Operation: Defend The North 2025 (Calgary)

Operation Defend the North 2025 Calgary

In a single moment, Alberta’s power grid collapses. What begins as a software glitch becomes a full-blown crisis—cutting power, halting oil sands, and crashing emergency systems. Traced back to earlier infiltration from Ottawa, this is the first kinetic escalation—proof that digital warfare can disrupt physical reality.

At Operation: Defend the North – Calgary, you’ll join the frontline of Canada’s cyber defence. In this immersive event, industry leaders, CISOs, government officials, and security professionals unite to contain a fast-evolving scenario. Designed as a dynamic tabletop exercise, you’ll navigate the complexities of interprovincial response, infrastructure protection, and public safety.

The power may fail—but your strategy can’t.

Will you be prepared when digital turns physical?

This event is online and in-person.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. Protégera nos foyers et nos droits. 

Event Details
General Admission
$199.00

Access to All Event Modules

Tabletop Cyber Crisis Simulation

Continental Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, Breaks

Connect with Canada’s Cyber Community

Experience the frontline of cyber defence—live

Student Pass
$10.00

For Young Defenders Hackathon Participants

Access Select Modules & Event Experiences

Join Industry Leaders & Cyber Mentors

Be Part of Canada’s Cybersecurity Future

From the hackathon floor to the frontline

Virtual Full Access
$10.00

Stream All Modules in Real Time

Live Chat, Polls & Attendee Engagement

Access Virtual Booths & Partner Content

Watch Live or On-Demand via the siberX App

Total access from anywhere—on your terms

Virtual Starter Pass (Free)
$0.00

Free Access to the Opening Module

Preview the Cyber Simulation Live

Engage with Participants in Real Time

Upgrade to Unlock Full Event Access

Your front-row seat to crisis response

Chief Innovations Officer
Mirai Security
Chief Innovations Officer at Mirai Security
Chair of Operation
Operation: Defend the North - siberX
Chair of Operation at Operation: Defend the North - siberX
Global Leader, Risk & Resilience
Teck Resources
Global Leader, Risk & Resilience at Teck Resources
Director, Cyber Intelligence Operations
Mining and Metals ISAC
Director, Cyber Intelligence Operations at Mining and Metals ISAC
Researcher
University of Calgary
Researcher at University of Calgary
CISO
Bow Valley College
CISO at Bow Valley College
VP, CISO
Equifax Canada
VP, CISO at Equifax Canada
Executive Director & CISO
Alberta Health Services
Executive Director & CISO at Alberta Health Services
Manager - Federal Account North America
SANS
Manager - Federal Account North America at SANS
Global Director Enterprise Architecture & CISO
Finning International
Global Director Enterprise Architecture & CISO at Finning International
CISO
TechniRise Consulting Inc.
CISO at TechniRise Consulting Inc.
Vice President, Cyber Risk Consulting
Aon
Vice President, Cyber Risk Consulting at Aon
President and Principal Consultant
Risk Embrace Inc
President and Principal Consultant at Risk Embrace Inc
  • Join us for breakfast and start your day off right!

  • Kick off "Defend the North" with an exciting overview of our mission and prepare for a dynamic cyber defence simulation.

  • The opening moments of a cyber crisis matter most. In this module, participants step into the high-stakes world of early warning, where every alert and anomaly could be the difference between swift containment and widespread disruption. Learn how leading organizations sharpen visibility, validate signals, and cut through noise to act fast when seconds count.

  • Recharge with a tasty snack break!

  • Once a threat is identified, the real challenge begins: keeping it from spreading. This module explores the strategies, decision-making, and collaboration required to draw effective boundaries under pressure. Participants will experience how coordinated containment buys time, protects critical assets, and sets the stage for a successful response.

  • Refuel and re-energize with a warm lunch!

  • Cyber threats don’t vanish on their own — they have to be driven out. Eradication is where technical precision meets organizational resolve. In this module, attendees see how organizations isolate root causes, eliminate malicious footholds, and neutralize adversaries without losing focus on business continuity.

  • Recharge with a tasty snack break!

  • Cyber threats don’t vanish on their own — they have to be driven out. Eradication is where technical precision meets organizational resolve. In this module, attendees see how organizations isolate root causes, eliminate malicious footholds, and neutralize adversaries without losing focus on business continuity.

  • Take a moment to stretch and breathe deep!

  • Every crisis eventually shifts from survival to restoration. Recovery is where resilience is proven. This module highlights the pathways organizations take to restore operations, rebuild confidence, and return stronger than before. Attendees will discover how effective recovery isn’t just about systems — it’s about trust, reputation, and continuity.

  • Join us for breakfast and start your day off right!

  • Kick off "Defend the North" with an exciting overview of our mission and prepare for a dynamic cyber defence simulation.

