronger, more comprehensive cybersecurity has to extend to include U.S. critical infrastructure. The U.S. Coast Guard reported in late 2024 that hostile nation-states have been targeting operations technology (OT) used at our countryÂ’s maritime ports, one such critical infrastructure sector. This is another way that the cyber attack surface is expanding.

4:00pm - 5:00pm: Closing Comments & Networking Reception
Join us for a Networking reception afterward! There will be a variety of delicious fare & drinks. This is a unique and amazing opportunity to network with your State, local and industry peers.

Relevant Government Agencies

Air Force, Army, Navy & Marine Corps, Intelligence Agencies, DOD & Military, Office of the President (includes OMB), Dept of Agriculture, Dept of Commerce, Dept of Education, Dept of Energy, Dept of Health & Human Services, Dept of Homeland Security, Dept of Housing & Urban Development, Dept of the Interior, Dept of Justice, Dept of Labor, Dept of State, Dept of Transportation, Dept of Treasury, Dept of Veterans Affairs, EPA, GSA, USPS, SSA, NASA, Other Federal Agencies, Legislative Agencies (GAO, GPO, LOC, etc.), Judicial Branch Agencies, State Government, County Government, City Government, Municipal Government, CIA, FEMA, Office of Personnel Management, Coast Guard, National Institutes of Health, FAA, Census Bureau, USAID, National Guard Association, EEOC, Federal Government, State & Local Government, FDA, Foreign Governments/Agencies, NSA, FCC