Cyber Deterrence and Defense: National Priorities for 2026

Join 150 intelligence and national security professionals on Thursday, January 15, from 8:00–10:00 am, at AUSA in Arlington, VA, for a discussion on the cyber priorities shaping 2026. Please note: This event is closed to the press and will be held under the Chatham House Rule. 

The program will kick-off with networking breakfast followed by a keynote from Tom Lind, Senior Advisor to the National Cyber Director, who will preview the forthcoming National Cybersecurity Strategy.

Following his remarks, the panel will address:

• How agencies are strengthening cyber deterrence against malicious actors
• What cyber leaders identify as top threat trends and priority focus areas
• The impact of AI/ML and emerging technologies on both adversary operations and defense readiness
• Where government most needs industry partnership and innovation

Speakers

Keynote Speakers

• 
  Thomas Lind

  Senior Advisor

  Office of the National Cyber Director

All Speakers

• 
  Chris Butera

  Acting Deputy Executive Assistant Director for the Cybersecurity Division

  CISA

• 
  Todd Hemmen

  Deputy Assistant Director, Cyber Capabilities Branch, Cyber Division

  FBI

• 
  Cynthia Mendoza PhD

  Chief Engineer, Intelligence Solutions

  BAE Systems, Inc.

Moderator

• 
  LTG Stephen Fogarty USA (Ret.)

  Senior Executive Advisor

  Booz Allen

Agenda

Thursday, January 15 | 8:00-10:00 am

Location:
AUSA
2425 Wilson Blvd
Arlington, VA 22201

Agenda:
8:00-8:30 am - Registration & Networking Breakfast
8:30-9:00 am - Welcome & Opening Remarks
9:00-9:55 am  - Panel Discussion
9:55-10:00 am -  Closing Remarks

Travel & Parking:

• Metro accessible (Court House) on the Orange and Silver Lines

• Parking is available across the street 1482 N. Adams St. Rates are $8 for the first hour and $15 for the day.

Dress:
Business or Service Dress

Media Policy:
Closed to the press. Chatham House Rule

• 

  Community Champion

• 

  Patriot

• 

  Question Card

• 

  Registration