On August 19 and August 20, 2025, join the University of California for a dynamic two-day virtual Cybersecurity Summit centered on the theme “Building Resilient Communities.”
Each day from 9am-12pm PT, you’ll hear from knowledgeable speakers, see compelling micro-presentations, and participate in networking opportunities.
Please note: This free event is only for those at the University of California, California State University, California community colleges, and invited guests. If you aren’t a part of this community, your registration will require an exception approval.
Why “Building Resilient Communities”?
The summit’s theme reflects a broader mission: cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting systems—it’s about protecting people, institutions, and the trust that connects us. Whether it’s a university safeguarding student data, a hospital securing patient records, or a city defending its infrastructure, resilience is built through shared knowledge, proactive planning, and inclusive dialogue.
A collaborative approach to cybersecurity and digital risk
This summit is more than just a conference—it’s a forum where professionals and experts come together to share knowledge and shape the future of cybersecurity, with a goal to create stronger, more resilient, and more adaptable communities. With several speakers representing leading universities, the event will highlight the innovations shaping the future of higher education.
Speakers scheduled to present include:
- Nandita Bery – Director, Cybersecurity, Equinix
- Jennie Kennedy – Chief Privacy and Data Protection, University of Texas
- Fatemeh Khatibloo – Director, Responsible AI Business Strategy, Salesforce
- Keith Clement – Professor, California State University and Subcommittee Chair, Workforce Development and Education at the California Cybersecurity Task Force
- Chris Mattmann – Chief Data and AI Officer, UCLA
- Neil Daswani – CISO, Stanford
- Michael Tran Duff – Chief Info Security & Data Privacy Officer, Harvard
What to expect: Key topics
At this year’s event, we will explore how AI data protection, ethics, and digital risk intersect, with a strong focus on the role of higher education and leadership in securing our digital future. We will combine featured speakers with micro-presentations, enriching the experience for participants by offering diverse perspectives, concise insights, and opportunities that foster deeper learning.
The summit’s agenda is packed with timely and thought-provoking topics, including:
- How is AI changing the human aspect of cybersecurity, for threats and defense?
- Generative AI attacks and defenses
- Post-AGI (artificial general intelligence) careers
- Data privacy check-up
Leadership in the spotlight
A major highlight of the summit will be the CIO/CISO Panel: Building a Security-First Culture, featuring top security and IT leaders from higher education entities. This panel will explore how executive leadership is evolving to meet the demands of a rapidly changing digital landscape—from managing AI-driven risks to fostering a culture of resilience and awareness. April Sather, UCOP CISO, will moderate.
Scheduled to participate:
- Josh Callahan – CISO, California State University, Office of the Chancellor
- Christy Long – Associate CIO for Technology Infrastructure and Chief of Staff for Information Services, University of Oregon
- Drake Chang – CISO, UCLA
This year’s sponsors
A huge thank you to our 2025 Cybersecurity Summit sponsors; Fortinet, Trellix, and Mandiant.
Join us in August
The summit is built upon a strong foundation of knowledge-sharing among information security professionals across the University of California system, California State University, and the California Community Colleges. Each day will feature an opportunity to network with fellow participants.
Registration will open in late June. There is no fee this year. Please bookmark the security page to keep up on the latest. Email us at uccybersummit@ucop.edu if you have any questions.
Learn more about cybersecurity
- The Cyber-risk Coordination Center (C3) is now UC Digital Risk and Security. This change reflects the focus on providing valued digital risk services and expertise to UC Locations and managing digital risk across the UC system.
- The 2024 Cyber Risk Program Annual Report features stories highlighting the innovative approaches and improvements that have been implemented systemwide in 2024.
Contact
UC Cybersecurity Summit Team
Uccybersummit@ucop.edu