SecTor, Canada’s premier cybersecurity conference and part of the Black Hat global portfolio, has wrapped up its in-person event at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, drawing 5,350 security professionals amid rising threats to AI systems, cloud infrastructure, and enterprise networks. The gathering offered insights into cutting-edge research, vulnerability discovery, and emerging trends through technical briefings, summits, and hands-on demos.
The event returned at a pivotal time, as organizations grapple with sophisticated attacks targeting AI, cloud, and networks. Over 45 technical Briefings delved into reverse engineering, exploit development, and vulnerability discovery, equipping attendees with actionable knowledge. Suzy Pallett, President of Black Hat, noted, "The cybersecurity landscape has fundamentally shifted this year. SecTor 2025 provided the essential forum for security professionals to collaborate on defending against threats that have evolved beyond traditional detection methods." This focus on collaboration addressed the need for adaptive defenses in a rapidly changing threat environment.
Keynotes set the tone with Cristin Flynn Goodwin of Advanced Cyber Law opening the event, followed by HD Moore, Founder of runZero. Summits on September 30 covered critical topics: the tenth annual Executive Summit tackled ransomware impacts on infrastructure; the second annual AI Summit explored machine learning as both a vulnerability and defensive tool; and the tenth annual Cloud Security Summit offered strategies for managing complex cloud risks. These sessions provided high-level guidance for cybersecurity leaders across industries.
The Business Hall highlighted innovations from more than 150 leading providers, featuring exhibitor booths, a Startup & Education Zone, Arsenal with 40 tool demos and six labs, Sponsored Sessions, Bricks & Picks, and a Community Lounge. The Black Hat Arsenal enabled practical exploration of security tools, fostering direct interaction between professionals and developers. This setup enhanced networking and exposure to real-world applications of cybersecurity solutions.
The Startup Spotlight Competition showcased emerging talent, with finalists Legion Security, Nexodata Inc., SelfHack AI, and ShadowHQ vying for recognition. Legion Security emerged victorious, earning a spot in the Global Startup Spotlight at Black Hat USA 2026. The Community Program, including Community Conversations in the Business Hall, promoted dialogue on key issues. Additionally, SecTor awarded 29 complimentary Briefing passes through scholarships, supporting Black Hat’s initiatives for students and veterans to build the next generation of experts.
SecTor 2025 reinforced its role as a vital hub for cybersecurity advancement, blending technical depth with strategic discourse. With ongoing virtual components and plans for future events, it continues to empower professionals against escalating digital threats.
Diamond Sponsors: CrowdStrike, Microsoft, Qualys, SentinelOne, Sophos, and Trend Micro. Platinum Sponsors: ManageEngine, Okta, Rubrik, and Wiz. Sustaining Partners: Armis, Cisco, CrowdStrike, Cyera, ManageEngine, Qualys, SentinelOne, Sophos, ThreatLocker, Trend Micro, Varonis, and Wiz. Global Partners: Broadcom, Censys, Concentric AI, Corellium, Fortra, Huntress, HackerOne, and wolfSSL.
Since 2007, SecTor, Canada’s largest cybersecurity conference, has brought relevant, engaging, and reputable content for the benefit of the Canadian cybersecurity community. As one of the global events in Black Hat’s portfolio, SecTor provides an unmatched opportunity for security professionals to connect with their peers and learn from their mentors. For more information on SecTor, please visit www.blackhat.com/sector.
Black Hat is the cybersecurity industry’s most established and in-depth security event series. Founded in 1997, these annual, multi-day events provide attendees with the latest in cybersecurity research, development, and trends. Driven by the needs of the community, Black Hat events showcase content directly from the community through Briefings presentations, Trainings courses, Summits, and more. As the event series where all career levels and academic disciplines convene to collaborate, network, and discuss the cybersecurity topics that matter most to them, attendees can find Black Hat events in the United States, Canada, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Asia. For more information, please visit www.blackhat.com.
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