In 2026, Zero Trust is becoming the standard approach to cybersecurity across the federal government, centered on continuously verifying users, devices, and access. The conversation is shifting from strategy to execution—how agencies are scaling Zero Trust, integrating it with cloud and AI, and making it work in real-world environments while balancing security with mission needs.

Today, evolving cyber threats and increasingly sophisticated adversaries are challenging agencies to detect and respond to risks in real time, often across complex and distributed environments. Experts will come together to discuss how agencies are strengthening cybersecurity and threat intelligence strategies, sharing practical approaches to improving visibility, accelerating response, and better protecting sensitive data across government systems and critical infrastructure.

As federal agencies increasingly adopt cloud solutions to improve agility and efficiency, securing these environments has become a top priority. This panel will explore practical strategies for protecting sensitive data, managing cloud access, and ensuring compliance with federal security standards. Experts will discuss emerging threats, best practices for cloud security, and actionable steps agencies can take to strengthen their cloud defenses while enabling mission success.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, one of the most effective lines of defense remains a well-trained workforce equipped with a strong foundation in everyday cybersecurity practices. Yet many agencies still face challenges in translating complex security requirements into simple, actionable behaviors for employees.

This panel will explore practical approaches to training the federal workforce on basic cybersecurity, focusing on how agencies can build awareness, reduce human risk, and empower staff to better protect sensitive data through clear, consistent, and easy-to-apply security practices.