Broadband Industry Partners to Examine Latest Cybersecurity Threats and Strategies During 2026 CyberShare Summit

Arlington, Va., (October 7, 2026) — CyberShare: The Small Broadband Provider ISAC today announced America’s Communications Association (ACA Connects), Competitive Carriers Association (CCA), the Fiber Broadband Association, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association (NTCA), the Rural Wireless Association (RWA) and WISPA–The Association for Broadband Without Boundaries will co-host the 2026 CyberShare Summit to examine the latest cybersecurity threats facing small broadband providers and strategies for managing risks to critical communications infrastructure.

As the only intelligence-sharing community for small broadband providers, CyberShare has collaborated for the past five years with industry partners to provide a forum to discuss cybersecurity best practices and the latest vulnerabilities facing network operators. Like CyberShare itself, the summit, taking place October 25-27 in Columbus, Ohio, is administered by NTCA and is open to any small facilities-based broadband provider, regardless of association membership or technology used to connect customers.

Through expert-led discussions and peer-driven collaboration, attendees will examine the latest cyber threats facing small broadband providers, evolving regulatory expectations, policy priorities and practical approaches to managing organizational risk. The summit will kick off with remarks from Microsoft Chief Security Advisor Chris Tignor, who will explore how providers can strengthen readiness and collective resilience as AI accelerates cyber risk. The event will also feature small group discussions on the topics that matter most to small broadband network operators and Cyber Fire Puzzles, an interactive forensic challenge led by cybersecurity investigators from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Los Alamos National Laboratory that helps participants test their skills and reinforce key cybersecurity concepts through a collaborative, hands-on exercise.

“As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, it is critical that broadband providers have the tools needed to protect their networks from attacks that can jeopardize connectivity and harm their customers,” said Grant Spellmeyer, President and CEO of America’s Communications Association (ACA Connects). “ACA Connects is excited to return to the CyberShare Summit alongside industry partners and cybersecurity leaders. This event delivers the expertise and real-world strategies rural providers need to ensure America’s communications infrastructure is strong, secure, and resilient.”

“As cybersecurity threats and attacks continue to evolve, network security and the protection of customer information remain critical priorities for communications service providers,” said Tim Donovan, President and CEO of Competitive Carriers Association (CCA). “Carriers need timely, actionable information and resources to strengthen their cybersecurity readiness, respond effectively to emerging threats, and protect the networks and customers they serve. Collaboration across the communications industry is essential to staying ahead of these risks, and CCA is pleased to join our partners at the CyberShare Summit to share knowledge, best practices, and strategies to help ensure we are all better prepared to defend against cyberattacks.”

“AI and quantum technologies are creating tremendous opportunities, but they are also raising the stakes for network security,” said Gary Bolton, President and CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association. “Operators need to be thinking about how they protect the networks these technologies rely on. CyberShare gives them a valuable forum to compare notes, learn from each other and make sure they are prepared for what comes next.”

“Cyber threats targeting broadband networks continue to grow, and cybersecurity requirements are becoming a bigger focus for regulators and funding programs,” said NRECA Chief Operating Officer Jeffrey Connor. “As the source of power for 42 million rural Americans and a growing source of broadband connection for millions more, electric cooperatives are at the forefront of rural cybersecurity and network resiliency. Cross-industry collaboration and strong government partnerships are critical to these efforts, and the CyberShare Summit is an important opportunity for rural broadband stakeholders to gather and work together toward a cyber-secure future for rural America.”

“In the face of cyber-threats that are becoming more frequent and sophisticated, broadband providers cannot afford to stand still,” said NTCA CEO Mike Romano. “Their cybersecurity strategies must evolve just as quickly, requiring continuous learning, collaboration and information sharing. The CyberShare Summit reflects our industry’s commitment to working together to identify risks, strengthen defenses and help protect the networks that communities across the country depend on every day.”

“Rural wireless carriers are increasingly confronting sophisticated cyber threats, including ransomware, phishing campaigns, supply chain risks, and AI-enabled attacks,” said Carri Bennet, Outside General Counsel to the Rural Wireless Association. “CyberShare brings together the expertise, resources, and collaborative partnerships needed to help smaller providers stay ahead of these evolving threats. RWA is proud to once again partner in hosting this important event and supporting the cybersecurity readiness of rural wireless networks nationwide.”

“Several million Americans get their broadband service from small, community-based WISP operators,” said Louis Peraertz, Vice President of Policy for WISPA–The Association for Broadband Without Boundaries. “These largely rural and Tribal networks need to be as secure as their urban counterparts. WISPA is proud to co-host the CyberShare Summit and help our members get the latest cybersecurity policy knowledge and technical skills to keep their vital broadband networks reliable and protected against malicious actors.”

For more information about the CyberShare Summit and to register, visit CyberShare.