About NKST

Our mission is to empower cyber leaders to shape a safer digital future

Click the core Community Insight Innovation
About NKST

Connecting you with leaders, insights, and innovations shaping the future of cybersecurity

Cybersecurity leaders in a panel discussion at an NKST event AIArtificial Intelligence IDIdentity Security IoTConnected Devices ⚡Autonomous Systems ↗Digital Transformation
The Landscape

A cybersecurity landscape that never stands still

In today’s rapidly evolving digital environment, cybersecurity leaders face the urgent task of understanding emerging threats, analyzing complex challenges, and developing innovative solutions to protect their organizations and drive success. From artificial intelligence (AI), IoT, and autonomous systems to identity security, digital transformation, and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve. NKST is Canada’s cybersecurity research and collaboration platform, connecting cybersecurity leaders, practitioners, and trusted industry partners to exchange knowledge, explore emerging trends, and tackle the industry's most pressing challenges.

Artificial IntelligenceIoTAutonomous SystemsIdentity SecurityDigital TransformationSophisticated Cyber Threats
Our Next Chapter

From individual events to a national community

As NKST enters its next chapter, our focus is expanding beyond individual events to build a stronger national cybersecurity community. We are creating opportunities for engagement across provinces, industries, and sectors, bringing together executive leaders from healthcare, critical infrastructure, government, financial services, education, and enterprise to strengthen Canada’s cyber resilience through shared expertise, research, and meaningful dialogue.

Healthcare
Critical Infrastructure
Government
Financial Services
Education
Enterprise
Expert-Guided

Shaped by senior leaders, built for real decisions

Guided by an Advisory Board comprising senior cybersecurity and technology leaders, NKST draws on diverse industry expertise to ensure its initiatives remain relevant, forward-thinking, and aligned with evolving priorities. Our content, research, and discussions are carefully curated to address critical areas such as AI governance, IT/OT convergence, identity and access management, autonomous threats, data privacy, and emerging cybersecurity technologies. Through executive roundtables, industry summits, original research, and regional engagement initiatives, NKST provides a trusted environment for decision-makers to exchange perspectives, examine real-world challenges, and identify practical, actionable solutions.

Focus areas
AI GovernanceIT/OT ConvergenceIdentity & Access ManagementAutonomous ThreatsData PrivacyEmerging Technologies
How we engage
01Executive Roundtables
02Industry Summits
03Original Research
04Regional Engagement
Measurable Impact

A connected ecosystem for a more secure Canada

With a focus on knowledge sharing, innovation, and measurable impact, NKST is building a connected national cybersecurity ecosystem that empowers leaders with valuable insights, strategic relationships, and resources to support informed decision-making. By bridging industry expertise with technological advancements, NKST helps cybersecurity professionals stay ahead of evolving threats, strengthen organizational resilience, and shape a more secure digital future for Canada.

InsightsRelationshipsResources

Be Part of the Ecosystem Shaping What's Next.

Whether you're a cybersecurity leader, industry practitioner, researcher, or technology innovator, NKST provides a platform to contribute your expertise, engage with peers, and take part in conversations that matter. Join a growing network of professionals working to advance cybersecurity knowledge, address emerging challenges, and drive meaningful progress across Canada.

Penny Longman, CEO of NKST
Award-winning CISO Community Builder
Penny LongmanChief Executive Officer, NKST
Connect with Penny
Our New CEO: Penny Longman

Welcome to NKST’snext chapter

NKST is entering an exciting new chapter under the leadership of Penny Longman,

an award-winning Chief Information Security Officer a respected cybersecurity leader a passionate community builder
A people-first approach

Meaningful progress happens through collaboration, trusted relationships, and shared knowledge.

With experience spanning multiple industries, Penny brings a people-first approach to cybersecurity, one built on the belief that the strongest outcomes come from working together.

Widely recognised as a
Speaker
Mentor
Advocate

Within Canada’s cybersecurity community, Penny has played an instrumental role in strengthening the industry through her leadership of the Women in Cyber Security (WiCyS) Western Canada Affiliate. Under her leadership, the community has grown significantly, bringing together practitioners, executives, students, and industry partners from across the country.

As CEO, Penny is leading NKST’s next phase of growth by
  1. 01Expanding our national presence
  2. 02Strengthening regional engagement
  3. 03Increasing our research initiatives
  4. 04Creating more opportunities for Canada’s cybersecurity leaders to collaborate, learn, and shape the future together
Penny’s vision

Working alongside our Advisory Board, partners, sponsors, and community, Penny’s vision is to ensure NKST remains Canada’s most trusted platform for

Cybersecurity LeadershipExecutive CollaborationIndustry Research
Connect with Penny on LinkedIn
01The NKST approach

Now is the time

As emerging technologies reshape the cybersecurity landscape, staying informed and connected has never been more critical. From AI-driven threats and autonomous systems to identity security and digital resilience, NKST brings together industry leaders, practitioners, and technology experts to explore evolving challenges, share insights, and navigate the next era of cybersecurity.

02The NKST approach

Beyond the basics

Cybersecurity today extends beyond traditional threats and defenses. Through research-driven discussions, executive roundtables, and industry summits, NKST explores critical topics including AI governance, IoT security, IT/OT convergence, data privacy, and emerging technologies. Our approach bridges industry expertise with real-world challenges, encouraging informed decisions, fresh perspectives, and practical outcomes.

03The NKST approach

Forge ahead with NKST

Be part of a growing national ecosystem connecting the minds shaping cybersecurity and technology in Canada. Guided by senior industry leaders and driven by knowledge, innovation, and meaningful engagement, NKST creates opportunities to build strategic relationships, exchange expertise, and contribute to conversations that matter. Together, we're advancing industry thinking, strengthening cyber resilience, and shaping a more secure digital future.

