The Best Cybersecurity Conferences to Attend in 2024

Continuing education is an important part of any career. It provides the opportunity to learn new skills, discuss upcoming trends and reflect on historical experiences. But for some industries, like cybersecurity, staying ahead of the curve is a matter of survival.

In general, most people would agree that cybersecurity is among one of the most rapidly evolving industries today. Between the advancements in both the technology and tactics used by cyber criminals, IT professionals are feeling the pressure to keep up.

The effect of this gap was recently measured in a study conducted by Fortinet. They discovered that a whopping 80% of breaches are a result of the ongoing cybersecurity skills gap.

So how can you stay current with the latest trends and technological innovations? One solution is to attend a cybersecurity conference.

These events provide a platform for continued education through keynote speeches and workshops, and they also allow you to hear from some of the industry’s most influential leaders and experts. Furthermore, attending a cybersecurity conference presents the opportunity for networking and building connections with other professionals in the industry. This often results in the opening up of new opportunities, future collaboration and the distribution of best practices.

Fortunately, with numerous conferences taking place in the United States and beyond, there are plenty of opportunities to find an event near you. Plus, with the addition of cost-effective virtual options, there’s almost no excuse not to attend.

If attending a cybersecurity conference this year is one of your goals (we recommend that you attend at least one) here are some of our favorites to check out.

ISACA 2024 Virtual Conference

With an emphasis on digital trust, ISACA events continue to rank as some of the best to attend. For the first time ever, ISACA is embracing three days of a fully virtual format. This change allows for a broader and more diverse range of attendees and speakers, making the conference more accessible than ever.

Each day of the 3-day conference will focus on a different corner of the globe:

• Asia Pacific, Oceania: Tuesday, February 20
• Americas: Wednesday, February 21
• Europe, Middle East, Africa: Thursday, February 22

Attendees can expect a dynamic and enriching experience, with skill-building sessions and workshops, career-advancing knowledge, inspiring speakers, and lively discussions. 

An added bonus for professionals: by attending all three days of the conference, you can earn up to 19 CPE credits. This is an invaluable opportunity for those looking to further their professional development in the field of cybersecurity.

Event overview: Join IS/IT professionals and thought leaders worldwide for the ISACA 2024 Virtual Conference. This global event is your chance to experience three days of expert-driven knowledge in digital trust, audit, governance, privacy, cybersecurity, emerging technologies and more.

Each day focuses on a different corner of the globe—and the unique perspectives and insights IS/IT professionals in those areas have. And each day you attend allows you to earn up to 6.5 CPE credits toward maintaining your certifications. That’s 19 CPE credits if you attend all three events.

Location(s): Virtual

Date(s): February 20-22, 2024

Zero Trust World 2024

With a focus on the practical application of zero trust, Zero Trust World is an essential event for professionals looking to stay relevant in the constantly evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Hosted by ThreatLocker, the conference brings together experts and practitioners from a wide range of backgrounds to discuss the latest developments and best practices in building and implementing a zero trust security model.

Attendees can expect to gain a deep understanding of the zero trust approach including the latest technologies and solutions that support it. The conference also provides ample opportunities for attendees to network and engage with their peers, exchange ideas and insights, and gain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the field.

Event overview: Learn from experts, learn from peers, and expand your network in a fun environment with three days designed to improve your knowledge and skills as an IT professional.

Onsite you'll choose from a variety of sessions with topics to help you today and in the future. Cybersecurity sessions are CPE eligible. The daily schedule includes mornings in the Mainstage with keynotes and subject matter experts providing insight into threats and technology. Afternoon concurrent sessions allow you to choose from topics in ballrooms and in the Hacking Lab. We'll end Monday and Tuesday with Happy Hour receptions in the Exhibit Hall, and finish early enough on Wednesday so you can head to the airport or get an early start to the weekend.

Location(s): Orlando, FL

Date(s): February 26-28, 2024

RSA Conference

With its focus on innovation and collaboration, the RSA conference is a great event for anyone looking to expand their knowledge in the cybersecurity field.

In operation for 31 years, the RSA conference continues to bring together a diverse range of experts, executives, and practitioners from the public and private sectors to exchange ideas and share insights on the latest developments in cybersecurity. The conference features a comprehensive program of keynote speeches, technical sessions, and hands-on training, making it an ideal platform for attendees to gain practical knowledge and skills.

The RSA conference also provides a unique opportunity for attendees to network and engage with a global community of cybersecurity professionals, build relationships, and make connections that can have a lasting impact on their careers.

Event overview: In an ever-changing cybersecurity world, innovation and creativity are key. Join RSAC 2024 and discover The Art of Possible as we collectively create works that will change our perspective on what we can accomplish. Let's celebrate limitless opportunities, challenge the status quo, and explore new horizons together.

Location(s): San Francisco

Date(s): May 6-9, 2024

Black Hat USA 2024

With an emphasis on the technical side of cybersecurity, the Black Hat conference is one of the best events for obtaining cutting-edge research and practical knowledge. Topics range from the latest vulnerabilities, exploits, and attack methods, as well as innovative solutions to protect against these threats.

Attendees benefit from hands-on training sessions and demonstrations, and can expect the ability to merge their practical experience and skills with real-world security scenarios.

