Bay Path University hosts 14th Annual Cybersecurity Summit, Cybersecurity & AI: Preparing for an Unpredictable Future
Mike Wilkes, Chief Information Security Officer at Aikido Security and former cybersecurity executive at Major League Soccer to discuss emerging threats, artificial intelligence, and how cybersecurity is shaping the future of business, technology, and careers.
LONGMEADOW, MA – Bay Path University will host its 14th Annual Cybersecurity
Summit, Cybersecurity & AI: Preparing for an Unpredictable Future on the
University's Longmeadow campus on Friday, November 13, 2026, from 1:30 to 4:30
PM. The annual event brings together cybersecurity professionals, business leaders and
owners, educators, students, and community members to reflect on the questions and
opportunities that are shaping the future of cybersecurity.
Hosted by Bay Path University’s School of Management & Technology and led by Sean O'Brien, Bay Path’s director of cybersecurity programs, this year's summit will explore the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the growing influence of AI, emerging technology such as quantum computing, and the knowledge and skills needed to protect sensitive information and essential systems.
O’Brien recently spoke in Australia and has teamed up with government organizations
such as Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and state leaders to
stay ahead of AI, quantum computing, and future cyber threats. Those conversations
influenced the ways he thought about planning this year’s Summit.
“There's a lot of hype surrounding artificial intelligence, but the real challenges are often things we already know how to address. Our goal is to move beyond the hype, have meaningful conversations about emerging threats, and help students and professionals
develop the skills and confidence they need to navigate our complex digital world. And, just like last year, we’ll demo a live cyber attack,” O’Brien said.
The event will feature Mike Wilkes, Chief Information Security Officer for Aikido Security and former cybersecurity executive for Major League Soccer. Wilkes is a recognized cybersecurity leader whose career includes protecting and transforming
global organizations such as Marvel, Sony, ASCAP, and ING Bank. He is a featured
speaker at major industry conferences, including Black Hat, Gartner, and SANS, Wilkes
teaches cybersecurity at New York University and Columbia University and advises
organizations on cyber resilience and emerging security challenges.
Recent cybersecurity incidents highlight the growing challenges organizations face in
protecting essential services and the communities they serve. As the cybersecurity
landscape grows increasingly complex and unpredictable, the need for skilled
professionals who can anticipate, prevent, and respond to threats has never been more
pressing.
“A year ago, there was a feeling of impending doom about the coming AI and agentic onslaught,” Wilkes said. “Now, that feeling has started to manifest into actual events and incidents.” Wilkes emphasizes that while AI is creating new challenges,
organizations of all sizes have access to practical, affordable tools that can significantly
strengthen their defenses. His discussion will address the risks associated with using AI
in the workplace, the importance of cybersecurity awareness, and the need to rethink
traditional approaches to digital security.
Beyond the immediate threats, Wilkes sees the rise of AI as an opportunity to consider broader questions about technology, work, and human responsibility. “It's entirely up to us how we deploy and employ these tools and techniques,” Wilkes said, “it's in our hands to fashion a utopian future or to allow, through neglect and lack of attention, a dystopian future to emerge.”
To encourage broad participation and dialogue, the 2026 14th Annual Cybersecurity Summit will be offered in a hybrid format, allowing guests to attend in person or join online. The presentation will be followed by an opportunity for networking. A zoom link will be provided to registered participants.
Registration is free and required. To reserve your seat or register for the virtual option,
visit here. Online participants will receive login details before the event.
About Bay Path University
Bay Path University is a private, comprehensive university known for its bold,
innovative spirit and commitment to career-focused education. Bay Path offers a
women-only residential undergraduate experience in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, as
well as undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for all genders across campuses
in East Longmeadow, online, and at Cambridge College Boston at Bay Path University
and Cambridge College Puerto Rico at Bay Path University, serving approximately 5,000
learners worldwide.