SANS Institute to Host Critical Infrastructure Webcast
The executive roundtable on October 27, 2026, focuses on mitigating nation-state threats to critical infrastructure.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Cybersecurity
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The SANS Institute will host a one-hour executive roundtable webcast on October 27, 2026, to discuss defending critical infrastructure against nation-state adversaries. The event, running from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. EDT, aims to help organizations establish security priorities before coordinated threats disrupt essential services.
Why it matters
As adversaries prepare for potential prolonged infrastructure disruption, this discussion provides executives with essential strategies for decision-making under degraded conditions. It helps teams align security priorities to prevent overwhelming mutual aid resources during active campaigns.
The SANS Institute maintains a portfolio of 85 courses and 50 technical certifications, including the recently updated ICS456 cybersecurity course. This specific curriculum focuses on internal network monitoring and virtualization to meet North American Electric Reliability Corporation requirements.
The players
SANS Institute
Established in 1989, this organization is a leading provider of information security training and cybersecurity certification programs.
FirstEnergy
FirstEnergy is an electric utility company that manages energy delivery systems across multiple states.
Dragos
Dragos is a cybersecurity firm that specializes in providing industrial control system and operational technology protection.
MITRE
MITRE is a not-for-profit organization that operates research and development centers to address security and safety challenges.
The details
The roundtable will feature four speakers from organizations including FirstEnergy, Dragos, and MITRE. Participants will explore coordinated response strategies and enterprise-wide security management to bolster resilience against advanced persistent threats.
Timeline
October 27, 2026: The executive roundtable webcast occurs from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. EDT.
November 10, 2026: The 2026 State of ICS/OT Security Report is scheduled for release.
The Tech Race
This educational initiative reflects a shift in the cybersecurity industry toward proactive compliance and specialized defense for industrial infrastructure. It aligns training curricula with the North American Electric Reliability Corporation requirements for the Bulk Electric System to combat modern systemic vulnerabilities.
The roundtable offers industry leaders actionable frameworks for grid security that directly influence how utility providers manage and maintain essential service availability. These security protocols help prevent widespread disruptions that impact public access to power and essential infrastructure.
The takeaway
Organizations should prioritize long-term security architecture rather than reactive patches to withstand sophisticated nation-state campaigns. Aligning internal monitoring practices with established compliance frameworks is the most effective way to ensure service continuity.
What happens next
The 2026 State of ICS/OT Security Report is slated for release on November 10, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about securing vital networks on the United States cybersecurity page.
More information
Interested parties can complete the registration for SANS webcast to secure a spot for the event.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
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