Cybersecurity and Privacy Professionals Conference 2026

The premier forum for connecting with higher education information security and privacy professionals. This event brings together peers and solution providers to discuss trends, challenges, and current issues in cybersecurity and privacy within the higher education sector.

Instructor: EDUCAUSE

Term: Spring

Location: Anaheim, California

Time: Tuesday, April 28 – Thursday, April 30, 2026

Event Overview

The Cybersecurity and Privacy Professionals Conference 2026 in Anaheim is the premier forum for connecting with higher education information security and privacy professionals. This is the one higher ed event that gives participants a chance to network and discuss information security and privacy trends and current issues with peers and solution providers.

Extended Programming

Due to overwhelming attendee interest, the conference programming has been extended to bring you even more valuable insights, expert discussions, and exclusive content. The conference now includes preconference workshops on the morning of April 28, followed by the opening general session and reception.

Conference Tracks & Topics

Cybersecurity Strategy & Governance

  • Security leadership and CISO perspectives
  • Risk management and compliance frameworks
  • Security architecture and design
  • Incident response planning and execution

Privacy & Data Protection

  • FERPA, HIPAA, and regulatory compliance
  • Data governance and classification
  • Privacy by design principles
  • Student data protection strategies

Threat Intelligence & Defense

  • Advanced persistent threats (APTs) in higher education
  • Ransomware defense and recovery
  • Security operations center (SOC) best practices
  • Threat hunting and detection techniques

Emerging Technologies

  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning security
  • Cloud security in academic environments
  • Zero Trust architecture implementation
  • IoT and connected campus security

Higher Education Specific

  • Securing research data and intellectual property
  • Third-party vendor risk management
  • Student privacy and digital citizenship
  • Budget constraints and resource optimization

Event Schedule

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

  • 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Preconference Workshops (separate registration required)
  • 4:15 PM: Opening General Session
  • 5:15 PM: Welcome Reception and Networking

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

  • 8:00 AM: Registration and Continental Breakfast
  • 9:00 AM: Keynote Address
  • 10:30 AM: Breakout Sessions Begin (Multiple Tracks)
  • 12:30 PM: Lunch and Vendor Showcase
  • 2:00 PM: Afternoon Sessions Continue
  • 4:30 PM: Lightning Talks and Demos
  • 6:00 PM: Evening Networking Reception

Thursday, April 30, 2026

  • 8:30 AM: Morning Keynote
  • 10:00 AM: Advanced Sessions and Panels
  • 12:30 PM: Lunch and Roundtable Discussions
  • 2:00 PM: Final Sessions and Workshops
  • 4:15 PM: Closing General Session
  • 5:30 PM: Conference Adjourns

Registration Information

Key Dates

  • February 3, 2026: Registration Opens
  • March 3, 2026: Early Registration Rates End
  • April 28, 2026: Conference Begins

Registration Types

Full Conference Pass

  • Access to all general sessions and breakout sessions
  • Entry to vendor showcase and networking receptions
  • Conference materials and session recordings
  • Meals and refreshments during conference hours

Preconference Workshop Pass (Add-On)

  • Morning workshops on April 28 (separate registration required)
  • In-depth, hands-on training sessions
  • Limited seating; early registration recommended

One-Day Pass

  • Access to all sessions on a single day of your choice
  • Vendor showcase access on selected day
  • Meals and refreshments for that day

Note: Early registration rates are available through March 3, 2026. Registration fees vary based on EDUCAUSE membership status.

Preconference Workshops

Preconference workshops on the morning of April 28 offer in-depth, hands-on training on specialized topics. These workshops require separate registration and have limited seating.

Workshop Topics (Sample)

  • Incident Response Tabletop Exercise: Practice responding to realistic security incidents
  • Privacy Impact Assessment Workshop: Learn to conduct PIAs for campus initiatives
  • Cloud Security Architecture: Design secure cloud environments for higher ed
  • Threat Intelligence for Higher Education: Building effective threat intel programs
  • Security Awareness Program Development: Creating engaging security training

Who Should Attend

This conference is designed for higher education professionals responsible for cybersecurity and privacy, including:

  • Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs)
  • Information Security Directors and Managers
  • Privacy Officers and Compliance Managers
  • IT Directors and System Administrators
  • Network Security Engineers
  • Security Analysts and Specialists
  • Risk Management Professionals
  • Legal Counsel and Compliance Officers
  • Vendor Partners and Solution Providers

Venue & Accommodations

Conference Location

Anaheim, California (specific venue details TBA)

Hotel Information

Official conference hotel information will be available on the Hotel & Travel page. EDUCAUSE typically negotiates discounted room rates for attendees at partner hotels near the conference venue.

