Cybersecurity is entering a new era in 2026. Threat actors are expected to use AI to speed up and expand attacks, while defenders will use AI agents to improve security operations. This shift brings new risks, including emerging “shadow agent” threats and a growing need for stronger identity and access management.
Ransomware and data-theft extortion will continue to be a major issue. Nation-state operations from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea are likely to remain a significant concern. As attacks become faster, smarter, and more coordinated, organizations must adopt proactive, multi-layered defenses and invest in modern AI governance to stay resilient.
These rapid changes make 2026 a crucial year for staying informed. Cybersecurity conferences are where professionals can learn about new threats, recent research, and the tools shaping the year ahead.
Here are the top cybersecurity conferences taking place in Europe in 2026
1. CYBERUK 2026
Dates: 21-23 April 2026
Location: Glasgow, Scotland
Organizer: UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
Summary
CYBERUK 2026 marks the NCSC’s 10th anniversary and returns to Glasgow as the UK government’s flagship cybersecurity conference. Centred on the theme “The Next Decade: Accelerating Our Cyber Defence”, the event brings together national and international cyber leaders to explore future defence strategies, resilience, and emerging threats.
Key Details
- Attendance: 2,500+ professionals
- Speakers: 100+ expert sessions and case studies
- Exhibitors: 150+ sponsors and vendors
- Networking: 10+ hours of dedicated events
Focus Areas
- Future cyber-defence strategy
- Real-world incident learnings
- Public–private collaboration
- Technology innovation and resilience
- Sector-specific security challenges
Sectors Represented
Technology & Communication • Retail & FMCG • Energy, Water & Transportation • Local & National Government • Life Sciences • Finance & Insurance • Engineering & Manufacturing • International Delegations
2. DevOpsCon Amsterdam 2026
Dates: 20-24 April 2026
Location: Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam-Amstel, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Summary
DevOpsCon Amsterdam is a major conference dedicated to CI/CD, Kubernetes, DevSecOps, cloud technologies, and lean business practices. Bringing together DevOps strategists, engineers, and industry leaders, the 2026 edition offers four days of workshops, sessions, and keynotes focused on the latest innovations driving the DevOps ecosystem. The event fosters learning, collaboration, and practical skill-building among an international community of DevOps professionals.
Key Details
- 7000+ satisfied participants across DevOpsCon editions
- 40+ global speakers and DevOps experts
- 25 years of IT conferences
- 10 years of DevOps-focused events
- 6 worldwide editions
- Power Workshops with hands-on coding
- Four full days of keynotes, sessions, and workshops
Focus Areas
- CI/CD and automation
- Kubernetes and cloud-native systems
- DevSecOps practices
- Microservices, cloud, and modern infrastructure
- Lean business and organisational agility
Sectors Represented
DevOps Engineers • Cloud & Platform Teams • Security & DevSecOps Practitioners • Technical Architects • Industry Leaders • International DevOps Community
3. Red Hot Cyber Conference 2026
Dates: 18–19 May 2026
Location: Teatro Italia, Via Bari 18, 00161 Rome, Italy
Organizer: Red Hot Cyber
Summary
The Red Hot Cyber Conference 2026 returns after the strong success of its previous editions. Designed both to introduce young people to digital technologies and to serve as a professional cybersecurity conference, the event brings together experts, practitioners, and emerging talent. The 2026 edition will once again be held at the prestigious Teatro Italia in Rome, with a two-day format combining hands-on workshops, a Capture the Flag competition, and a full day of expert-led conference sessions.
Key Details
- Venue capacity: up to 800 attendees
- Workshops: Monday, 18 May (late morning to evening)
- Conference Day: Tuesday, 19 May (institutional panel + expert talks until 7:00 PM)
- Capture the Flag (CTF): runs across both days, ending with an awards ceremony at 6:00 PM on 19 May
- Free annual event created by the RHC community
Focus Areas
- Ethical hacking and hands-on cybersecurity practice
- Artificial intelligence applications in security
- RF/IoT physical flag challenges
- Structural security problems and practical solutions
- Youth-focused cybersecurity engagement
Sectors Represented
Young Cyber Talent • Students • Ethical Hackers • Cybersecurity Professionals • Industry Experts • Institutional Stakeholders • Technical Practitioners
4. CyberWiseCon Europe 2026
Dates:
- 19 May 2026 — Workshops (Simbiocity Nova, Vilnius)
- 20–22 May 2026 — Conference (Forum Cinemas Vingis, Vilnius, Lithuania)
Summary
CyberWiseCon Europe 2026 is a premier IT security conference bringing together cybersecurity experts, industry leaders, and IT professionals from across Europe. The event focuses on the fusion of cybersecurity knowledge and practical wisdom, offering attendees expert keynotes, hands-on learning, and real-world demonstrations. Through workshops, technical sessions, and exhibitions, CyberWiseCon provides a platform to share best practices, explore innovative security approaches, and connect with a global community of security professionals.
