# Operation: Defend The North 2026 (Toronto)

- Dates: 8 December 2026
- Location: Hotel X, Toronto, Canada
- Organiser: siberX
- Industry: Cybersecurity

## About

Operation: Defend the North 2026 (Toronto) brings together cybersecurity leaders and practitioners for a high-intensity, live simulation event at the intersection of artificial intelligence, automation, and operational velocity. Set against the backdrop of Toronto’s critical infrastructure, the event challenges participants to navigate the real-world consequences of rapid technological adoption—where AI is both a catalyst for innovation and a source of new vulnerabilities.

## Official links

- [Official website](https://siberx.org/event/operation-defend-the-north-2026-toronto/?srsltid=AfmBOoo-XsfIvun9SgrpPZyGi7Qeap-lRztkRUaPiRqf-LvoPiIwoUgL)

## Topics

- AI, Automation, and the New Cyber Risk Landscape
- Live Crisis Simulation: Testing Real-World Response
- Industry Context: Why This Matters Now
- Addressing the Operational Challenge

## Speakers

- Alex Dow, Chief Innovations Officer, Mirai Security
- Ali Abbas Hirji, Executive Director, Canadian Centre for Cyber Defence
- Ali Shahidi, Director, Cybersecurity and IT Risk, Infrastructure Ontario
- Amit Chopra, Head of Information Systems / CIO, Lakefield College School
- Daniel Pinsky, CSO, CDW Canada
- David Cachia, Chief Information Officer, Municipality of Clarington
- Dhanush Liyanage, Ontario Health
- Dr. Prabir Panda, Laurentian Bank
- Edgard Rodriguez, Rogers
- Emerson Rajaram, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health
- Ferris Adi, CISO, Trans Americas Fiber System
- Gurvinder Gill, CISO, Toronto Parking Authority
- James Cairns, CISO, Bow Valley College
- Jason Leake, Manager, Enterprise Information Security, Toyota
- John Pinard, DUCA Financial
- Kim Schreader, Director, Cybersecurity Professional Services, Telus

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Source: https://www.luminik.io/events/operation-defend-the-north-e5b8067b74f3/