What happens when artificial intelligence becomes an active participant in the security tabletop? In Episode 10 of #CYBRMinded, Dr. Dustin Sachs sits down with Craig Wood, Founder and Principal of PSY Logistics Technology Partners, to examine how time pressure, competing priorities, and organizational culture shape real-world security decisions. Their conversation highlights an important reason cybersecurity professionals need opportunities to learn together: effective security requires more than policies and tools. It requires trust, communication, cross-functional collaboration, and an environment where the secure choice is also a practical one. Watch this clip for a preview of the conversation, then find the complete episode on #CYBRSECMedia: zurl.co/L0RaD #CYBRSECCommunity #Cybersecurity #HumanRisk #SecurityLeadership #CybersecurityAwareness #RiskManagement #HumanFactors #CybersecurityCulture

What does it take to build a cybersecurity conference, grow a community, and keep creating opportunities year after year? In a newly released episode of the HackerProof HQ podcast, #CYBRSECCommunity Co-Founder and CEO Michael Farnum shares the story behind the events and the people they bring together. Michael discusses his journey from cybersecurity practitioner to community builder, the early challenges of securing venues and funding conferences, and the evolution of HOU.SEC.CON. into #CYBRSECCON. He also explores cybersecurity education, career development, artificial intelligence, AI governance, Houston’s growing technology ecosystem, and what the future may hold for the community. The conversation offers an inside look at the work behind creating events that connect practitioners, students, leaders, researchers, emerging professionals, and technology organizations. Thank you to the HackerProof HQ team for inviting Michael to share his experience and helping spotlight Houston’s cybersecurity and technology communities. Watch the complete episode: zurl.co/p00fe #CYBRSECEvents #Cybersecurity #CybersecurityCommunity #HoustonTech #TechCareers #ArtificialIntelligence #AIGovernance #CybersecurityConference

What happens to Capture the Flag competitions when artificial intelligence can identify vulnerabilities and solve challenges faster than a human working manually? In the newest episode of #CYBRHAKCAST, #CYBRSECCommunity Co-Founder and CEO Michael Farnum and #CYBRHAKCON partner Phillip Wylie sit down with Jacob Krell of Suzu Labs to explore how AI is changing CTF competitions, vulnerability discovery, and the skills hackers need to compete. Their conversation also examines the growing role of deception technology, why human judgment still matters, and what these changes could mean for the future of hands-on cybersecurity learning. These are the kinds of technical questions and real-world challenges at the heart of #CYBRHAKCON: breaking, building, testing, and learning together. Watch this clip, then find the complete episode on #CYBRSECMedia: zurl.co/RDNoV #Cybersecurity #ArtificialIntelligence #EthicalHacking #CTF #PenTesting #OffensiveSecurity #HackerCommunity

Your next cybersecurity connection could be waiting at the next #CYBRSECCareers User Group. Join us next week for an evening of learning, conversation, and community featuring William Little, Software & Platform Engineer at WebPros. Whether you want to exchange ideas, ask questions, expand your professional network, or reconnect with members of Houston’s cybersecurity community, this is an opportunity to be part of the conversation. Register, share the invitation, and bring a colleague. Thursday, October 29 6:30pm–9:00pm The Innovation Hub | Houston Register: zurl.co/nS7sA #CYBRSECCommunity #Cybersecurity #InfoSec #CybersecurityCareers #ProfessionalNetworking #HoustonEvents #CYBRSECCommunity, LLC. proudly manages the operations and programming of #CYBRSECCareers and affiliated events through a long-standing event services contract. While we do not own #CYBRSECCareers, we are honored to support its growth and success as a trusted management partner. All branding, ownership, and intellectual property for #CYBRSECCareers remain with its original creators and rights holders.

