In a recent Q&A with Dr. Mansur Hasib, he emphasized that one of the most effective ways to equip non-technical leaders, like CEOs and COOs, with the right mindset to view cybersecurity as a strategic asset is by attending high-quality cybersecurity conferences.
These conferences aren’t just for the deeply technical crowd. They provide a stage for business leaders to catch up with the pace of emerging threats, adopt governance priorities and learn cybersecurity resilience. So, if you are planning your 2025 conference calendar, here’s our curated list of the top cybersecurity events around the world.
1. RSA Conference 2025 – San Francisco, USA
Date: April 28 – May 1, 2025
Location: Moscone Center, San Francisco, California
One of the most influential cybersecurity events globally, RSA Conference brings together thousands of professionals from enterprise, government, and academia. Expect world-class keynotes, hands-on labs, and in-depth sessions covering cloud security, AI, data privacy, and more.
RSA Conference’s origins
One of the most interesting things about the RSA Conference is that it was originally created to promote a specific encryption algorithm, the RSA public key cryptosystem. It started in 1991 as a small gathering of cryptographers and has since evolved into one of the largest and most influential cybersecurity events in the world, attracting tens of thousands of attendees from across sectors.
Despite its name, the conference is now much bigger than cryptography. It’s become a global platform for everything from cloud security and AI to policy, ethics, and digital trust. It’s also known for blending hard technical content with high-level strategic insight, making it a unique space for engineers, CISOs, policymakers, and journalists to cross paths and exchange valuable ideas.
Did you know?
Bill Gates and Whitfield Diffie (co-inventor of public-key cryptography) have both been keynote speakers there.
2. Black Hat USA 2025 – Las Vegas, USA
Date: August 2-7, 2025
Location: Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, Nevada
Known for its cutting-edge technical content, Black Hat USA is a must-attend event for security researchers and professionals. From advanced exploit development to security architecture, the conference offers unmatched depth and real-world relevance.
Black Hat’s Background
Black Hat is one of the most respected and technically advanced cybersecurity conferences in the world. Founded in 1997 by hacker and entrepreneur Jeff Moss (also the founder of DEF CON), Black Hat was created to provide a more professional, structured forum for security researchers and practitioners to share discoveries, zero-day vulnerabilities, and advanced exploitation techniques.
Held annually in Las Vegas, with satellite events in Europe and Asia, Black Hat is known for attracting a mix of ethical hackers, Fortune 500 security teams, government agencies, and academic researchers. Its Briefings feature groundbreaking research that often makes headlines, while its Trainings are deeply technical, hands-on sessions that focus on everything from malware reverse engineering to hardware hacking.
Did you know?
In 2015, security researchers at Black Hat demonstrated how they could remotely hack and control a Jeep Cherokee while it was driving on the highway.
The demo led to a global recall of 1.4 million vehicles by Chrysler, and helped shift public attention to the security risks of connected cars.
3. DEF CON 33 – Las Vegas, USA
Date: August 7-10 2025 (Immediately after Black Hat)
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
DEF CON is the legendary hacker conference that explores the edges of cybersecurity. The conference is ideal for anyone interested in offensive security, privacy, or hacking culture. Expect villages, contests, and deep-dive talks.
DEF CON Background Check
Unlike more corporate security events, DEF CON is entirely community-driven, offering hands-on learning experiences through villages (like Lockpicking Village, IoT Village, Biohacking Village), live hacking competitions, and talks that push the boundaries of offensive and defensive security.
The event has also become an informal bridge between the hacker community and government entities. So, it’s not uncommon to see both federal agents and independent researchers attending the same session or capture-the-flag challenge.
Did you know?
DEF CON doesn’t require real names for registration, and you can pay in cash and use an alias. This tradition of anonymity is part of what makes DEF CON unique, and has contributed to its reputation as a safe space for hackers, whistleblowers, and researchers to speak openly and test limits.
4. AI and Big Data Expo North America 2025 – Santa Clara, USA
Date: June 4–5, 2025
Location: Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara, California
The AI and Big Data Expo North America is a leading event that explores the convergence of artificial intelligence and big data technologies.
Background
The conference brings together industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts to discuss advancements, challenges, and real-world applications across various sectors. The expo features keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive sessions covering topics such as machine learning, deep learning, data analytics, and AI-driven business strategies. Attendees have the opportunity to network with experts, discover emerging technologies, and gain insights into the future of AI and big data.
Did You Know?
The AI and Big Data Expo is renowned for its co-located events, which often include discussions on IoT (Internet of Things), Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, and Blockchain, providing a comprehensive tech ecosystem experience under one roof.
5. InfoSec World 2025 – Orlando, USA
Date: October 2025
Location: Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Orlando, Florida
InfoSec World is a premier cybersecurity conference that has been equipping professionals with the knowledge and tools to protect their organizations for over 25 years. The 2025 edition focuses on seven core imperatives, including mapping the threat horizon, understanding new and emerging adversaries, and building a security-first organization.
InfoSec World’s Background
The conference offers a blend of strategic and technical sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities, making it a valuable event for cybersecurity practitioners across all levels.
Did You Know?
InfoSec World is held at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, offering attendees a unique blend of professional development and the opportunity to enjoy world-class entertainment and hospitality.