  • The opening moments of a cyber crisis matter most. In this module, participants step into the high-stakes world of early warning, where every alert and anomaly could be the difference between swift containment and widespread disruption. Learn how leading organizations sharpen visibility, validate signals, and cut through noise to act fast when seconds count.

  • Recharge with a tasty snack break!

  • Once a threat is identified, the real challenge begins: keeping it from spreading. This module explores the strategies, decision-making, and collaboration required to draw effective boundaries under pressure. Participants will experience how coordinated containment buys time, protects critical assets, and sets the stage for a successful response.

  • Refuel and re-energize with a warm lunch!

  • Once a threat is identified, the real challenge begins: keeping it from spreading. This module explores the strategies, decision-making, and collaboration required to draw effective boundaries under pressure. Participants will experience how coordinated containment buys time, protects critical assets, and sets the stage for a successful response.

  • Recharge with a tasty snack break!

  • Cyber threats don’t vanish on their own — they have to be driven out. Eradication is where technical precision meets organizational resolve. In this module, attendees see how organizations isolate root causes, eliminate malicious footholds, and neutralize adversaries without losing focus on business continuity.

  • Take a moment to stretch and breathe deep!

  • Every crisis eventually shifts from survival to restoration. Recovery is where resilience is proven. This module highlights the pathways organizations take to restore operations, rebuild confidence, and return stronger than before. Attendees will discover how effective recovery isn’t just about systems — it’s about trust, reputation, and continuity.

Join us as a sponsor and position your brand at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation—gain exclusive visibility, connect with industry leaders, and make a lasting impact in the cyber community.

Air Canada Ticket Promo Code

V4CWT2T1
  • The booking is to be made to the following city: Calgary, YYC (CA)
  • The travel period begins Monday, October 13, 2025 and ends Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
  • Travel is valid Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
  • For North America: 5% applies on standard fares, 10% on flex fares & higher.
  • For International Travel: 10% on standard fares & higher.
About the Venue

Bow Valley College

345 6 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 4V1

A dynamic hub for innovation, education, and professional development, Bow Valley College stands at the forefront of learning in the heart of downtown Calgary.


What's the event about?

Operation: Defend The North – A Canadian Cybersecurity Readiness Exercise is an immersive event designed to simulate a fictitious cyber attack against Canada’s critical sectors — Energy, Finance & Banking, Healthcare, Government Services, and Telecommunications. Together, we navigate a simulated cyber crisis via an interactive online tabletop event, accessible virtually from anywhere, uniting industry leaders, cybersecurity professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders in fortifying our defenses.


Can I join virtually?

Yes! The event is streamed online. You can buy virtual tickets.


Will there be trade show booths/exhibit areas?

Yes! Network with exhibitors and industry experts.


Do I need a physical ticket/how do I check-in?

Purchase your ticket on siberx.org and bring photo ID for check-in at the event.


What payment methods do you accept?

All major credit cards are accepted.


What is your Code of Conduct?

Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. We are committed to a harassment-free experience for everyone. Violators may be removed from the event without a refund.



How do I get a ticket?

Click the Tickets tab to purchase.


What if I want to cancel, refund, or upgrade my ticket?

Tickets are non-refundable/non-cancellable. To reassign or upgrade, email [email protected].


Can I change my ticket type at the door?

Maybe—based on availability.


Can I buy tickets at the door?

Possibly, but tickets are limited and not guaranteed on event day.


What's the venue’s address?

Bow Valley College, 345 – 6 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB T2G 4V1


Is there free parking?

No. Parking is available at an additional cost.



Is your venue accessible?

Yes!


Can I bring my service animal?

Service and support animals are welcome.



Will there be food provided, and what if I have dietary restrictions?

Yes. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are included in your in-person General Admission ticket. Add dietary restrictions during registration for accommodation.



How can I volunteer for this event?


How can I become a sponsor/partner for this event?


Who do I get in contact with if I have more questions?

Use the chat or email [email protected]



Can I earn CPE Credits at this event?

Absolutely!


How do I earn CPE Credits?

For both in-person and virtual sessions, siberX monitors attendance and reports on CPE credits.

In-person sessions: Attendees seeking CPE credits must register at the conference and complete checkout in person.

Virtual events: Attendees seeking CPE credits must remain within their session for the allocated duration and not proceed to other tabs for a continuous calculation.


How are my credits calculated?

In accordance with Standard Number 16 of the Statement on Standards for Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Programs (Standards), our conference activities are measured by actual program length, with one 50-minute period equal to one CPE credit.

For segments that are less than 50 minutes, the sum of the segments would be considered one total program. For example, five 30-minute presentations would equal 150 minutes and would be counted as three CPE credits.


How do I claim my credits?

An email will be sent out post-conference along with the CPE form. Please complete the form.


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Event Details
Sponsors