GoSec Montreal's 24th Edition Unites Cybersecurity Experts and Former CIA Officer

GoSec Montreal Welcomes Former CIA Officer for Its 24th Edition

The highly anticipated GoSec cybersecurity conference in Montreal is back for its 24th edition, scheduled for September 23-24, 2026. This year's gathering promises to bring together some of the most strategic minds in the field, including Ross Young, a former CIA officer who now serves as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). The conference will take place at the Montreal Convention Centre and is expected to attract over 1,500 participants, with 25% being executives and senior leaders.

Cybersecurity Landscape

According to Gartner, global spending on cybersecurity is projected to hit an astounding $240 billion USD by 2026, reflecting a significant increase of 12.5% from the previous year. In Quebec alone, the rise in data breach notifications has spiked by a staggering 75% within just one year, a figure that highlights the urgency and relevance of such conferences as GoSec.

A Platform for Learning and Networking

GoSec has established itself as a key platform designed for professionals to share insights and foster discussions on various cyber threats and challenges faced today. The event's focus goes beyond mere presentations; it aims to inspire and educate the next generation of cybersecurity leaders. In line with its vision, the conference will feature over 85 speakers and experts, diving deep into both strategic and technical aspects of cybersecurity.

Julien Turcot, Chief Revenue Officer at GoSec, emphasizes the unique perspectives that speakers bring to the stage. “Every speaker on our stage has managed a situation most attendees will only ever read about in an incident report. That's the perspective we built GoSec to deliver,” he stated. This ethos ensures that attendees gain insights not just from theory but from real-world experiences.

Keynote Speakers

Among the celebrated speakers lined up for the event is Ross Young, who brings a wealth of knowledge from his tenure at the CIA. His experience in threat analysis will undoubtedly enrich discussions around national security and corporate practices. Young will share the stage with other notable figures like John Strand and Amy Yee, showcasing a mix of perspectives that bridge the gap between government and private sector cybersecurity practices.

The tradition of hosting distinguished speakers continues this year as well, following a legacy that has previously featured prominent personalities such as former Canadian Prime Minister The Right Honourable Stephen Harper and retired Admiral James Stavridis. Their contributions have shaped the discourse on security and espionage internationally, making GoSec a significant convergence point for thought leadership.

Spotlighting Local Talent

Another essential aspect of GoSec is its commitment to spotlighting local talent in the cybersecurity field. This year’s edition will feature Olivier Bilodeau, head of the cybersecurity research team at Flare, along with Andréanne Bergeron, a criminologist turned cybersecurity researcher. Their groundbreaking research on attacker behavior is creating ripples in security teams across the globe, further underscoring the expertise thriving within Québec.

Registration and Media Inquiries

Registration for GoSec 2026 is still open for those wishing to engage in this rapidly evolving domain. A comprehensive program detailing the sessions and speakers is available on the official GoSec website, www.gosec.net. Media representatives interested in interviews or press materials are encouraged to reach out for access.

Join us on this exciting journey as we explore the future of cybersecurity while bridging the gap between strategic foresight and technical know-how. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to be a part of GoSec 2026—where the leaders of today pave the way for a more secure tomorrow.