What developments in cybersecurity are creating the most excitement right now? For our Co-Founder and CEO of #CYBRSECCommunity, Michael Farnum, one answer is AI governance: not only determining what an AI tool is permitted to do, but also understanding what it is being asked to do and how it behaves. Victoria, Partner and GRC Lead at HackerProof HQ, caught up with Michael for a preview of their broader conversation about cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, career development, community building, and the future of the industry. The complete HackerProof HQ episode featuring Michael arrives tomorrow, Wednesday, October 21. Stay tuned! #CYBRSECEvents #Cybersecurity #ArtificialIntelligence #AIGovernance #CybersecurityCareers #TechCommunity

Get ready for #CYBRHAKCON with official gear from the #CYBRSECCommunity Swag Store. Explore the #CYBRHAKCON collection, featuring polos, T-shirts, hoodies, tumblers, mugs, and more for hackers who love to break, build, learn, and share. The online store also includes merchandise representing #CYBRSECCON, #OTSECCON, #EXECSECCON, #CYBRSECMedia, and the broader #CYBRSECCommunity. Assemble your gear. Rep the community. Shop the #CYBRHAKCON collection: zurl.co/xWqSi #Cybersecurity #EthicalHacking #HackerCommunity #CybersecuritySwag #CybersecurityConference

Sponsorship opportunities for #CYBRHAKCON 2027 are now open! Developed in partnership with legendary penetration tester, educator, author, and podcast host Phillip Wylie, CYBR.HAK.CON. is a technical, hands-on cybersecurity conference created for people who love to break, build, learn, and share. More than 250 ethical hackers, penetration testers, red teamers, security researchers, AppSec professionals, security engineers, blue teamers, CTF competitors, students, cybersecurity leaders, and other members of the hacker community are expected to join us for practitioner-led technical talks, live demonstrations, interactive Villages, challenges, hands-on learning, and meaningful connections. We are proud to recognize our confirmed 2027 sponsors: • CyberOne, Purple Sponsor • ThreatLocker, Blue Sponsor Interested organizations can use the Exhibitor Portal to log in or create a profile, create or select a Company Profile, access the 2027 Sponsorship Prospectus, explore available opportunities, and submit an application. Explore sponsorship opportunities: zurl.co/r2685 Thursday, February 25, 2027 Irving Convention Center | Irving, Texas #CYBRSECCommunity #Cybersecurity #EthicalHacking #HackerCommunity #CybersecurityConference #CybersecurityEvents #DallasEvents

The signal is live. Tickets for #CYBRHAKCON 2027 are now available! Created by and for the hacker community, CYBR.HAK.CON. brings together builders, breakers, defenders, and learners for a day of technical education, hands-on experiences, new ideas, and meaningful connections. Whether you are an aspiring ethical hacker building your skills or an experienced practitioner ready to dig deeper, this is your invitation to join the community in Irving. Thursday, February 25, 2027 Irving Convention Center Irving, Texas Secure your ticket: zurl.co/lU5GY The characters are assembling. The signal is getting stronger. More #CYBRHAKCON announcements are coming soon. #CYBRSECCommunity #Cybersecurity #EthicalHacking #HackerCommunity #PenetrationTesting #CybersecurityConference #DallasEvents

Join Xage Security, Copia Automation, #OTSECCON, and #CYBRSECCommunity for an exclusive Executive Mixer following Day 1 of the API Cybersecurity Conference! We're bringing together oil & gas cybersecurity, OT, and operations leaders for an evening of drinks, networking, and candid conversations about the challenges facing critical infrastructure security. From Zero Trust and privileged access to threat containment and operational resilience, this is your chance to exchange ideas, share experiences, and connect with industry peers who understand the unique challenges of securing critical operations. 📅 Tuesday, November 10, 2026 ⏰ 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM 📍 Hearsay on the Waterway | The Woodlands, TX Space is limited! Don't miss your chance to connect with fellow industry leaders. Secure your spot today! zurl.co/IlRwp #OTSECCON #CYBRSECCommunity #OTSecurity #OilAndGas #Cybersecurity #CriticalInfrastructure #IndustrialCybersecurity #ZeroTrust #OperationalTechnology