Travel Tips

  • Airport: John Wayne Airport (SNA) is approximately 15 miles from Anaheim
  • Alternative: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is approximately 35 miles from Anaheim
  • Transportation: Shuttle services, ride-sharing, and rental cars available
  • Weather: April in Anaheim averages 65-75°F (18-24°C); business casual attire recommended

Networking Opportunities

Vendor Showcase

Meet with leading cybersecurity and privacy solution providers showcasing products and services specifically designed for higher education environments.

Peer Networking Sessions

  • Birds of a Feather (BOF) Sessions: Informal discussions on specific topics
  • Roundtable Discussions: Facilitated conversations on current challenges
  • Community Group Meetings: Connect with EDUCAUSE community groups
  • Mentoring Sessions: One-on-one mentoring opportunities for early-career professionals

Evening Receptions

  • Welcome Reception (April 28): Opening night networking
  • Community Reception (April 29): Themed networking event with peers

Program Committee

The Cybersecurity and Privacy Professionals Conference is informed, planned, and organized by an engaged, passionate, and experienced team of higher education information security and privacy professionals. The 2026 Program Committee includes representatives from institutions across the country who bring diverse perspectives and expertise to conference planning.

Sponsors

The conference is supported by leading technology companies and service providers committed to higher education cybersecurity and privacy:

Mission Partners

  • Dell Technologies
  • Gartner Inc.
  • Moran Technology Consulting

Strategic Partners

  • Boldyn Networks
  • Carahsoft Technology Corp.
  • Cisco Systems, Inc.
  • Proofpoint, Inc.

Conference Partners

  • Abnormal AI
  • Adaptive Security
  • CDW
  • Deloitte
  • Fortinet
  • HackerOne
  • Microsoft Corporation
  • UpGuard
  • Wiz
  • Zscaler

Conference Supporters

  • BeyondTrust
  • Bravura Security
  • CampusGuard
  • Centraleyes
  • Chainguard
  • Check Point Software Technologies
  • Cloudflare
  • Commvault
  • Corelight Inc.
  • Cribl, Inc.
  • CrowdStrike
  • Datadog
  • Identity Automation (a Jamf Company)
  • Infosec (part of Cengage Group)
  • Island
  • Okta
  • Palo Alto Networks
  • Rubrik
  • SaltyCloud PBC
  • SANS Institute
  • ThreatLocker

Additional Resources

EDUCAUSE Cybersecurity Program

The conference is part of the broader EDUCAUSE Cybersecurity Program, which includes:

  • Research and publications on cybersecurity trends
  • Community groups focused on specific security topics
  • Professional development and training opportunities
  • Advocacy and policy engagement on cybersecurity issues

EDUCAUSE Library

Access to the EDUCAUSE Library provides additional resources including:

  • Cybersecurity research reports
  • Case studies from peer institutions
  • Best practice guides and toolkits
  • Webinar recordings and presentation materials

Preparation Resources

  • Review the EDUCAUSE Cybersecurity Resources for background materials
  • Join EDUCAUSE community groups related to cybersecurity and privacy
  • Read recent EDUCAUSE Review articles on security topics
  • Follow @EDUCAUSE on Twitter for updates
  • Subscribe to EDUCAUSE email newsletters for conference announcements

Official Channels

  • Website: https://events.educause.edu/cybersecurity-and-privacy-professionals-conference/2026
  • Registration: https://events.educause.edu/cybersecurity-and-privacy-professionals-conference/2026/registration
  • Twitter: @EDUCAUSE
  • LinkedIn: EDUCAUSE
  • Email: events@educause.edu

Contact Information

For questions about the conference:

  • General Inquiries: events@educause.edu
  • Registration Support: registration@educause.edu
  • Program Questions: cybersecurity@educause.edu
  • Sponsorship Opportunities: sponsors@educause.edu

Note: Conference details are based on the official EDUCAUSE website and historical patterns. All information is subject to change. Please verify dates, schedules, and registration details through official channels before making travel arrangements.

The views, information, or opinions expressed by speakers and authors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of EDUCAUSE.

Copyright © 2026 EDUCAUSE. All rights reserved.

Schedule

Week Date Topic Materials
1 Apr 28 Preconference Workshops & Opening

Morning preconference workshops (separate registration required), followed by opening general session at 4:15 PM and reception at 5:15 PM.
2 Apr 29 Main Conference Day 1

Full day of sessions across multiple tracks including cybersecurity strategy, privacy compliance, threat intelligence, and emerging technologies in higher education.
3 Apr 30 Main Conference Day 2 & Closing

Final day of sessions, panel discussions, vendor showcases, and closing general session at 4:15 PM.