Key Details
- 700+ attendees
- 100+ speakers
- 35+ countries represented
- 6 conference tracks
- 8+ workshops
- 4-day programme (workshops + main conference)
- Live demonstrations, expo floor, and extensive networking opportunities
Focus Areas
- AI & ML threats
- Blockchain security
- Cybersecurity skills
- Privacy regulations
- Ethical hacking
- Ransomware trends
- Cloud defenses
- Cyberwarfare strategies
- Quantum encryption
- Security orchestration
- Zero Trust
- Next-gen firewalls
- Social engineering
- Dark web monitoring
- Mobile security
- Endpoint & IoT protection
Sectors Represented
IT Security Professionals • Network Administrators • Developers • Information Security Officers • Ethical Hackers • Security Researchers • Risk & Compliance Managers • Government & Policy Officials • International Cybersecurity Community
5. Span Cyber Security Arena 2026
Dates: 20-22 May 2026
Location: Pical Resort 5*, Valamar Collection, Poreč, Croatia
Summary
Span Cyber Security Arena 2026 brings together Croatian and international cybersecurity experts for a three-day programme focused on strengthening the foundational elements of cyber defence. The event emphasises the core principles, such as access management, asset maintenance, and data classification; that underpin resilient security strategies. Participants will explore how emerging regulations like DORA and the NIS2 Directive further reinforce these essential practices across public and private sectors.
Key Details
- Three-day conference featuring sessions, workshops, panels, and case studies
- Insights from Croatian and international information security professionals
- Highlights both foundational controls and the challenges of human behaviour in security
Focus Areas
- Foundational cybersecurity controls
- Access and identity management
- Asset maintenance and data classification
- Regulatory requirements (DORA, NIS2 Directive)
- Secure-by-design systems
- Human-centric resilience and behavioural unpredictability
Sectors Represented
Information Security Professionals • Technical Specialists • Public Sector • Private Sector • Compliance & Risk Teams • Security Leaders • Croatian & International Delegations
6. CyCon 2026 (International Conference on Cyber Conflict)
Dates: 26-29 May 2026
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Organizer: NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE)
Summary
CyCon is a prominent multidisciplinary conference bringing together global experts to examine the technical, legal, policy, strategic, and military dimensions of cyber defence and security. The 18th edition, themed “Securing Tomorrow,” will feature high-quality original academic research and expert discussions addressing current cybersecurity challenges from multiple perspectives.
Key Details
- Attendance: 600+ decision-makers, experts, and practitioners
- Participants from: nearly 50 countries
- Programme: keynote speeches, plenaries, focused sessions, breakout discussions, and dedicated workshops
- Duration: two and a half days of academic and operational content
Focus Areas
- Cyber defence and security research
- Technical and malware development topics
- Legal, policy, and military implications
- Education, training, and interdisciplinary approaches
- Strategic perspectives on future threats
Sectors Represented
Government • Military • Academia • Cybersecurity Industry • Legal & Policy Experts • International Delegations
7. Infosecurity Europe 2026
Dates: 2-4 June 2026
Location: ExCeL London, UK
Organizer: Reed Exhibitions Ltd.
Summary
Infosecurity Europe 2026 is one of Europe’s leading cybersecurity events, bringing together the community that drives innovation, resilience, and practical cyber defence. The event attracts thousands of professionals and hundreds of vendors, creating a central hub for learning, collaboration, and showcasing technologies that shape the future of cybersecurity and data protection.
Key Details
- Attendance: 13,000+ cybersecurity professionals
- Exhibitors: 380+ showcasing tools, solutions, and innovations
- Business-focused environment with opportunities for face-to-face meetings, product demos, and lead generation
Focus Areas
- Encryption tools
- Threat intelligence platforms
- Next-generation firewalls
- Identity management systems
- Technologies shaping global cybersecurity and data protection
Sectors Represented
Cybersecurity Vendors • Technology Providers • Enterprise Security Teams • Industry Buyers • Decision-Makers • European Security Professionals
8. Area41 Conference 2026
Dates: 18–19 June 2026
Location: Zurich, Switzerland
Organizer: Swiss DEF CON Group Chapter DC4131 (non-profit)
Summary
Area41 is Switzerland’s best-known technical information security conference, established in 2010 (originally as “hashdays”). Held every two years, the event features cutting-edge research from international speakers covering software vulnerabilities, malware analysis, threat hunting, and offensive security. Area41 attracts a diverse audience of security professionals, technical managers, students, and enthusiasts, with a strong focus on high-quality, content-driven presentations.