Houston’s technology community will come together in just 3 days for the ISACA Greater Houston Chapter 2026 Fall Conference, hosted by SheLeadsTech. We are pleased to help spread the word about this full-day conference, which will welcome women and men, members and non-members, students, and professionals at every career stage. Attendees can explore sessions covering cybersecurity, IT audit and assurance, risk and governance, leadership and professional development, emerging technologies, and AI, while connecting with professionals from across the Houston technology community and earning CPE credits. The conference is almost here. If these conversations align with your work, interests, or professional goals, register now and join ISACA Greater Houston and SheLeadsTech this Friday. Friday, October 16, 2026 8:30am–4:30pm CT Houston City College – West Loop Campus 5601 West Loop South, Houston, TX 77081 View the conference details and register: zurl.co/0c2le #SheLeadsTheFuture #SheLeadsTech #ISACAGreaterHouston #Cybersecurity #ITAudit #GRC #DigitalTrust #WomenInTech #HoustonEvents

Your plans for November 5? Sorted. #CYBRSECCareers is bringing the cybersecurity community together for Cards for a Cause, an evening of casino-style games, dinner, networking, and support for the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. If you are in Houston, make a night of it. Bring your friends, invite your colleagues, and reconnect with the people who make this community stronger. Tickets start at $25, with additional admission options available. Thursday, November 5, 2026 6:00pm–9:00pm Saint Arnold Brewing Company Houston, Texas Not in Houston? You can still participate from anywhere: • Donate directly to support #CYBRSECCareers programs • Share the fundraiser with friends and colleagues • Send the event to someone in the Houston area • Introduce a business or organization that may want to sponsor or support the mission Proceeds from Cards for a Cause will support cybersecurity scholarships, youth education through #YOUTHSECCON, and mentorship opportunities for students and veterans. Purchase tickets: zurl.co/OrZLS Donate from anywhere: zurl.co/gQy9A Sponsor the event: zurl.co/CXVMT However you participate, you can help create more pathways into cybersecurity. #CardsForACause #CYBRSECCommunity #Cybersecurity #CybersecurityEducation #WorkforceDevelopment #Mentorship #Scholarships #HoustonEvents #CYBRSECCommunity, LLC. proudly manages the operations and programming of #CYBRSECCareers and affiliated events through a long-standing event services contract. While we do not own #CYBRSECCareers, we are honored to support its growth and success as a trusted management partner. All branding, ownership, and intellectual property for #CYBRSECCareers remain with its original creators and rights holders.

Meet some of the people behind #CYBRSECCON 2026. Bringing thousands of cybersecurity professionals, students, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, and community members together requires months of planning, coordination, creativity, and collaboration. From left to right: George Hume (#CYBRSECMedia Contributor), Bill Brenner (VP and Editor-in-Chief of #CYBRSECMedia), Sydney Hirt (Crew Manager), Sam Van Ryder (Co-Founder and EVP of Content), Lauren Andrus (VP of Marketing), Shanille Gould (Crew Manager), Mary DiFiore-Smith (Program Director), Michael Farnum (Co-Founder and CEO), Andy Ellis (Partner), Gary Leibowitz (EVP of Partnerships), and Rich McCrohan (Sponsorship Director). This group represents just some of the many people whose work made #CYBRSECCON possible. Together with our Crew Members, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, experience partners, and broader #CYBRSECCommunity, they helped bring two full days of cybersecurity education, hands-on experiences, and meaningful connections to life. The work continues, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to Houston for #CYBRSECCON 2027 on September 22–23! #Cybersecurity #InfoSec #CybersecurityConference #EventProfessionals #HoustonEvents

Strong cybersecurity communities are built through consistent opportunities to connect, exchange ideas, and support one another. Join us for the next #CYBRSECCommunity User Group on October 29 in Houston. Cybersecurity professionals, students, and enthusiasts of all experience levels are invited to meet members of the community, build new relationships, and continue learning together. Thursday, October 29, 2026 6:30–9:00 p.m. Houston, Texas Thank you to Allthenticate and Invincible for sponsoring this month’s gathering and helping make this community event possible. Learn more and register: zurl.co/ObZ8F #Cybersecurity #InfoSec #CybersecurityEvents #CybersecurityNetworking #HoustonEvents #HoustonCybersecurity #CYBRSECCommunity, LLC. proudly manages the operations and programming of #CYBRSECCareers and affiliated events through a long-standing event services contract. While we do not own #CYBRSECCareers, we are honored to support its growth and success as a trusted management partner. All branding, ownership, and intellectual property for #CYBRSECCareers remain with its original creators and rights holders.

