Defend the Airport
Collaborative Returns
Advancing Cyber Performance in Airport Facilities and Infrastructure
Thank You Sponsors & participating Orgs
2025 - 2026 PROGRESS
Last year, over 600 aviation and cybersecurity leaders joined us to advance cyber performance across airport systems nationwide.
This year, we return to tackle the next phase: assessing progress made, addressing emerging threats, and accelerating the work ahead to secure our airports facilities and infrastructure
Engage With Leaders in Airport Cyber Innovation and Policy
Experience Industry Led Table-Top Simulations
New: Technical Track - atTAC and Defend The Airport
Cyberattacks targeting aviation infrastructure have surged dramatically, increasing more than 130% in a single year, with airports now the primary target in nearly two-thirds of incidents.
ABOUT THE COLLABORATIVE
Join us for two days of engaging keynote sessions, expert panels, industry led table top simulations and networking
Cyber threats targeting airport systems and air traffic operations are increasing rapidly, exposing critical vulnerabilities across aviation infrastructure.
Defend the Airport 2.0 brings together airport leaders, government officials, and cybersecurity experts to build on last year’s momentum, advancing intelligence sharing, policy discussions, and practical solutions to strengthen cyber resilience across commercial and military aviation.
Attendees will hear from threat briefings, keynote speakers, and expert panels while contributing to actionable recommendations designed to improve cybersecurity guidance and operational readiness across the airport ecosystem.
Explore the latest airport cybersecurity innovations in the Exhibit Hall and experience industry-led tabletop simulations where companies defend against real-world cyber threats targeting airport IT and OT systems inside TAC’s ADEGA Airport environment, and present their findings and strategies to conference attendees.
Speakers
Hear From Leaders In Airport Cybersecurity & Policy
More To Be Announced Soon
Mr. John J. Garstka
Director, Cyber Warfare, OUSW Acquisition & Sustainment U.S. Department of War
David Rodski
Special Agent - FBI ALAC/Baltimore Washington Thurgood Marshall Airport
Dr. Wanda T. Jones-Heath
Principal Cyber Advisor for the Department of the Air Force
Luci Holemans
Air Traffic Organization Cybersecurity, Federal Aviation Administration
Jeffrey Johnson
Acting Director, Office of Infrastructure Services Airport Technology, Baltimore Washington Thurgood Marshall Airport
Donald “Donnie” Bogert
Network and Data Security Manager, Maryland Dept. of Transportation (MDOT)
Douglas P. Lindsey, Jr., FEMA COML III
Wireless Communications Manager, Maryland Aviation Administration Airport Technology & Innovation
Ways To Attend
A Look at Last Year's Event
2025 Recap