Cybersecurity Defense Ecosystem Summit 2026 – Canada

“Join Us in Shaping the Future of Cybersecurity, Together”

If you are a MSP, MSSP, SOC, CISO or Related Cybersecurity Professionals then this event, community and resource is for you. “In the absence of a cohesive team strategy for cybersecurity, malicious actors will continue to succeed” The Cybersecurity Defense Ecosystem Summit (CDES) is inviting ALL cybersecurity stakeholders to unite for networking, learning, and collaboration. With 90% of content delivered through panel discussions, experts and peer-to-peer collaborations you get the widest perspectives and exchange of ideas!

According to research firm Omdia, cybersecurity is being reshaped in ways that are more consequential than the past decade and partners are at an inflection point. “Platform consolidation, geopolitical, ecosystem realignment, AI-driven transformation and long-term workforce disruption are converging all at one”. We agree as we see this in the vendors we interview and what’s happening on the frontlines of the cybersecurity channel. With the top 20 vendors out of 6,000 already accounting for 66% of the global cybersecurity spend, you have to ensure you are rolling with the right partners. Keep in mind that these top 20 are still plagued with attacks and breaches so the remaining thousands are busy trying to fill the gaps. Everyone has a role to play, but cost (and skill) is the achilles heel. Data sovereignty, compliance and other regulations are forcing everyone to rethink cybersecurity.

Artificial Intelligence continues to significantly accelerated the pace of cybersecurity for both attackers and defenders. As hackers increasingly utilize AI, we are witnessing an unprecedented scale and sophistication in their attacks. In response, defenders are employing AI for automation, mediation, and prediction. While the on-going “Cyber War” rages on with AI at the forefront, human involvement still remains the most critical element. This event will delve into the current landscape of AI, the evolution of Identity Management and Autonomous Agents, and discuss future alongside emerging quantum computing technologies.

  • Managed Security Services Providers (MSSPs)
  • Cybersecurity-First MSPs
  • Security Operations Centers (SOCs)
  • Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs)
  • Chief Information Officers (CIOs)
  • Cybersecurity Consultants
  • Vendors developing cybersecurity solutions or offering services
  • AI Consultants
  • Business owners and C-suite executives seeking to understand cyber breach risks.
  1. Advanced Cyber Discussions: Delve into the latest cybersecurity challenges, particularly from an AI perspective, and explore mediation strategies.
  2. Community Building: Cybersecurity is a team sport. This event fosters a network of top regional cyber experts for year-round collaboration against cybercrime, extending beyond a one-time gathering.
  3. Latest Technologies: Experience cutting-edge cyber technologies and resilience practices, including advancements in AI and identity management, to protect businesses effectively.
  4. Left and Right of Boom: Learn to prevent breaches with strategies ranging from basic 2FA and phishing training to MDR, Identity Management, and PEN testing. Also, prepare for the “Boom” (a breach) with insights on response, recovery, and preparedness.
  5. CISO Challenges: Engage in discussions about CISO challenges with C-Level management and explore how MSPs and MSSPs can collaborate with CISOs and CIOs to enhance cybersecurity posture.
  6. Impact of AI on Cyber: Explore how AI is transforming cybersecurity and its future implications. Discussions will also cover the business use of AI and the significant risks without proper governance and policies.
  7. Compliance and Regulations: Gain understanding of government and insurance compliance requirements (reporting, privacy laws) and strategies for a defendable legal position, including cyber insurance.
  8. Assessing Cyber Risks: Understand your cyber risk profile and learn to evaluate your security posture to your desired level.
  9. Supply Chain Protection: Discover strategies to safeguard the supply chain and address emerging threats like non-human identities, software code, web, and eCommerce vulnerabilities.
  10. Breakout Peer-Group Sessions: Participate in meaningful discussions and debates with like-minded peers on specific topics of interest.

Keep watching for updates as we get closer!

This summit will significantly enhance your cybersecurity practice. You’ll have the chance to network with peers and experts, fostering ongoing collaboration. Many sessions will be supplemented with virtual webinars and recordings for attendees. Attendees will receive automatic notifications when these online sessions become available.
Balancing Affordability with Cybersecurity Protection:

The cost of cybersecurity continues to rise, with over 6,000 solutions available, making it challenging for SMBs to balance protection with budget. Tech-sprawl and overlapping functionality complicate solution adoption. The summit will offer insights on minimizing costs through consolidation, tech stack analysis and AI automation, potentially reducing cyber risks while minimizing costs.

We will explore the latest in automated and human PEN-Testing-as-a-Service for continuous security posture monitoring. The event will also emphasize planning and critical actions during a cyber breach, demystifying the complex world of cybersecurity insurance.