Some of the most memorable moments at #CYBRSECCON happened when attendees stepped beyond the sessions and became part of the experience. They picked locks, explored hardware and HAM radio, tested their skills through Capture the Flag and OSINT challenges, experimented with AI and OT technology, discovered new books, met authors, and tried something new. At the center of the Exhibit Hall, Grayson’s Village brought multiple interactive activities together in one highly visible space. The OT Village and #CYBRHAKCON AI Village offered dedicated environments where attendees could explore specialized technologies, simulations, workshops, and challenges. These experiences were made possible by the organizations and people who contributed their resources, expertise, time, and energy: • Intezer and ServiceNow sponsored the Book Store & Lounge, creating a space to discover new ideas, meet authors, and continue the conversation. • Tenable sponsored Grayson’s Village, featuring lock picking, phishing, hardware hacking, HAM radio, Behavioral Cyber Risk, Capture the Flag, OSINT, and the CYBR Brick Village. • Kasm Workspaces and Labshock sponsored the OT Village, which included the ICS Village, OT Simulation Village, and OT Hacking Kit. • Xage Security sponsored the #CYBRHAKCON AI Village, featuring vulnerable LLMs, AI swarms, and hands-on workshops. Special thanks to Adnan Naseem for helping attendees understand what lock picking is all about and why it offers valuable lessons for cybersecurity. Congratulations to E. Cowboy and all the challenge and prize winners who put their skills to the test! To every sponsor, experience partner, presenter, Crew Member, and attendee who participated, asked questions, accepted a challenge, or tried something new: Thank you for making #CYBRSECCON 2026 something to experience. Save the date for #CYBRSECCON 2027, returning to Houston September 22–23, 2027. #CYBRSECCommunity #Cybersecurity #InfoSec #HandsOnLearning #CybersecurityTraining #OTSecurity #AISecurity #CaptureTheFlag #LockPicking #CybersecurityConference

Behind every #CYBRSECCON experience is a team of people working to make it possible. Before the doors opened and throughout two full days of the conference, our Crew Members were there setting up spaces, welcoming attendees, answering questions, supporting sessions, solving problems, and helping keep everything moving. Their time, energy, flexibility, and dedication helped bring #CYBRSECCON 2026 to life. To every Crew Member who showed up for the conference and the community: Thank you. We could not have done it without you! Recognize a Crew Member in this video? Tell us who you spotted in the comments and help us celebrate their contributions. Save the date for #CYBRSECCON 2027, returning to Houston September 22–23, 2027. Interested in joining the team? Crew Member applications for #CYBRSECCON 2027 will open in summer 2027. Follow our social media channels for application details and other opportunities to participate. #CYBRSECCommunity #Cybersecurity #InfoSec #CrewAppreciation #EventCrew #BehindTheScenes #CybersecurityConference #HoustonEvents

Every #CYBRSECCON presentation began long before a speaker stepped onto the stage. It began with years of experience, lessons learned, ideas tested, and time spent preparing to share something meaningful with our community. More than 150 speakers joined us at #CYBRSECCON 2026, contributing their expertise through keynotes, technical sessions, panels, workshops, and conversations spanning the many areas shaping cybersecurity today. They challenged assumptions, introduced new perspectives, shared practical guidance, and created opportunities for attendees to learn directly from people doing the work. To every speaker who gave their time, knowledge, and energy to #CYBRSECCON: Thank you. Your contributions shaped the conversations that took place in Houston and gave attendees ideas they could carry back to their organizations and communities. Missed a presentation or want to revisit one? Watch the #CYBRSECCON 2026 keynote and speaker session videos from #CYBRSECMedia: zurl.co/ldgu7 Was there a speaker or session that stayed with you? Tell us about it in the comments! Then save the date for the next #CYBRSECCON, returning to Houston September 22–23, 2027. #CYBRSECCommunity #Cybersecurity #InfoSec #CybersecuritySpeakers #CybersecurityEducation #ProfessionalDevelopment #CybersecurityConference