Key Details
- Attendance cap: 400 participants (“Small by Choice”)
- Curated programme prioritising technical content
- International speakers and rising researchers
- Non-profit, community-driven event supported by volunteers
- Travel expenses covered for speakers, but no compensation
Focus Areas
- Software vulnerabilities
- Malware research
- Threat hunting
- Offensive security techniques
- Technical security research across multiple domains
Sectors Represented
Security Professionals • Technical Managers • Researchers • Students • Security Enthusiasts • Swiss & International Security Community
9. Global Cyber Conference 2026
Dates: 01–02 September 2026
Location: The Dolder Grand, Zurich, Switzerland
Summary
The Global Cyber Conference is a prestigious international security event bringing together leaders across cybersecurity, technology, and risk. The 2026 edition marks the conference’s fifth year and centres on the theme CONVERGENCE- Where Cyber, AI and Quantum Security Meet, reflecting how cybersecurity, AI, and quantum technology are increasingly interlinked. Over two days in Zurich, the conference unites professionals who manage security, technology, and organisational risk to discuss these domains as one integrated landscape.
Key Details
- Attendance: 350 participants
- Speakers: 50 industry experts
- Sessions: 90 sessions
- Countries Represented: 50+
Focus Areas
- Security automation
- Criminal use of AI
- Crisis simulations
- Post-quantum cryptography
- Agentic AI and robotics
- AI governance and data trust
- Emerging organisational skills and capabilities
Sectors Represented
Cybersecurity Leadership • Technology & Risk Executives • AI & Quantum Innovation • International Delegations • CISO Community
10. BruCON 0x12 (2026)
Dates: 24–25 September 2026
Location: Mechelen, Belgium
Organizer: BruCON Community (by and for the security & hacker community)
Summary
BruCON is an annual security and hacker conference offering two days of open discussions on critical infosec issues, privacy, and the cultural and technical implications of information technology on society. Designed “by and for” the security and hacker community, BruCON brings together experts, students, and organizations for high-quality talks, workshops, and hands-on challenges.
Key Details
- Two-day conference with talks, workshops, and training sessions
- Community-driven event uniting hackers, security professionals, CERTs, students, non-profits, and law enforcement
- Technical activities including hardware hacking, IoT/ICS labs, and a CTF competition
- Additional community events such as retro gaming zones and social gatherings
Focus Areas
- Information security & privacy
- Offensive and defensive security
- IoT/ICS security
- Hardware hacking & retro computing
- CTF competitions and practical security challenges
- Community collaboration and skill sharing
Sectors Represented
Hackers • Security Professionals • CERT Teams • Students • Non-profits • Law Enforcement • Technical Practitioners • Infosec Researchers
11. International Security Expo 2026
Dates: 29–30 September 2026
Location: Olympia London, UK
Summary
International Security Expo is a long-established global event for professionals working at the highest levels of the security industry. Bringing together experts responsible for protecting people, businesses, and critical national infrastructure, the expo showcases cutting-edge security solutions while providing high-level insights across homeland and international security.
Key Details
- Attendance: 10,000+ security and resilience professionals
- Top security manufacturers and suppliers presenting the latest innovations
- Summit and Conference featuring expert-led, high-level briefings
- Major platform for product launches, with a high proportion of attendees seeking new technologies
Focus Areas
- Security and resilience for businesses, individuals, and critical national infrastructure
- Counterterrorism and homeland security
- International security challenges
- Innovative security products, technology demonstrations, and new solution launches
- Crisis response and incident management
Sectors Represented
Security Manufacturers • Technology Suppliers • Critical National Infrastructure • Counterterrorism • Homeland Security • International Security • Enterprise & Public Safety Professionals
12. Les Assises de la Cybersécurité 2026
Dates: 7–10 October 2026
Location: Monaco
Organizer: Comexposium One to One
Summary
Les Assises de la Cybersécurité is a flagship, business-focused cybersecurity event with over 20 years of history. More than a traditional conference, it functions as an institution for Europe’s cybersecurity community, bringing together decision-makers and solution providers for strategic discussions, expert insights, and high-value networking opportunities.
