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For more than two decades, Cybersecurity Awareness Month has been dedicated to teaching everyone how to stay safe and secure online. This initiative would not be possible without the collaboration and partnerships between the public and private sectors that built this campaign.ÌýJoin the National Cybersecurity Alliance as we kick off Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2026 with government and industry leadership to explore:Ìý

• Recent and emerging federal initiatives to secure our society and critical infrastructure.
• How cybersecurity professionals and the public sector can work together to address emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
• How we can improve our nation’s resilience and defend our infrastructure against bad actors.
• The growing convergence of cybersecurity and national security, and what it means for the future of digital defense.

Event details are as follows:

• Event Date & Time:ÌýThursday, Oct. 1, 1–4 p.m. ET
• Hosted By:ÌýNational Cybersecurity Alliance

What can the dark web teach us about cybersecurity governance? Quite a lot, actually.

We tend to imagine the dark web as the internet without rules: anonymous, decentralized, and deliberately beyond the reach of traditional institutions. But even in spaces designed to resist formal authority, governance emerges. Dark web communities develop reputational systems, establish norms, resolve disputes, and create informal institutions of trust.

So, the question shaping our digital future is not whether humans will govern emerging technologies. We will. The more interesting and consequential questions are: Who will make the rules? Whose interests will those rules serve? What values will they encode?

Cybersecurity professionals must have a voice in this process because we understand the intersection of technical systems, human behavior, risk, and institutional decision-making. As technology increasingly shapes how we work, communicate, and exercise power, cybersecurity professionals must not only secure our digital future; we must have a voice in shaping it.

Event details are as follows:

• Event Date & Time:ÌýThursday, Oct. 1, 7–8 p.m. ET
• Presenter:ÌýTalene Boodaghians, Acting President, Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) Chapter at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ
• Hosted By:ÌýWomen in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) Chapter at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ

Interested in cybersecurity or AI work that goes beyond the classroom and earns you academic credit while you do it? Join us for an info session on the Forge CyberAI Clinic, a new supervised consulting clinic launching at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ in Spring 2027.

Forge Clinic learners work in small teams to deliver real cybersecurity and AI readiness assessments to nonprofits, small businesses, and under-resourced public-sector organizations, using industry-standard frameworks including NIST CSF 2.0, NIST AI RMF 1.0, CIS RAM, and the NICE Workforce Framework. The clinic runs through CYCL 586 (3 credits) and culminates in the ISC2 Building AI Strategy Certificate.

This session will cover what the clinic experience looks like week to week, who it's a good fit for, and how the selection process will work. Bring your questions.

• Event Date & Time:ÌýMonday, Oct. 5, 12–1 p.m. ET
• Presenter:ÌýChad Whistle, PhD, Assistant Dean for Portfolio Lifecycle & Student Success, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ School of Cybersecurity & IT
• Moderator:ÌýRony Thakur, PhD, Portfolio Director, AI,ÌýÄ¢¹½ÊÓƵ School of Cybersecurity & IT
• Hosted By:ÌýÄ¢¹½ÊÓƵ School of Cybersecurity & IT

Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ is proud to serve as the Premier and Founding Academic Partner of the inaugural . The event brings together leaders from industry, government, education, and workforce development to explore the future of artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and career opportunities.Ìý

There are two ways for Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ students and alumni to attend:

• Friday & Saturday:ÌýRegister as a student for a discounted rate of $95 (regular admission is $295).Ìý
• Saturday only:ÌýRegister as a job seeker for complimentary access.

• Hosted By: AI NEXTGEN America
• Dates:ÌýFriday, Oct. 9–Saturday, Oct. 10
• Location:ÌýBaltimore Convention Center

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), which uses Large Language Models (LLMs), has existed for a few years and has significantly influenced higher education. Although educators understand what GenAI is, they find it challenging to implement it effectively in the classroom. While some disruptions have impacted student learning and assessment, they have also notably affected faculty teaching STEM and other disciplines.

This session will examine the impact on curriculum development, assessment strategies, and teaching methods for a programming and capstone course for undergraduate students.

• Event Date & Time:ÌýMonday, Oct. 12, 12–1 p.m. ET
• Presenter:ÌýDebasis Bhattacharya, JD, DBA, Professor, University of Hawai'i Maui College
• Hosted By:ÌýÄ¢¹½ÊÓƵ School of Cybersecurity & IT

In this eye-opening session, we meet a bright college graduate who was targeted by scammers while job hunting. Follow her story from first contact to recovery. You'll learn how the red flags she recognizes with hindsight are common tactics used in countless other types of scams.