Step inside the #CYBRSECCON 2026 Exhibit Hall! Across two days, 173 exhibitors filled the show floor with emerging technologies, live demonstrations, meaningful conversations, and opportunities to connect with the people working across cybersecurity. This video offers a walk through the Exhibit Hall and a closer look at the organizations, solutions, and energy that helped make it an essential part of the conference experience. Thank you to every sponsor and exhibitor that joined us in Houston, shared its expertise, welcomed questions, and helped bring the Exhibit Hall to life. What did the show floor reveal about the current cybersecurity landscape? Andy Ellis walked the entire Exhibit Hall and shared his observations on the prominence of AI and OT security, the areas that were notably underrepresented, and the value of creating booths centered on real conversations. Read “These Booths Are Made for Walking” from #CYBRSECMedia: zurl.co/yHd1S Spot a company you visited or someone you know in the video? Tell us who you spotted in the comments! Then save the date for the next #CYBRSECCON, returning to Houston September 22–23, 2027. We look forward to bringing the cybersecurity community together again! #CYBRSECCommunity #Cybersecurity #InfoSec #CybersecuritySponsors #CybersecurityExhibitors #OTSecurity #ArtificialIntelligence #CybersecurityConference

A strong cybersecurity community is not built by one event or organization. It grows when experienced practitioners share what they know and curious people have opportunities to experiment, ask questions, and explore how technology works. Following #CYBRSECCON 2026, Bill Brenner of #CYBRSECMedia attended the separately organized BSides Houston event at the Houston Food Bank. What he found was an intimate gathering where experienced professionals and the next generation of cybersecurity practitioners could learn directly from one another. One presentation stood out: “The Power of Abstraction: Tricking Sand into Doing Math” by Ragul Balaji. Ragul walked attendees through the inner workings of computers, the architecture he built himself, and how the abstractions behind modern computing can conceal assumptions that attackers exploit. His technical depth, curiosity, and enthusiasm offered a powerful reminder that the next generation is already preparing to confront cybersecurity challenges we have not encountered yet. They need communities willing to encourage that curiosity, experienced practitioners prepared to share their knowledge, and spaces where learning can happen. Thank you to the BSides Houston organizers, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees for creating one of those spaces. Read “BSides Houston Takeaway: The Next Generation Has Got This”: zurl.co/JryOl #CYBRSECCommunity #BSidesHouston #Cybersecurity #InfoSec #CybersecurityEducation #CybersecurityCareers #HoustonEvents

#CYBRSECCON 2026 was designed to bring different corners of cybersecurity into the same space. Executives, hackers, researchers, practitioners, students, and technology leaders gathered in Houston to learn from one another and strengthen the community. In a post-conference episode of #CYBRHAKCAST, #CYBRSECCommunity Co-Founder Michael Farnum and Chief Hacking Officer Phillip Wylie reflect on the ideas and experiences that stood out across the conference and BSides Houston. Their conversation explores how artificial intelligence is changing Capture the Flag competitions, why hands-on training must continue evolving alongside new technology, the growing interest in offensive and OT/ICS security, and the importance of creating spaces where different parts of the cybersecurity industry can connect. Bill Brenner of #CYBRSECMedia captured highlights from their conversation in “CYBR.SEC.CON 2026 Recap: AI, Hacking and the Power of Cybersecurity Community”. Read the recap and watch the complete #CYBRHAKCAST episode: zurl.co/54jWe Thank you to everyone who brought their knowledge, curiosity, ideas, and energy to #CYBRSECCON 2026. #CYBRSECCommunity #Cybersecurity #InfoSec #EthicalHacking #ArtificialIntelligence #OTSecurity #CybersecurityConference

#CYBRSECCareers is looking for experienced professionals who want to help the next generation navigate the industry, build confidence, make connections, and take the next step in their careers. Your experience could be exactly what someone else needs to move forward. Ready to give back and help build the future of our community? Become a mentor: zurl.co/LAt8F #Cybersecurity #CyberMentorship #CyberCareers #Mentorship #InfoSec #CyberCommunity #CYBRSECCommunity, LLC. proudly manages the operations and programming of #CYBRSECCareers and affiliated events through a long-standing event services contract. While we do not own #CYBRSECCareers, we are honored to support its growth and success as a trusted management partner. All branding, ownership, and intellectual property for #CYBRSECCareers remain with its original creators and rights holders.