Kaspersky has announced the opening of submissions for research papers for the 2026 edition of its annual Security Analyst Summit (SAS), one of the leading global events in cybersecurity. The summit brings together top researchers, analysts, and security experts to explore the latest developments in cyber threats and digital security.
The 2026 edition is scheduled to take place in Bali from October 20 to 23, gathering leading global experts in threat intelligence, cybersecurity research, and emerging digital risks. The event will also feature the return of the Capture the Flag (CTF) competition, offering a total prize pool of $18,000.
A Global Platform for Cybersecurity Knowledge Exchange
Now in its 18th year, the SAS continues to serve as a key platform for advancing knowledge on evolving cyberattacks, innovative research, and emerging security technologies.
The 2025 edition hosted more than 200 delegates from around the world and featured 27 expert speakers, focusing on real-world cybersecurity challenges and operational defense strategies.
Key Research Themes for SAS 2026
Building on previous success, SAS 2026 will focus on several critical cybersecurity domains, including:
- Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) and cyber warfare
- Critical infrastructure security, ICS and OT systems
- IoT attacks and defense mechanisms
- Supply chain vulnerabilities and open-source security
- Ransomware tactics and mitigation strategies
- Zero-day vulnerabilities and exploitation techniques
- Dark web intelligence and analytics
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning in cybersecurity
CTF Competition Returns with Global Participation
Alongside the call for research papers, Kaspersky has announced the return of its Capture the Flag (CTF) competition. The online qualification round will take place on June 6, offering teams worldwide a chance to secure a spot in the finals.
Last year’s qualification stage attracted more than 900 teams from 80 countries, with 8 teams advancing to the final round, highlighting the global scale of the competition.
This year’s final prize pool stands at $18,000, challenging participants with advanced technical tasks designed to simulate real-world cybersecurity scenarios.
Kaspersky’s Vision for Cybersecurity Collaboration
According to Eugene Kaspersky, founder and CEO of the company, the summit serves as a critical platform for knowledge sharing among cybersecurity professionals.
He emphasized that SAS is more than an annual event—it is a strategic forum that helps shape the future of global cybersecurity by enabling collaboration and real-world threat analysis.
Participation and Registration Details
The deadline for research paper submissions is August 1. Selected participants will have the opportunity to present their findings, engage with global experts, and take part in specialized cybersecurity discussions.
Early registration for SAS 2026 is now open, along with participation in the CTF competition through the official summit website.