Make the Cybersecurity Defense Ecosystem your new go-to home and local community for all things cyber. MSPs, MSSPs, SOCs, and CISOs can sign up for free and start exploring today with a Basic Free Membership, which includes a $100 discount to attend this summit. Non-members pay $495.00 to attend.

Explore the CDE: A Resource for those in the business of cybersecurity. MSPs, MSSPs, SOCs, CISOs and Vendors.

Event Details
Free CDE Membership = $100 discount to CDE Summit

This in-person event is the premier gathering for the Cybersecurity Defense Ecosystem (CDE) community, bringing together cybersecurity professionals, makers, buyers, and sellers. It's a unique opportunity to learn, network, and collaborate. Members can connect face-to-face and exchange ideas, while non-members can experience the CDE firsthand and engage with its influential network of experts.

While the chance to network and share insights among peers is valuable in itself, this event offers much more. Attendees will hear from top minds in cybersecurity. Whether you're a seasoned expert or just beginning to deepen your cybersecurity capabilities, this event is designed to deliver significant value.

Experience it for yourself and decide. We are hosting several events across the country, and you are welcome to join any of them.

Agenda

We officially kick off at 9:00 AM, but feel free to arrive as early as 8:00 AM to enjoy breakfast snacks, fresh coffee, and some valuable time to meet, greet and network with peers, speakers and experts.

Stronger Together. Year-Round.

Build powerful connections, share insights, and grow your business at our cybersecurity summit. With the Cybersecurity Defense Ecosystem, you get 24/7 access to tools, expertise, and a network of leaders to boost your security protection.

Join free at cybersecuritydefenseecosystem.com or unlock premium benefits for $595/year.

These regional CDE summits unite MSPs, MSSPs, SOCs, and CISOs to network, learn, and collaborate—driving cybersecurity excellence all year long.

Cybersecurity pros won’t want to miss this! Explore the accelerating world of AI and how it is impacting the cybersecurity landscape for all.

Be ready to go beyond traditional defenses and embrace a future-proof approach.

According to research firm Omdia, cybersecurity is being reshaped in ways that are more consequential than the past decade and partners are at an inflection point. “Platform consolidation, geopolitical, ecosystem realignment, AI-driven transformation and long-term workforce disruption are converging all at one”. We agree as we see this in the vendors we interview and what’s happening on the frontlines of the cybersecurity channel. With the top 20 vendors out of 6,000 already accounting for 66% of the global cybersecurity spend, you have to ensure you are rolling with the right partners. Keep in mind that these top 20 are still plagued with attacks and breaches so the remaining thousands are busy trying to fill the gaps. Everyone has a role to play, but cost (and skill) is the achilles heel. Data sovereignty, compliance and other regulations are forcing everyone to rethink cybersecurity.

Before an attack is meticulously planned and carried out, a group of AI agents is dispatched by malicious actors to gather intelligence about the target company and its employees from all accessible sources, including the dark web. This information is carefully analyzed to develop an attack strategy that outlines who to target, why, where, and how. Tactics are dynamically adjusted with the assistance of AI. Once inside, they patiently explore to identify the most valuable data before executing their plan and retreating. Utilizing AI cloaking and various strategies, hackers can extract sensitive information or deploy malware without being detected. While some companies have measures and personnel in place to identify and prevent such incidents, the vast majority do not. With AI at their disposal, malicious actors gain an edge by automating more sophisticated and well-organized attacks.

How can you safeguard against this threat? We will explore this!

As businesses increasingly adopt AI-empowered models, understanding the inherent risks and establishing robust governance are paramount. Unlike traditional data, there's no "delete" key in AI.

AI is now a ubiquitous tool, leveraged by both sides in the ongoing cyber war. Our goal is to build the best defense for the AI age, moving beyond reactive measures to predictive cybersecurity. This involves not only reducing false positives and improving prioritization and mediation, but fundamentally staying ahead of the curve.

Our "A-Team," comprised of cybersecurity specialists, CISOs, and MSSPs, will provide crucial insights into the latest advancements and emerging trends in the field. Professionals from diverse areas of the cybersecurity landscape will share their unique perspectives.

Throughout the day, these experts will also be available for in-depth discussions and to answer your questions during the Mastermind Peer-Group sessions. These in-person events offer a unique opportunity to expand your network with these valuable experts, who can assist with your future needs.

There are several components to the best Cybersecurity practice and it's evolving. Compliance, CIS, regulations, privacy, insurance, supply chain, and other legal issues also play a critical role in your cybersecurity posture. In many cases provable compliance is required to do business with an increasing number of organizations.

How do you manage the various issues facing you?

Some tasks, like compliance management, PEN testing, 24/7 monitoring, cyber insurance, verification, reporting, may be better outsourced to reduce risk and internal workload, especially if the expertise to cover everything is simply not available in-house.

