Cybersecurity summit boots up
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Thousands will convene at the Von Braun Center next week for the 16th annual National Cyber Summit.
Why it matters: The annual conference is a hub for emerging technology, education, networking and workforce development in cybersecurity.
- It's also been very involved in bringing more contracts and cyber security work to Huntsville, said Stephen Pratt, National Cyber Summit executive.
Zoom in: Pratt said more than 3,000 people are expected this year at the summit, set for Sept. 23-25, making it the largest yet.
- Free registration for government attendees resulted in twice as many government registrations, he said, with a lineup of more than 100 speakers.
- Keynote speakers include J. William Rivers, associate deputy director of the FBI; Mike Snyder, active executive director of CAICO; and Robert Lee, CEO and co-founder of Dragos.
- See the full list here.
Catch up quick: Per Pratt, this year the conference will include the latest on a new Defense Department requirement for government contracts to include Cyber Security Maturity Model Certification.
- The rule was finalized Sept. 10, he noted, and takes effect Nov. 10.
- "So we've got stuff that current that will be represented here," Pratt told Axios Huntsville at a press conference Tuesday.
On Sept. 23, the Cyber Cup Challenge will see teams testing their skills in simulated security-focused competitions for prize money and complementary summit passes.
What they're saying: "It's truly amazing to see the advances in Cyber Huntsville," said Mayor Tommy Battle, referring to the nonprofit that has also hosted roundtables and created curriculum and summer camps.
- "This is a mission we started in 2010 to leverage Huntsville's technical expertise and leadership and to keep us on the cutting edge of technology as it continues to evolve," he said.