6. Gartner Security & Risk Management Summit 2025 – National Harbor, USA
Date: June 2025
Location: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, Maryland
Gartner’s Security & Risk Management Summit is a pivotal event for CISOs and security leaders, focusing on the latest strategies, insights, and tools to manage increasing cybersecurity risks.
What Is the Summit All about?
The summit covers a broad spectrum of topics, including data and application security, technical insights for security professionals, artificial intelligence, identity and access management, and threat intelligence. Attendees gain access to Gartner’s renowned research and have opportunities to network with peers facing similar challenges.
Did You Know?
Gartner’s conferences are known for their “Magic Quadrant” analyses, which provide visual snapshots of a market’s direction, maturity, and participants, helping organizations make informed decisions about technology providers.
7. AI Cybersecurity Summit 2025
Date: Mon, Mar 31 – Mon, Apr 7, 2025
Location: Denver, CO, US and Virtual
The AI Cybersecurity Summit 2025, organized by the SANS Institute, is a premier event dedicated to the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.
Background and Topics
As we all know, AI technologies become increasingly integrated into security operations, and this summit aims to provide actionable insights and practical approaches for incorporating AI and machine learning (ML) into daily cybersecurity tasks. The event features interactive workshops and live demonstrations, offering attendees hands-on experience with AI-driven security tools and methodologies.
Topics covered include AI-powered threat detection, automated incident response, and the ethical implications of AI in cybersecurity. This virtual summit provides a unique opportunity for security professionals to enhance their skill sets and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and cybersecurity.
Did You Know?
The AI Cybersecurity Summit is among the first to focus exclusively on practical, hands-on applications of AI and ML in cybersecurity, bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and real-world implementation.
Date: June 2025
Location: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, Maryland
8. THOTCON 0xD – Chicago, USA
Date: May 30–31, 2025
Location: Undisclosed location in Chicago, Illinois
THOTCON is Chicago’s premier hacking conference, established in 2010. The event’s name is derived from Chicago’s original telephone area code, 312, with “THOT” representing “THree-One-Two.”
Background
Organized by local security professionals and enthusiasts, THOTCON offers a uniquely intimate atmosphere, emphasizing community engagement and hands-on learning. The conference features multiple tracks covering a wide array of topics, including information security, hacking, and critical infrastructure protection. Attendees can participate in workshops, contests, and villages dedicated to specific areas like lockpicking and wireless security. The exact location remains a secret until closer to the event date, adding an element of intrigue and exclusivity.
Did You Know?
THOTCON employs a hexadecimal numbering system for its events; thus, the 2025 conference is dubbed “0xD,” representing the 13th iteration. This unique naming convention reflects the conference’s deep roots in hacker culture and coding traditions.
9. HackMiami Conference 2025 – Sunny Isles Beach, USA
Date: May 13–17, 2025
Location: Marenas Beach Resort, Sunny Isles Beach, Florida
The HackMiami Conference is an annual gathering that brings together hackers, information security professionals, and enthusiasts from around the globe.
Background
Established by the HackMiami organization, known for its research in malware analysis, botnets, and web application security, the conference offers a platform for sharing cutting-edge research and developments in the cybersecurity field. The event features two tracks: “NüWorld0rder” for novices learning the fundamentals and “0ldWorld0rder” for advanced researchers presenting their latest projects and vulnerability disclosures. Attendees can also engage in training sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities with industry leaders.
Did You Know?
In 2021, representatives from HackMiami won the DEF CON Black Badge by placing first in the DEF CON Capture The Packet competition, highlighting the organization’s prominence and expertise within the hacking community.
10. Zero Day Quest by Microsoft – Redmond, USA
Date: 2025 (Exact dates to be announced)
Location: Microsoft Headquarters, Redmond, Washington
Zero Day Quest is a newly announced in-person hacking event organized by Microsoft, aiming to be one of the largest of its kind.
Background
Building upon Microsoft’s existing bug bounty program, the event seeks to incentivize research into high-impact security vulnerabilities, particularly those affecting cloud and AI technologies. With an additional $4 million allocated for potential awards, Zero Day Quest provides a platform for security researchers to collaborate directly with Microsoft engineers and the company’s AI Red Team. The initiative underscores Microsoft’s commitment to transparency and industry-wide learning in enhancing global cybersecurity.
Did You Know?
Zero Day Quest not only offers substantial financial rewards but also grants researchers direct access to Microsoft’s AI engineers and Red Team, fostering a collaborative environment to address and mitigate critical security vulnerabilities effectively.
Why Attend Cybersecurity Conferences in 2025?
With cybersecurity rapidly evolving due to AI, hybrid work, and geopolitical threats, conferences provide a unique chance to:
- Stay ahead of the latest threats and security trends
- Network with global experts and decision-makers
- Get hands-on training and certifications
- Discover cutting-edge tools, startups, and frameworks
- Stay Connected
This list will be updated as more 2025 conference dates are confirmed. If you know of an upcoming cybersecurity event that should be featured here, drop us a line at support[at]sensorstechforum.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.
And remember – the best defense starts with staying informed.
Milena Dimitrova
An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the project started. A professional with 10+ years of experience in creating engaging content. Focused on user privacy and malware development, she strongly believes in a world where cybersecurity plays a central role. If common sense makes no sense, she will be there to take notes. Those notes may later turn into articles! Follow Milena @Milenyim
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