# Operation: Defend The North 2026 April (Vancouver)

- Dates: 15 October 2026
- Location: Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Canada
- Organiser: siberX
- Industry: Cybersecurity

## About

The April 2026 edition of Operation: Defend The North in Vancouver is dedicated to advancing cybersecurity preparedness within today’s complex digital environments. This event unites cybersecurity professionals to address the latest threat trends, explore effective defensive tactics, and foster strategic coordination essential for safeguarding organizations against sophisticated cyber attacks. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the importance of staying ahead of emerging threats and building robust defense mechanisms has never been greater.

## Official links

- [Official website](https://siberx.org/event/operation-defend-the-north-2026-vancouver/?srsltid=AfmBOooxhU0z6yhKWhTpfF1I64mrAwIGbbFqd6MdC_0v4oyAVkOJKIK-)

## Topics

- Analyzing the Evolving Cyber Threat Landscape
- Developing Robust Defensive Strategies
- Promoting Collaboration and Organizational Resilience
- Key Insights for Cybersecurity Professionals

## Speakers

- Afshaad Rajabally, Bank of Montreal
- Alex Dow, Chief Innovations Officer, Mirai Security
- Ali Abbas Hirji, Executive Director, Canadian Centre for Cyber Defence
- Amy Kirtay, Director, Cybersecurity Strategic Priorities, Government of British Columbia
- Anton Kaiser, VP, Cyber Assurance, Corpay
- Antonio Brandao, Director Cybersecurity Services - CISO, BCNET
- Dora Eross, VP Internal Audit, Prospera Credit Union
- Dragana Panic, Director of Infrastructure and Information Security, Mountain Equipment Company (MEC)
- Gerry Akkerman, CIO, Legal Aid BC
- James Bayne, Director Cybersecurity Solutions, PrivacyWorks
- Jonathan Friesen, Director, Trust Enablement, Jane App
- Lia Sana, Director, Information Security, Fraser Health Authority
- Maleena Singh, Director of Incident Response, Mirai Security Inc
- Mary Carmichael, Director, Governance, Risk, and Compliance Advisory, Momentum Technology

## Where to stay

- **Easter Seals House**: 630 m from the venue, 3981 Oak Street
  - [Hotel website](https://www.eastersealsbcy.ca/easter-seals-house/)
- **The Balfour Inn**: guest house, 720 m from the venue, 1064 Balfour Avenue, Vancouver
  - [Hotel website](http://www.balfourvancouver.com/home.html)
  - Phone: +1-604-733-4774
- **Douglas House**: guest house, 1.1 km from the venue, 456 West 13th Avenue
  - [Hotel website](https://dougwin.com/)
  - Phone: +1-604-872-3060
- **Cambie Lodge**: guest house, 1.1 km from the venue, 446 West 13th Avenue
  - [Hotel website](https://dougwin.com/)
  - Phone: +1-604-872-3060
- **Windsor House**: guest house, 1.4 km from the venue, 325 West 11th Avenue
  - [Hotel website](https://dougwin.com/)
  - Phone: +1-604-872-3060
- **Shaughnessy Village**: guest house, 1.5 km from the venue, 1125 West 12th Avenue
  - [Hotel website](https://www.aptliving.ca/)
  - Phone: +1-778-358-6658
- **Holiday Inn Vancouver-Centre (Broadway)**: 1.5 km from the venue, 711 West Broadway
  - [Hotel website](https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/vancouver/yvrbw/hoteldetail)
  - Phone: +1-604-879-0511

## Related events

- [World Conference on Climate Change and Global Warming (WCCCGW)](https://www.luminik.io/events/world-conference-on-climate-change-and-global-warming-09a4662aee6d/)
- [International Conference on Short and Medium Span Bridges](https://www.luminik.io/events/international-conference-on-short-and-medium-span-bridges/)
- [Artificial Intelligence for Composite Materials Conference (AIComp)](https://www.luminik.io/events/artificial-intelligence-for-composite-materials-conference/)
- [Manager as Leader Own Your Role and Build Thriving Relationships](https://www.luminik.io/events/manager-as-leader-own-your-role-and-build-thriving-relationships/)
- [Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity Annual Convention](https://www.luminik.io/events/alpha-delta-phi-fraternity-annual-convention/)
- [Annual Battle of the Insurance Bands](https://www.luminik.io/events/annual-battle-of-the-insurance-bands/)

Source: https://www.luminik.io/events/operation-defend-the-north-april/