Programs and Tracks

Cybersecurity and privacy awareness, training, education, and communications are critical to successful information security and privacy programs. The Awareness, Education, and Human Factors track is a specialized segment within the Cybersecurity and Privacy Professionals Conference that delves deep into the strategies, tactics, and methodologies necessary for creating and managing cybersecurity and privacy awareness programs.

Attendees will be equipped with the tools and knowledge to create, implement, and assess effective cybersecurity and privacy education programs, helping reduce human risk factors and strengthen the overall security posture of their institutions.

The Governance track focuses on the critical role of governance in shaping the future of higher education. Sessions will address topics such as shared governance models, data-informed policy decision-making methods, risk management, regulatory compliance, financial stewardship, and strategic planning. Participants will gain insights into effective engagement, leadership accountability, crisis response, and the importance of governance in fostering a culture of equity and innovation.

Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to strengthen governance structures and enhance institutional effectiveness in an increasingly complex landscape. Attendees will be equipped with the knowledge and strategies to strengthen governance in cybersecurity and privacy, ensuring that their institutions not only comply with regulations but also foster a secure and resilient environment for all stakeholders.

The Transformational Leadership track explores how cybersecurity and privacy leaders can effectively transform policy into practice and awareness into action within higher education institutions, regardless of institutional size. This track examines how leaders navigate the complex journey from strategic planning to operational execution, building the bridges necessary to convert security frameworks into living programs that respond to real-world challenges. Programs will focus on the unique challenges faced by CISOs and security directors in higher education as they work to create responsive, resilient security cultures while influencing key stakeholders and managing limited resources.

This track encourages diverse perspectives from leaders of all levels who are passionate about shaping the future of cybersecurity and/or privacy in higher education.

The Navigating Compliance with Confidence track addresses the unique regulatory landscape of higher education, where institutions of all sizes must protect sensitive information while complying with diverse laws and standards such as FERPA, HIPAA, GDPR, and CCPA. This track explores the latest strategies for meeting regulatory obligations, managing risk, and fostering a culture of accountability and responsibility within higher education. Attendees will gain insights into building robust compliance programs that ensure data privacy, security, and institutional resilience. Practical guidance will be offered on auditing practices, breach notification requirements, and managing compliance across increasingly complex digital infrastructures.

Attendees of sessions in this track will glean the skills and knowledge necessary to build, maintain, and scale effective cybersecurity and privacy compliance programs, ensuring institutional integrity and resilience in an evolving regulatory landscape. Attendees will be equipped with actionable tools to support compliance while advancing the mission of higher education in a responsible, secure, and ethically sound manner.

The Evolving Technologies and Practices track delves into the latest advancements and strategies that are reshaping operational excellence and training practices in higher education. As institutions navigate an increasingly complex environment of digital transformation, evolving student needs, and demands for operational efficiency, this track explores how technology and optimized practices can drive institutional success and enrich the educational experience.

Through this track, attendees will be equipped with practical skills and knowledge to strengthen their institutions' cybersecurity and privacy practices, fostering a safer and more resilient digital environment.