Why NKST

Redefining cybersecurity with innovation and impact

NKST stands out by embracing a solutions-driven approach that goes beyond traditional cybersecurity practices. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and delivering measurable results, we’re redefining how the industry tackles its most complex challenges.

Six pillars

What sets NKST apart

Scroll through all six
01 / 06

Strategic Advisory Board

NKST’s Advisory Board, composed of industry leaders, ensures events deliver expert-driven, practical content blending theory with real-world insights.

02 / 06

Solutions-Focused Content

Our events prioritize actionable insights and strategies, offering attendees hands-on solutions to tackle cybersecurity challenges effectively.

03 / 06

Collaborative Problem-Solving

NKST fosters active engagement, creating platforms where leaders brainstorm, test, and implement solutions to critical security threats.

04 / 06

Holistic Cybersecurity

We go beyond immediate concerns, delivering forward-thinking strategies to equip attendees with solutions for today and a roadmap for tomorrow.

05 / 06

Tech Integration

NKST events connect vendors with decision-makers, fostering relationships while showcasing the latest in cybersecurity advancements.

06 / 06

Collaboration & Networking

With roundtables, interactive sessions, and networking, NKST events build connections that drive lasting collaboration and impact.

ABOUT NKST

Connecting you with leaders, insights, and innovations shaping the future of cybersecurity

In today’s rapidly evolving digital environment, cybersecurity leaders face the urgent task of understanding emerging threats, analyzing complex challenges, and developing innovative solutions to protect their organizations and drive success. NKST is Canada’s cybersecurity research and collaboration platform for cybersecurity leaders, practitioners, and trusted industry partners, enabling them to connect, share knowledge, and tackle the toughest cybersecurity challenges together.

As NKST enters its next chapter, our focus is expanding beyond individual events to build a stronger national cybersecurity community. We are creating opportunities for collaboration across provinces, industries, and sectors, bringing together executive leaders from healthcare, critical infrastructure, government, financial services, education, and enterprise to strengthen Canada’s cyber resilience through shared knowledge, research, and meaningful dialogue.

NKST brings together key decision-makers, fostering collaboration, building meaningful relationships, and facilitating shared learning. All content, research, and discussion topics are carefully curated to be relevant, timely, and solution-oriented, leading to practical, actionable outcomes. Through executive roundtables, industry summits, original research, and regional engagement initiatives, we create trusted environments where cybersecurity leaders can openly exchange experiences, address emerging challenges, and collectively shape the future of cybersecurity in Canada.

This unique approach empowers cyber leaders to tackle complex challenges while gaining access to curated insights, strategic connections, and practical resources that support informed decision-making. With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and measurable impact, NKST is building a national ecosystem where cybersecurity leaders can stay ahead of evolving threats, strengthen partnerships, and help shape a more resilient digital future for Canada.

OUR NEW CEO: PENNY LONGMAN

WELCOME TO THE NKST CHAPTER

NKST is entering an exciting new chapter under the leadership of Penny Longman, an award-winning Chief Information Security Officer, respected cybersecurity leader, and passionate community builder.

With experience spanning multiple industries, Penny brings a people-first approach to cybersecurity, one that believes meaningful progress happens through collaboration, trusted relationships, and shared knowledge.

Widely recognised as a speaker, mentor, and advocate within Canada’s cybersecurity community, Penny has played an instrumental role in strengthening the industry through her leadership of the Women in Cyber Security (WiCyS) Western Canada Affiliate. Under her leadership, the community has grown significantly, bringing together practitioners, executives, students, and industry partners from across the country.

As CEO, Penny is leading NKST’s next phase of growth by expanding our national presence, strengthening regional engagement, increasing our research initiatives, and creating more opportunities for Canada’s cybersecurity leaders to collaborate, learn, and shape the future together.

Working alongside our Advisory Board, partners, sponsors, and community, Penny’s vision is to ensure NKST remains Canada’s most trusted platform for cybersecurity leadership, executive collaboration, and industry research.

 

NOW IS THE TIME

NKST is your partner in navigating the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape. With a focus on readiness and agility, we deliver swift, effective solutions to counter sophisticated threats, ensuring you stay one step ahead.

BEYOND THE BASICS

Cyber threats today are more complex than ever. NKST moves beyond traditional approaches, embracing a multi-faceted response to address the scale and sophistication of modern challenges.

Forge Ahead with NKST

Step into a transformative era of cybersecurity with NKST. More than a platform, we are a catalyst for collaboration, innovation, and strategic action. With a fresh perspective and unwavering commitment to excellence, we empower leaders to tackle digital risks, redefine industry standards, and fortify defenses against emerging threats. Together, we are shaping a more secure future.
WHY NKST

Redefining cybersecurity with innovation and impact

NKST stands out by embracing a solutions-driven approach that goes beyond traditional cybersecurity practices. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and delivering measurable results, we’re redefining how the industry tackles its most complex challenges.

Strategic Advisory Board

NKST’s Advisory Board, composed of industry leaders, ensures events deliver expert-driven, practical content blending theory with real-world insights.

Solutions-Focused Content

Our events prioritize actionable insights and strategies, offering attendees hands-on solutions to tackle cybersecurity challenges effectively.

Collaborative Problem-Solving

NKST fosters active engagement, creating platforms where leaders brainstorm, test, and implement solutions to critical security threats.

Holistic Cybersecurity

We go beyond immediate concerns, delivering forward-thinking strategies to equip attendees with solutions for today and a roadmap for tomorrow.

Tech
Integration

NKST events connect vendors with decision-makers, fostering relationships while showcasing the latest in cybersecurity advancements.

Collaboration & Networking

With roundtables, interactive sessions, and networking, NKST events build connections that drive lasting collaboration and impact.