Lightning talks highlight fresh ideas, unique perspectives, valuable experiences and emerging trends in cybersecurity and/or privacy. Lightning Talks are five-minute talks (with or without formal presentations) with a maximum of one listed presenter.

• Listed presenter receives complimentary registration. Additionally, all WiCyS members are eligible to apply for a scholarship that includes shared lodging.

Panels provide opportunities to spotlight discussion on a current, relevant topic in cybersecurity and/or privacy. Panel submitters are responsible for selecting appropriate panelists to participate. Each panel is 45 minutes in length. In addition to the moderator, there can be two or three panelists; a panel has a minimum of three and a maximum of four panelists and one moderator listed. At the time of submission, panelist names should be confirmed. Submit all confirmed names and their affiliation info along with the abstract.

• The moderator receives complimentary registration. Additionally, all WiCyS members are eligible to apply for a scholarship that includes shared lodging.
• Up to three (3) panelists receive reduced rate conference registration ($300 discount). Additionally, all WiCyS members are eligible to apply for a scholarship that includes shared lodging.

Technical presentations highlight innovations, research & development projects, technical skills development, internships/co-ops experiences, service-learning and outreach projects, or other interesting experiences related to cybersecurity and/or privacy. Technical presentations are 45 minutes long, including time for Q&A, with a maximum of two listed presenters.

If accepted for In-person Conference:

• Listed presenters receive complimentary registration. Additionally, all WiCyS members are eligible to apply for a scholarship that includes shared lodging.

If accepted for Virtual Conference:

• Listed presenters receive complimentary virtual conference registration.

Workshops are hands-on sessions (technical/professional development) on any topic related to cybersecurity and/or privacy. The audience should be engaged and participate in activities throughout the session. Workshops are 1 hour and 45 minutes in length with a maximum of four listed presenters. Workshops should be suitable for a large audience (>150 attendees).

• First two (2) listed presenters receive complimentary registration. Additionally, all WiCyS members are eligible to apply for a scholarship that includes shared lodging.
• Up to two (2) additional presenters receive reduced rate conference registration ($300 discount). Additionally, all WiCyS members are eligible to apply for a scholarship that includes shared lodging.

Posters provide opportunities for students to present their work to the audience at WiCyS in poster format. The Poster judging process will select winners in both the undergraduate and graduate categories. The Winners of the poster competition in both undergraduate and graduate categories receive travel support for future security conference(s) of their choice. Runners-up receive prizes as well. 

• Submissions must be presented in person and the first listed presenter must be the lead presenter. Maximum of 4 presenters.
• The first listed student of accepted posters will receive an automatic scholarship to register and attend WiCyS 2026, which includes conference registration, conference meals and 2 nights shared lodging. There is a $50 registration processing fee. They also receive a $500 travel stipend.
• Additional students listed on a poster must apply for a scholarship to attend and there is no automatic scholarship.
• Presenting a poster at the conference is a student member benefit. Accepted poster presenters must become a student member if they are not already a student member.