NKST is a cybersecurity research and collaboration platform for cybersecurity leaders, practitioners, and vendors, enabling them to connect and tackle the toughest cybersecurity challenges together.
Advancing Cybersecurity through Research & Collaboration
NKST is a cybersecurity research and collaboration platform for cybersecurity leaders, practitioners, and vendors, enabling them to connect and tackle the toughest cybersecurity challenges together.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Executive Dinner
November 9, 2026
Invite Only
NKST Summit Vancouver
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PT
Anvil Centre, New Westminster, BC
Partners & Sponsors
Featured Thought Leaders
Building a Connected Cybersecurity Ecosystem
NKST brings together cybersecurity leaders, industry experts, researchers, and technology innovators within a collaborative ecosystem built on knowledge sharing, meaningful connections, and forward-thinking ideas. By bridging expertise and innovation, we foster conversations and partnerships that help advance the cybersecurity landscape.
Three pillars of the NKST ecosystem
+Tap a pillar to exploreKnowledge & Insights
Explore +Knowledge & Insights
Sharing industry expertise, research-driven perspectives, and practical insights to navigate emerging threats and evolving cybersecurity challenges.
Connection & Collaboration
Explore +Connection & Collaboration
Connecting cybersecurity decision-makers, practitioners, and solution providers to exchange ideas, build relationships, and address shared industry challenges.
Innovation & Advancement
Explore +Innovation & Advancement
Exploring emerging technologies, encouraging fresh perspectives, and supporting forward-thinking approaches to a more resilient cybersecurity future.
Upcoming Events
Summits and roundtables across Canada
We Bring Together Visionary Leaders & Cybersecurity Experts to Navigate the Dynamic Cyber Landscape
Roundtables
Summits
Conferences
EXHIBITORS
ATTENDEES
HOURS OF CONTENT
SPEAKERS
Upcoming Events
explore schedule
10 November 2026
Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3M 1B6, Canada.
Canadian IAM Summit
February 2027
Toronto
more info
Halifax CISO Roundtable
April 2027
Halifax
more info
Advancing Cybersecurity Through Research & Collaboration
As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, emerging technologies, sophisticated threats, and shifting industry priorities are redefining how organizations approach security and resilience. From artificial intelligence and autonomous systems to identity security, critical infrastructure, and healthcare cybersecurity, leaders must continuously adapt to new challenges and opportunities.
NKST is a cybersecurity research and collaboration platform that brings together cybersecurity leaders, practitioners, and technology providers to explore emerging trends, exchange expertise, and address some of the industry's most pressing challenges.
Through carefully curated summits, executive roundtables, conferences, and knowledge-sharing initiatives, NKST fosters meaningful connections and solution-oriented discussions across diverse industries. Each engagement is designed around timely and relevant themes, bridging strategic insights with real-world challenges to encourage practical, actionable outcomes.
At its core, NKST is building a connected cybersecurity ecosystem where knowledge, collaboration, and innovation converge. By connecting industry expertise with technological advancements and emerging perspectives, NKST empowers cybersecurity leaders to navigate an increasingly complex threat landscape, strengthen organizational resilience, and shape the future of cybersecurity.
Insights from the Voices Shaping Cybersecurity and Technology
Go beyond the stage with cyber and tech leaders, industry experts, and innovators as they share their perspectives on emerging threats, technological advancements, and the challenges shaping the industry. Explore exclusive interviews featuring insights, experiences, and forward-thinking ideas from across the NKST ecosystem.
ABOUT NKST
Advancing Cybersecurity Through Research & Collaboration
In today’s rapidly evolving digital environment, cybersecurity leaders face the urgent task of understanding emerging threats, analyzing challenges, and developing innovative solutions to protect their organizations and drive success. NKST is a cybersecurity research and collaboration platform for cybersecurity leaders, practitioners, and vendors, enabling them to connect and tackle the toughest cybersecurity challenges together.