Key Details
- Four-day event combining business, inspiration, and networking
- Pre-scheduled One-to-One meetings between decision-makers and solution providers
- 98%+ satisfaction rate across One-to-One formatted events
- Guests include CIOs, CISOs, CTOs, Innovation Directors, and project owners
- Partners/exhibitors are selected by an editorial committee based on relevance and solutions offered
Focus Areas
- Strategic cybersecurity leadership
- Industry challenges and future trends
- Practical insights from case studies and expert speakers
- Buying decisions, solution evaluation, and vendor engagement
- Community-driven knowledge sharing and discussions
Sectors Represented
Cybersecurity Executives • CIOs & CISOs • Technical Leadership • Innovation & Strategy Teams • Solution Providers • European Cybersecurity Community
13. Swiss Cyber Storm 2026
Dates: 20 October 2026
Location: Kursaal Bern, Switzerland
Organizer: Swiss Cyber Storm (non-profit organisation)
Summary
Swiss Cyber Storm is a long-established security conference shaping Switzerland’s IT security agenda. The 2026 edition brings top international speakers to a national audience that spans students, tech specialists, security officers, and CISOs. Unlike many events focused solely on vulnerabilities, Swiss Cyber Storm provides practical context and proven solutions to structural security problems facing organisations today.
Key Details
- High-profile international speakers
- National audience ranging from students to senior security leaders
- Focus on actionable, solution-oriented security insights
- Includes activities such as Capture the Flag (CTF) events
Focus Areas
- Structural security challenges and practical solutions
- Vulnerability context and remediation
- Talent development and youth cybersecurity engagement
- Technical, operational, and leadership perspectives
Sectors Represented
Students & Young Talent • Technical Practitioners • Security Officers • CISOs • National Swiss Community • International Security Speakers
14. Cyber Security & Cloud Conference 2026
Dates: 20-21 October 2026
Location: RAI Amsterdam, Netherlands
Organizer: Part of TechEx Europe
Summary
The Cyber Security & Cloud Conference in Amsterdam is a leading European event for CISOs, security architects, and senior IT professionals. This two-day conference provides a strategic platform to explore advanced cyber defence, risk management, zero-trust architectures, and cloud security solutions. As part of the wider TechEx Europe ecosystem, the event offers cross-functional insights spanning cybersecurity, cloud, IoT, AI & Big Data, digital transformation, and data centres.
Key Details
- Attendance: 8,000+ participants from global enterprises
- Speakers: 200+ influential industry leaders across multiple sectors
- Exhibitors: 200+ interactive exhibitors with live demos and product showcases
- Dedicated sessions, workshops, and panel discussions led by cybersecurity and cloud experts
Focus Areas
- Advanced cyber defence & threat intelligence
- Cloud security & secure infrastructure
- Zero-trust architectures
- Identity & access management (IAM)
- Compliance, risk management & resilience
- Enterprise-focused technical insights and best practices
Sectors Represented
Manufacturing • Retail • Telecoms • Government • Transportation & Automotive • Healthcare • Cybersecurity • Cloud Computing • Emerging Technologies
Networking Opportunities
- AI-powered event app for meetings, agenda planning, and attendee matchmaking
- Official networking party after Day 1
- Opportunities to connect with CTOs, CIOs, CISOs, IT directors, cloud architects, security leaders, and enterprise decision-makers
15. Open Security Conference (osco) 2026
Dates: 5–8 November 2026
Location: SeminarZentrum Rückersbach, Germany
Organizer: The osco Community (volunteer-driven)
Summary
The Open Security Conference (osco) is a people-centred, community-driven event designed to break down gatekeeping in cybersecurity. Built on the Open Space format, osco has no pre-set agenda. Participants co-create the programme onsite, making the event accessible to newcomers, practitioners, and experts alike. The conference provides a collaborative environment for learning, sharing knowledge, and exploring security topics from multiple perspectives.
Key Details
- Four-day event with community-driven programming
- Open Space format: agenda created onsite by participants
- Mixture of sessions, discussions, hands-on interactions, and keynotes
- Focused on inclusion, accessibility, and reducing barriers to entry
Focus Areas
- Secure software lifecycle
- Penetration testing & red teaming
- Security games and learning by doing
- Usable and accessible security
- Continuous compliance
- Cloud and network security
- Threat mitigation and risk management
- Any topic attendees propose onsite
Sectors Represented
Developers • Security Engineers • Security Consultants • CISOs • Technical Practitioners • Learners & Newcomers • Cybersecurity Enthusiasts • Community Contributors