Our panel of experts will discuss the solutions to these challenges.

Today, it's vital to keep ahead of the latest government and insurance regulations (both in-country and international). How do you get into compliance and stay compliant moving forward, and be able to prove it in case you have to in court or facilitate a claim with your insurance provider.

Explore the dynamic responsibilities and primary concerns of today's CISOs. This session features leading CISOs who will discuss their strategies for safeguarding their organizations and the challenges that keep them up at night. For an authentic glimpse into the daily realities of the cyber warfare landscape, this session is essential.

Additionally, we will delve into the evolving position of CISOs within the C-Suite, examining effective methods for communicating cyber risks and investment needs to executives, and identifying best practices for risk reduction.

Catch 3-minute pitches on innovative cyber solutions and services.

You'll get a high-level overview of various solutions and business tools, then vote for your favorite pitch.

Meet vendors all day—discover opportunities, spark partnerships, and open new doors.

What do you really want to know about cybersecurity solutions? Three CISO experts will interview each participating vendor about their solution about what it can and cannot do and why it matters. You will explore solutions that will actually help move the needle up on your cybersecurity posture and practice. These sessions will be between 10 to 15 minutes each. Attendees will also get to access extended sessions of each, access demos and special offers post event.

Want more? Check out the expo! The CDE is a resource for about 250 solutions.

What's on your mind? What do you want to know? What do you care about?

This session is about addressing your questions. Walk up to the mic and ask the experts.

LLM/AI Poisoning? Identity Management? Supply Chain? Shadow IT and Shadow AI? Insider Threats? Non-Human Identities? Awareness Training in the Era of AI with sophisticated social engineering phishing, deep fakes and everything in between...

Wrap up the event by picking your topic, join the conversation, share your expertise or just listen up!

This is a hands-on "workshop" where each attendee gets to choose from 15+ hot cybersecurity topics and join the their peers who shares the same interest.

An expert facilitator will guide the group's discussion to address their questions with deep insights and solutions to take home.

The best part? The dialogue doesn’t end when the event does — you can keep connected with your peer-group to build your network and continue to share ideas long after the event is over!

Each peer-group will give the audience a brief 3-minute summary of the key takeaways from their session.

More detailed summaries of each peer-group session will be shared with the attendees, minus any identifiable or confidential information.

We want you to go home with your burning questions answered! We also want you to discover surprise answers to questions you never thought of asking!

Ask about joining a permanent local peer-group that you can continue to meet and exchange ideas as often as you like.

The educational sessions end at 5:00 PM.

The Solution Provider Expo will be open with food and drinks for networking until 7:00 PM. Who knows where we will all end up as networking with local like-minded people is really what this event is all about!

All registered attendees will be notified or several special invite-only dinners hosted by various organizations. Typically, many end up in the hotel bar to carry on the conversations.

Please do NOT Drink and Drive! There are hotel rooms available and many car share options available. Just leave your car if you drove and arrive safe!

While we do have an official end-time, we will be around until 9 PM and everyone is welcome to continue the networking. Please do not drink and drive! There are hotel rooms available in the venue.

Registration
Full Pass (including meals and drinks) $495
495
FAQ

Where is the CDES held?

At the Old Mill, 9 Old Mill Rd, Etobicoke, ON M8X 1G5, Canada. Parking is available. Nearby access by subway.

How to get there?

There is a subway station at walking distance. There is ample parking by the venue. Website: https://www.oldmilltoronto.com/

How do I become a Member to the Cybersecurity Defense Ecosystem (CDE) for FREE and attend the event with a $100 discount?

It's simply - ONLY if you are an MSP, MSSP, SOC, CISO, CIO or Cybersecurity Consultant, sign up at https://cybersecuritydefenseecosystem.com/channel-partner-sign-up/

Membership in the CDE allows you to access a comprehensive cybersecurity resource all year long. Explore the benefits and if you want to unlock much more benefits, become Premium Member for $595 USD per year. No obligation to renew. To renew for the next year(s), you must complete the renewal process and payment at or before end of the first year.

When should I arrive?

Plan to arrive by 8:00 AM to network with everyone over breakfast snacks and coffee.

The sessions start at 9:00 AM.

How do I participate if I do not want to become a CDE member?

You can purchase a ticket for $495.00. Ask for an Executive Overview if you need to justify the expenditure by your company.

If I am a vendor and do not exhibit, how can I attend?

Buy a ticket for $495. Vendors cannot become a member of the CDE. If you wish to exhibit, please ask for the sponsorship options and exec summary.

Contact us if you have other questions https://www.channelnext.ca/contact/

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For more pictures from previous CDE Summits, please check out this website.

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