• Event Date & Time:ÌýTuesday, Oct. 13, 3–4 p.m. ET
• Hosted By:ÌýAppalachian State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Children's Mercy Hospital, City of Hope

Join us for Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ in Europe’s Global Summit 2026 as we bring together cybersecurity leaders, AI experts, digital investigators, defense professionals, industry executives, and academic leaders for a global conversation on the technologies, risks, and decisions shaping the cyber landscape. Through keynote presentations, leadership discussions, breakout sessions, and audience participation, the summit will examine emerging cyber threats, AI's expanding role in defense and investigation, digital forensics, deepfakes and evidence integrity, cyber resilience, autonomous systems, and organizational readiness.

Please note: This event is scheduled from 11:00 to 16:00 CEST to align with the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Europe time zone and better accommodate attendees in the region.

• Event Date & Time: Friday, Oct. 16, 5–10 a.m. ET
• Hosted By: Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Europe

The National Cryptologic Foundation (NCF) invites you to the 2026 Summit on Cybersecurity Education, an NCF program designed to move cybersecurity education from conversation to implementation. This experience connects K–12 education, higher education, industry, and government to strengthen the cybersecurity workforce pipeline and expand access to cyber literacy nationwide.

• Event Date & Time: Friday, Oct. 16, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. ET
• Hosted By: National Cryptologic Foundation

During this interactive presentation, we discuss our Oh Behave! report on behavioral science in a talk that empowers attendees to make positive cybersecurity behavior changes.

• Event Date & Time: Friday, Oct. 16, 12–1 p.m. ET
• Hosted By: University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), World Learning Nonprofit, Appalachian State University, City of Hope

Breaking into cyber can feel overwhelming but it doesn't have to be!  Kicking off your cyber career can feel overwhelming but with the right guidance and real-world insights, you'll be better prepared than you think. As part of NICE Cybersecurity Career Week, join Karen Wetzel, Director of the NICE Program at NIST, as she sits down with recent graduates from the SANS EDU Undergraduate Program and SANS Cyber Academies for an honest, real-world conversation about what it takes to launch a career in cyber.

Hear directly from those who recently made the leap including how they landed their first roles, the steps they took to make themselves as marketable as possible, and the advice they wish they had when they were just starting out. Whether you are a current student, a career changer, or just exploring the field, this is your chance to get actionable insights from people who were sitting exactly where you are not long ago.

• Event Date & Time:ÌýTuesday, Oct. 20, 1–2 p.m. ET
• Presenters:
  • Brian Correia, Director of Business Development, GIAC at SANS Institute
  • Bobbie Crinella, Associate Consultant, Dragos
  • Leah Kaplan, Technical Support Engineer, Tines
  • Riché Wiley, Cybersecurity Specialist, IA
• Moderator:Ìý
  • Karen Wetzel, Lead, NICE Framework at National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
• Hosted By:ÌýSANS Institute

The cybersecurity job market is thriving, but how can newcomers break in? This session dives into the essentials of launching a cybersecurity career, from identifying your motivations to building a strong foundation of skills and experience.

This discussion highlights the importance of:Ìý

• Understanding your career trajectory
• The value of degrees and certifications
• The role of soft skills like critical thinking and communication
• The growing demand for cybersecurity professionals

Whether you're just starting out or looking to pivot into cybersecurity, this session offers actionable insights and resources to help you succeed.

Event Details:

• Event Date & Time:ÌýTuesday, Oct. 20, 7–8 p.m. ET
• Presenters:
  • Dr. Raelynn Grasso, PhD – Career Advising Specialist
  • Jennifer Lucke, MEd – Career Advising Specialist
• Hosted By:ÌýÄ¢¹½ÊÓƵ Career Services

Note:ÌýThis event is exclusive to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ alumni, students, staff, and faculty.

School educators, advisors, and counselors all play a critical role in expanding entry points into a rewarding cybersecurity career and guiding individuals toward rewarding cybersecurity futures. Connecting early career awareness and discovery efforts to active learning and career planning resources helps ensure that students have a clear understanding of the roles available and how to take actionable steps to chart a successful career pathway.

In this webinar, you will

• Explore interactive tools and practical career-mapping resources
• Discover how these resources can be used to align student interests and strengths with careers based on Work Roles in the NICE Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity (NICE Framework)
• Learn adaptable strategies to help students build their own cybersecurity career pathways

• Event Date & Time:ÌýWednesday, Oct. 21, 1–2 p.m. ET
• Presenters:
  • Dr. Deanne Cranford-Wesley
    Professor and Director of Cybersecurity Programs
    North Carolina Central University
  • Dr. Kristine Christensen
    Professor, Computer Information Systems
    Director, Faculty Development
    Moraine Valley Community College
• Moderator:
  • Dr. Donavon Johnson
    Assistant Professor, Public Policy and Administration
    Cyber/AI Policy Research Lead
    Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy
    Florida International University
• Hosted By:ÌýNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

This interactive panel brings together cybersecurity professionals representing each of the five NICE Framework Work Role Categories: Oversight and Governance; Design and Development; Implementation and Operation; Protection and Defense; and Investigation. You will learn about the variety of cyber roles across an organization and get insights from practitioners as they share about their day-in-the-life realities and responsibilities.

