Qualys, Inc.

As the Department of Defense marches toward the FY2027 Zero Trust (ZT) Target Level deadline, DoD agencies face a dual challenge: transitioning to a Unified Network while simultaneously operationalizing the 91 specific capability outcomes defined by the DoD CIO. Many agencies are finding that relying on dozens of disconnected security products creates visibility gaps that actively hinders ZT maturity.

This session moves beyond ZT theory to provide a practical, platform-centric roadmap for securing the 7 Pillars of Zero Trust. Qualys will explore how a unified architectural approach enables DoD to consolidate their security stack, automate compliance for Continuous ATO (cATO) and achieve the high-fidelity visibility required for a functional Risk Operations Center (ROC).

The Pentagon is entering a new phase of modernization, one defined less by experimentation and more by enterprise-scale execution. Technologies like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, autonomous systems, space architectures, and next-generation missile defense are no longer separate initiatives. Together, they form the foundation of future warfighting. From data platforms that enable faster, predictive decisions, to edge AI operating in contested environments, to autonomous systems reshaping force design, today’s conflicts are driving a fundamental shift in how military power is built and applied. As near-peer competitors move quickly, often without ethical or policy constraints, the United States and its allies must convert technological advantage into sustained operational dominance.

The annual Defense One Tech Summit brings together senior defense leaders and innovators from across the services and combatant commands to examine how the Pentagon is building, scaling, and governing these critical technologies. Discussions will explore enterprise AI and data infrastructure, distributed and tactical intelligence, real-world autonomous operations, autocratic approaches to AI, startup-driven innovation, and the convergence of space, missile defense, and nuclear deterrence. Together, these conversations will highlight how the U.S. can move faster from prototype to production, identify remaining barriers, and better align government and industry to compete and win in an era of accelerating technological competition.

As cyber threats grow more relentless and sophisticated, federal agencies and the public sector are entering a defining moment in how they defend critical systems, data, and missions. This cybersecurity summit brings together government leaders, industry experts, and innovators to move beyond strategy and into real-world execution—exploring how Zero Trust is being operationalized, how cloud environments are secured at scale, and how AI is transforming threat detection and response. Through dynamic discussions and practical insights, attendees will gain actionable approaches to improving visibility, accelerating decision-making, and strengthening resilience across complex environments.

We're excited to announce the 2026 NCLGISA Spring Symposium.  It will take place May 20 - 22 (May 19-21 for Business Partners), 2026, in beautiful Wilmington, NC. We are busy finalizing all the details.