What CDE Summit is about in 100 words:
The Cybersecurity Defense Ecosystem Summit 2026 brings together MSPs, MSSPs, SOCs, CISOs, cybersecurity professionals, and technology providers for a day of learning, networking, and collaboration. On November 10 in Toronto, attendees will explore the evolving cybersecurity landscape, including autonomous AI-driven attacks, identity management, compliance, and cost-effective security strategies. Through expert keynotes, panel discussions, interactive sessions, and peer-to-peer conversations, participants will gain practical insights to strengthen their security practices, optimize investments, and build stronger cyber defenses. The summit encourages collaboration and shared expertise to help shape a more resilient cybersecurity future for Canada.
“Shaping the Future of Cybersecurity in Canada, Together”
If you are an MSP, MSSP, SOC, CISO or a Cybersecurity Professionals, then this event, community and resource is for you to learn, network and improve your cyber practice.
Keynote by Ross Young: From CIA spy to CISO “Why Most Cyber Budgets Go To Waste”
“In the absence of a cohesive team strategy for cybersecurity, malicious actors will continue to succeed and now with autonomous AI Agents, they will succeed much faster”
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 unbiased ideas!
The Quiet Shift from Human to Autonomous AI Hacking is here. Are you ready to defend tomorrow?
Forget about cyber fear-mongering, AI doom-and-gloom, or boring product pitches—we have all had more than enough of that. Instead, this event focuses on practical, sensible strategies to protect against cyber threats without exhausting your budget or burning out your team.
Join us to evaluate your current security posture—the good, the bad, and the ugly—and discover how to enhance protection while keeping costs down (or even cutting them). Rather than adding more tools, it is time to move toward smart, effective cybersecurity.
Several key trends are currently converging that impacts cybersecurity: the rise of autonomous AI agent hacking, advanced LLM capabilities with AGI enhancements, and the consolidation of platforms and solutions driven by AI. Furthermore, the industry faces significant expansion of regulations and the ongoing challenge of a workforce utilizing more shadow AI and IT. Understanding your risk landscape to better protect, FAST and efficient detection of threats, rapid intervention and mediation are all mission critical.
Left of Boom: Our expert panel will analyze emerging trends in Autonomous AI Agent Hacking and discuss robust and smart defensive strategies. As the next generation of AI evolves into a sophisticated cyber weapon, it grants advanced hacking capabilities to a broader range of actors and enables relentless, autonomous attacks. This shift fundamentally alters the “Left of Boom” landscape, making rapid detection and remediation the new mission-critical standard. We will examine how leveraging intelligent AI automation and tool consolidation can reduce cybersecurity expenditures while improving your overall risk profile. Additionally, we will explore maintaining a resilient security posture through continuous AI-powered monitoring and the implementation of smarter patch management and configuration strategies.
Right of Boom: From detection to recovery, we will examine the most recent advancements in continuous, always-on penetration testing designed to identify and close critical gaps. Being prepared is essential; therefore, we will discuss practical Table Top Exercises and introduce an Incident Response Platform to manage the process. This platform serves as a powerful tool for detecting, halting, and mediating breaches as they happen. Surviving a cyber incident is a notoriously difficult experience, yet organizations can improve their outcomes by equipping themselves with the necessary tools, information, and expertise. Key strategies include:
- Real-Time Visibility: Understanding exactly which data has been compromised in real-time allows for more informed recovery decisions.
- Diligent Practice: Regular incident response drills reduce panic, alleviate stress, and prevent expensive errors during a crisis.
- Financial Protection: We will explore methods for securing affordable cyber insurance to ensure an expert team of responders can be deployed immediately if primary defences fail.
Consistent IR practice combined with a solid cyber insurance policy remains the most effective way in ensuring a business can survive following a cyberattack.
Did you know that the top 20 vendors—out of 6,000—account for 66% of global cybersecurity spending, yet they still face attacks and breaches. Meanwhile, thousands of smaller vendors are working to fill the gaps. Everyone has a role to play and AI will help, but cost and skill shortages remain major challenges. Data sovereignty, compliance, and other regulations are forcing a rethink of cybersecurity strategies.
- Managed Security Services Providers (MSSPs)
- Cybersecurity-First MSPs
- Security Operations Centres (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.
- Practical Cyber Discussions: Delve into the latest cybersecurity challenges, particularly from an AI perspective, and explore mediation strategies.
- 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.
- Latest Technologies: Experience cutting-edge cyber technologies and resilience practices, including advancements in AI and identity management, to protect businesses effectively.
- Left and Right of Boom: Learn to prevent breaches with the strategies while preparing for the “Boom” (a breach) with insights on detection, response, recovery, and reporting.
- 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.
- Growing 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.
- Compliance and Regulations: Gain understanding of government and insurance compliance requirements (reporting, privacy laws) and strategies for a defendable legal position, including cyber insurance.
- Assessing Cyber Risks: Understand your cyber risk profile and learn to evaluate your security posture to your desired level.
- Supply Chain Protection: Discover strategies to safeguard the supply chain and address emerging threats like non-human identities, software code, web, and eCommerce vulnerabilities.
- Open Town Hall Discussion: Participate in meaningful discussions and debates with the audience
Keep watching for updates and previews as we get closer!
Balancing Affordability with Cybersecurity Protection:
Small to Mid-Size Businesses: The cost of cybersecurity continues to rise, making it challenging for SMBs to balance protection with budget. Tech-sprawl and overlapping functionality complicate solution adoption. The summit will also offer insights on minimizing costs through consolidation, tech stack analysis and AI automation, potentially reducing cyber risks while minimizing costs.
Ticket Prices:
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 and get an additional $100 discount to attend this summit.
$248 (Plus Ticket Provider Handling and Taxes) Get $100 extra discount as a CDE Member!
NOTE: If you are already a CDE member, you will receive a discount code by email. If you did not, please contact us at the CDE. For new members, please sign up first to the CDE first then check your email for the special discount code, then use that to register online.
Explore the CDE: A Resource for those in the business of cybersecurity. MSPs, MSSPs, SOCs, CISOs and Vendors.