In this webinar, you will:

• Discover key skills and foundational competencies required to excel in various cybersecurity domains
• Learn actionable strategies to align your personal strengths and interests with the cyber career path that fits you best

Speakers to be announced.Ìý

Event Details & Registration:

• Event Date & Time:ÌýThursday, Oct. 22, 1–2 p.m. ET
• Hosted By:ÌýNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

This webinar explores the rapidly evolving threat landscape, including generative and agentic AI, deepfakes, shadow AI, ransomware, identity attacks, cloud security, software supply chain risks, and emerging cyber threats. Participants will examine practical strategies such as Zero Trust, Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM), AI-enabled security operations, automation, AI governance, and cyber resilience. The session will provide actionable insights to help organizations understand emerging risks, strengthen security controls, and prepare for the next generation of cyber threats.

• Event Date & Time: Tuesday, Oct. 27, 10–11 a.m. ET
• Presenters:
  • Dr. Mayyada Al Hammoshi
    Collegiate Faculty, Assessment and Evaluation
    Cyber Technology
    Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ
  • Dr. Chad Whistle
    Assistant Dean, Portfolio Lifecycle & Student Success
    Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ
• Hosted By:ÌýInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

Known worldwide from Netflix's The Tinder Swindler, Ayleen Charlotte offers a powerful look at the psychology behind scams and social engineering. In this riveting fireside chat, Ayleen and the NCA's Lisa Plaggemier will demonstrate how scammers exploit emotion and cognitive biases to influence your behavior. Attendees will learn practical how-tos for reducing their risk, recognizing manipulation, and helping loved ones who are victims or vulnerable.

• Event Date & Time: Tuesday, Oct. 27, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. ET
• Hosted By:ÌýMerge, Appalachian State University

A lack of continuous monitoring is a key cause of cyberattacks and data breaches. Inconsistent monitoring and fragmented security oversight are among the most destructive root causes of data breaches in the United States, allowing cyber criminals to operate undetected inside organizations’ networks for weeks, months, and even years. No matter how savvy or robust an organization’s network infrastructure is, inconsistent logging and incident monitoring can quickly put it under a chokehold and hand its data to cyber-attackers, frustrating leadership's efforts.

Many organizations may collect logs and generate alerts; if no one is actively reviewing and investigating those alerts—especially outside business hours—suspicious activities can go undetected and unnoticed for several weeks and months. When organizations fail to maintain continuous visibility, it creates blind spots that attackers actively exploit to cause mayhem on the network—such as data exposure, data breaches, and data exfiltration.

The webinar will explore data breaches at several U.S. organizations that resulted directly from inconsistent monitoring, using them as case studies. Ìý

• Event Date & Time: Friday, Nov. 13, 12–1 p.m. ET
• Presenter:Ìý
  • Dr. Chike Patrick Chike
    CISO, Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems
    Adjunct Associate Professor of Cybersecurity, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ
  • Dr. James Robertson
    Portfolio Director, Cyber DevOps, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ
• Hosted By:ÌýÄ¢¹½ÊÓƵ School of Cybersecurity & IT

Join us at the Capture the Flag competition on Saturday, November 21. Solve challenges. Build skills. Compete as a team.

Event Details & Registration:

• Date:ÌýSaturday, Nov. 21, 2026
• Time:Ìý11 a.m.–3 p.m. ET
• Location:ÌýOnline
• Teams:ÌýOne team per school; up to six students per team
• Registration Deadline:ÌýFriday, Nov. 20, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET

Who Can Create a Team?

Only coaches can register a team. A coach can be a faculty, staff, or representative from the university.

Who Can Compete in Hack the Box?

Current undergraduate and graduate students at Maryland public universities and community colleges are eligible. Full-time and part-time students are welcome. Each school may enter one team of up to six students.

If participation is low, registration may open to private universities within Maryland. The event remains limited to Maryland institutions.

Coaches Only — How to Create a Team:

• Email Professor Jesse Varsalone at jesse.varsalone@faculty.umgc.edu to express interest and create a team. Jesse will coordinate with you to provide the registration code and participation instructions.

Interested Participants — How to Join a Team:

• You must have a Hack The Box account.
• Follow the registration instructions and create or join your school's team using the .
• The registration deadline is Friday, Nov. 20 at 5 p.m. ET.
• On Saturday, Nov. 21 (the day of the event), log directly into Hack The Box during the competition window and work with your teammates. No Zoom meeting or presentation is required.