Rub shoulders with some of the brightest minds in the cybersecurity industry and share insights on the most pressing security challenges facing organizations today.

Event overview: The Black Hat Briefings are a series of highly technical information security conferences that bring together thought leaders from all facets of the infosec world—from the corporate and government sectors to academic and even underground researchers. The environment is strictly vendor-neutral and focused on the sharing of practical insights and timely, actionable knowledge. Black Hat remains the best and biggest event of its kind, unique in its ability to define tomorrow’s information security landscape.

Location(s): Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas

Date(s): August 3-8, 2024

Def Con 32

With an emphasis on the underground world of hacking and security, Def Con 32 is one of the best for hackers and security researchers looking to expand their skillsets.

Experience unique training sessions that mix technical, social, and cultural elements. These events bring together experts, researchers, and enthusiasts from the cybersecurity community to share their knowledge, skills, and experiences. Attendees can participate in hands-on workshops and challenges, listen to insightful talks, and engage in discussions with like-minded individuals.

Def Con is also known for its creative and inclusive atmosphere, providing a space for individuals from diverse backgrounds to connect and collaborate. Def Con is sure to provide a memorable experience that is unmatched in the industry.

Event overview: Def Con is an annual hacker conference held in Las Vegas, USA. It attracts computer security professionals, hackers, and researchers to present and discuss the latest security trends, vulnerabilities, and solutions. It is one of the largest and oldest events of its kind and is known for its focus on hands-on demonstrations and practical training.

Location(s): Caesars Forum, Las Vegas

Date(s): Aug. 8-11, 2024

Gartner Summits

With a unique combination of actionable insights, expert guidance and consultation, Gartner events are sure to be a transformative experience. Explore emerging trends and accelerate your learning as hear from thought leaders in the field.

These events bring together experts from a wide range of backgrounds to share their insights and knowledge on a variety of topics related to cybersecurity. Additionally, Gartner's in-depth analysis and research provides attendees with a comprehensive view of the industry, making these events a valuable resource for professionals looking to stay on top of industry trends.

Gartner Security & Risk Management Summit

Event overview: The Gartner Security & Risk Management Summit helps security and risk management leaders and practitioners to continuously improve the flexibility and responsiveness of security risk management techniques and technology to achieve mission-critical objectives.

Location(s): National Harbor, MD

Date(s): June 3 – 5, 2024

Gartner Identity & Access Management Summit 2024

About the event: The Gartner Identity & Access Management Summit 2024 helps IAM and security leaders make the right decisions about which identity-first security initiatives to prioritize, how to modernize existing staffing models and whether to invest in new tools to take their organization’s security posture into the identity-first era.

Location(s): Grapevine, TX

Date(s): December 9-11, 2024

Data Connectors Cybersecurity Conferences

Data Connectors Cybersecurity Conference is considered one of the best events to attend for cybersecurity professionals due to its wide reach and comprehensive content. The conference is held in up to 50 cities across North America and also offers virtual options, providing professionals with ample opportunity to attend.

Hear from industry experts and practitioners from a wide range of backgrounds as they share their insights and best practices in the field. Attendees can learn about the latest trends, emerging threats, and solutions through keynote speeches and panel discussions.

The conference also provides ample opportunities for attendees to network with one another, chat with event vendors, and engage in meaningful discussions about some of the most pressing challenges faced by business today.

Event overview: Connect with your fellow cybersecurity professionals and industry experts for live, in-person sessions. Topics range from cloud security to protecting your organization from advanced threat actors. Hear from industry experts and luminaries, as well as representatives from some of the world’s top cybersecurity solutions providers.

Attendees will hear from insightful keynotes on vital security topics and learn the skills needed to stay ahead of cyber threats, all while networking with peers

2024 Location(s): Varies

Date(s): Varies (See website for complete schedule)

SecureWorld

With more than 22 years of experience, SecureWorld is one of the most well-established and regarding cybersecurity conferences. The conference brings together nationally recognized leaders with a variety of backgrounds to share their learnings on the latest developments and best practices in the field.

Attendees can expect to learn about the latest trends, threats, and solutions through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and hands-on training sessions. SecureWorld is also known for its vendor-neutral approach, providing attendees with an objective and unbiased view of the industry. With its focus on providing practical and actionable knowledge, SecureWorld is an essential event for professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve in the constantly evolving cybersecurity landscape. The conference also provides ample opportunity for attendees to network with their peers, build relationships, and engage in discussions on the most pressing challenges facing the industry.

Event overview: For more than 22 years, SecureWorld conferences have been connecting, informing, and developing leaders in cybersecurity through in-person regional events and interactive online platforms.

Join your fellow InfoSec professionals for high-quality training and collaboration, whether virtual or in-person. Earn 6-18 CPE credits through 20-40 educational elements, learning from nationally recognized industry leaders. Attend featured keynotes, panel discussions, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. Evaluate top vendor solutions and meet with local chapters of security associations.

Location(s): Varies

Date(s): Varies

Not sure which cybersecurity conference to attend this year? Let us help you get started. BitLyft's receives a number of free passes throughout the year to all the Data Connectors Cybersecurity Conferences we sponsor. Email us today to start the process of securing a ticket.