NKST brings together key decision-makers, fostering collaboration, building meaningful relationships, and facilitating shared learning. All content and discussion topics are carefully curated to be relevant, timely, and solution-oriented, leading to actionable outcomes. This unique approach empowers cyber leaders to tackle complex challenges while gaining access to curated resources that streamline their ongoing responsibilities.
With a focus on practical solutions, NKST creates a dynamic ecosystem for cyber executives to stay ahead of evolving threats. By providing an open communication channel and opportunities for collaboration, NKST ensures leaders can continuously adapt, innovate, and secure their organizations against future risks.
Celebrating Women in Cybersecurity
“Identity is where security meets humanity: the greatest lesson of my journey is that real cyber resilience comes not from locking people out, but from earning enough trust to let the right people in, at the right time, for the right reason.”
Serena Tejani
Partner, Cybersecurity Services and National Risk, Services Alliances Leader
KPMG Canada
“As a woman leader, I’ve learned that influence matters more than authority — and that trust, business alignment, and diverse perspectives are key to building secure and resilient organizations.”
Priya Mouli
CISO
University of Alberta
“Cybersecurity leadership taught me that trust is built when systems fail, and pressure rises. It’s never about knowing everything; it’s about staying steady, asking better questions, and empowering others to rise.”
Shruti Mukherjee
Director of GRC
GlobalVision
“Every year in cybersecurity brings something new and unexpected. The field sits at the intersection of evolving STEM disciplines and the complexities of human society. Sharing my analysis, thoughts, and hopes for how this dynamic unfolds feels not only like an honour, but a responsibility—to help shape the best possible outcomes amid complexity and uncertainty.”
Bonnie Butlin
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Security Partners’ Forum (SPF)
As a CPA, I was trained to ask what could go wrong and where we’re overexposed. When I moved into cybersecurity, I realized the same questions still apply. The mindset didn’t change. The context did. The lesson? You don’t start over when you change fields. You repurpose your strengths.
Mary Carmichael
Managing Director of Risk Advisory
Momentum Technology
Expertise isn’t granted, it’s built. From the fundamentals to leadership, growth, constant adaptation, and the courage to challenge the status quo shaped my path. The true privilege of cybersecurity leadership is opening doors so others can rise faster than you did”
Nicole Landry
Sr. Director, Workforce Identity and Access Management
CIBC
“Working in cybersecurity taught me that identity sits at the center of it all. It’s not just about access – it’s the control plane of modern security and the foundation of digital trust.”
Rola Turk
Senior Director, IAM Identity Lifecycle Management & Intelligence. Canadian Ambassador for Women in Identity
Royal Bank of Canada
“Cybersecurity, as much as it deals with technology, is also heavily rooted in humanity. When I started my career, I thought my biggest strengths would be technical skills, but as many of us learn, technical expertise will get you in the room. Integrity, empathy, trust and consistency are really what keep you there.”
Andrea Knoblauch
Principal of Security
Softchoice
“One of the most important lessons in my cybersecurity journey has been that technical expertise opens doors, but resilience, curiosity, and integrity build lasting impact. This field evolves constantly, and the willingness to keep learning and to lift others as you grow is what truly defines leadership.”
Shilpa Dahiya
Senior Director, Information and Cybersecurity
CAAT Pension Plan
“As a Director of Cybersecurity, one of the most important lessons I have learned is that strength often means making thoughtful decisions in uncertainty, setting clear direction when the path isn’t obvious and consistently delivering results. Leadership in this field requires resilience, sound judgement, and the ability to stay focused under pressure, especially in an environment that is constantly evolving.”
Victoria Ghandour
Director, Cybersecurity, Health Information Management
William Osler Health System
“Cybersecurity leadership is about foresight, not fear. The role of a Cyber Leader is to transform uncertainty into preparedness and security into a business enabler.”
Saranya Arulnathan
Chief Information Security Officer, Cyber Risk & Digital Trust Leader
