The RSA Conference 2026 in San Francisco showed a very different trend this year. Normally, this event is strongly influenced by top officials from the United States. But in 2026, that presence was missing and clearly noticeable. Many attendees were surprised by how things turned out.
Major US agencies like the FBI, CISA, and NSA did not actively take part in the conference discussions. This created a visible gap in leadership at such a major global event. In earlier years, these agencies played an important role in guiding conversations. Their absence made this year’s event feel quite different.
Because of this situation, European leaders stepped forward and took control of key discussions. Officials from across Europe spoke confidently about cybersecurity challenges and global risks. They focused on policies, cooperation, and future threats. This made Europe the most dominant voice at the event.
In previous RSAC events, senior US officials used to lead most of the important sessions. They helped shape the direction of cybersecurity conversations worldwide. But this time, that leadership was missing. Europe filled that gap effectively and took the spotlight.
One of the main topics discussed was AI-generated coding, also known as “vibe coding.” Experts explained that while AI makes coding faster, it also brings new security risks. Richard Horne warned that rapid AI adoption can create vulnerabilities. He stressed that security must be built into AI systems from the beginning.
European officials also talked about upcoming regulations like the Cyber Resilience Act. This law is expected to come into effect around 2027. It will focus on securing digital products, supply chains, and modern technologies. The goal is to ensure stronger cybersecurity standards across industries.
Another key point was that cybersecurity is no longer just about protecting data. It is now closely connected to national security and defense strategies. Governments are focusing on protecting infrastructure and critical systems. This includes technologies like drones and communication networks.
Organizations like Europol also highlighted their role in fighting cybercrime. They showed confidence in working with global partners and private companies. However, responses about coordination with the US were mostly unclear. Overall, the event showed a shift in global cybersecurity leadership toward Europe.
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