Bruce Schneier: Speaking Engagements & Events 2026

Bruce Schneier, a widely respected security technologist and cryptographer, has announced a series of upcoming speaking engagements spanning from March through May of 2026. These appearances will cover a range of topics, from computer science lectures to cybersecurity summits, and even discussions on AI sovereignty and its implications for Canada. The schedule offers opportunities to hear Schneier’s insights in person across North America and in Zambia.

Cambridge and the Ross Anderson Lecture

Schneier’s speaking schedule begins with a prestigious invitation: delivering the Ross Anderson Lecture at Churchill College, University of Cambridge, on March 19, 2026, at 5:30 PM GMT. The lecture is named in honor of the late Ross Anderson, a prominent figure in security engineering whose passing was recently mourned by the security community (IAPP). Anderson was known for his work on security economics, human factors in security, and the social implications of technology. The lecture series aims to continue his legacy of critical thinking and research in the field. Details regarding the specific topic of Schneier’s lecture haven’t been released, but given Anderson’s focus, it’s likely to address the intersection of technology, security, and society.

North American Engagements: RSAC, Toronto, and Arlington

Following the Cambridge lecture, Schneier will be speaking at RSAC 2026 in San Francisco, California, on March 25, 2026. RSAC (the RSA Conference) is a major cybersecurity event, attracting professionals from across the industry. It’s a key venue for discussing emerging threats, fresh technologies, and best practices in information security.

Later in March, on March 30, 2026, Schneier will participate in an event focused on “Canada and AI Sovereignty,” hosted by the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy at the University of Toronto. This event, held online via Zoom at 4:00 PM ET, suggests a growing concern about national control and influence in the development and deployment of artificial intelligence technologies. The concept of “AI sovereignty” encompasses issues of data governance, algorithmic accountability, and the potential for AI to impact national security and economic competitiveness.

April brings two further engagements in Canada and the US. Schneier will be speaking at DemocracyXChange 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on April 18, 2026. This event focuses on the intersection of technology and democracy, exploring how digital tools can be used to strengthen democratic institutions and processes. He will likewise be at the SANS AI Cybersecurity Summit 2026 in Arlington, Virginia, USA, on April 20, 2026, at 9:40 AM ET. The SANS Institute is a well-respected provider of cybersecurity training and certification, and this summit indicates a focused effort to address the unique security challenges posed by the increasing utilize of AI systems.

Virtual and International Appearances

Schneier’s schedule also includes virtual and international appearances. On April 29, 2026, he will be speaking at the Nemertes [Next] Virtual Conference Spring 2026, a virtual event. Nemertes Research focuses on digital transformation and the impact of technology on business. Finally, he will be speaking at RightsCon 2026 in Lusaka, Zambia, on May 6 and 7, 2026. RightsCon is a global conference on human rights in the digital age, bringing together activists, policymakers, and technologists to discuss issues such as online censorship, surveillance, and digital privacy. The location in Zambia highlights the growing importance of addressing digital rights challenges in the Global South.

The Expanding Scope of Cybersecurity Discourse

The breadth of these engagements—from academic lectures to industry conferences and human rights forums—reflects the increasingly pervasive role of security concerns in all aspects of modern life. Schneier’s participation in events focused on AI sovereignty and democracy underscores the recognition that security is not merely a technical problem, but a complex socio-political challenge. The inclusion of RightsCon in his schedule emphasizes the critical link between security and fundamental human rights.

A complete and updated list of Schneier’s speaking engagements is maintained on his events page.

Looking Ahead: Schneier’s continued engagement with these diverse audiences suggests a commitment to fostering informed discussion and critical thinking about the future of security in a rapidly changing world. His presence at events like RSAC and the SANS AI Cybersecurity Summit will likely contribute to the development of practical solutions to emerging threats, even as his participation in events like RightsCon and the Munk School’s AI sovereignty discussion will help to shape the broader ethical and political frameworks governing the use of technology.