RSAC 2026: Hollywood Stars, World Leaders, and Tech Titans Redefine Cybersecurity

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – February 18, 2026 – The world of cybersecurity is no longer confined to server rooms and encrypted channels. As the RSA Conference (RSAC) unveils its initial keynote lineup for its 35th anniversary, it's clear the conversation has gone mainstream. The 2026 event, scheduled for March 23-26 at San Francisco's Moscone Center, will feature not only the industry's top brass but also a striking roster of global figures including former New Zealand Prime Minister The Rt. Hon. Dame Jacinda Ardern, celebrated author Michael Lewis, MythBusters host Adam Savage, and Grammy-winning actor Hugh Jackman.

This star-studded announcement signals a significant shift, positioning cybersecurity not as a niche technical discipline, but as a foundational pillar of modern society, business, and geopolitics. By placing world leaders, venture capitalists, and cultural icons alongside CISOs and threat researchers, RSAC is making a bold statement about the interdisciplinary nature of digital security in the 21st century.

Beyond the Firewall: A New Kind of Security Summit

The inclusion of speakers from outside the traditional cybersecurity sphere is a deliberate move to broaden the dialogue. Each brings a unique and critical perspective on the challenges and responsibilities that now define our interconnected world.

• The Rt. Hon. Dame Jacinda Ardern brings a wealth of experience in national leadership and crisis management. Her work on the Christchurch Call, an initiative to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online, places her at the forefront of the global debate on content moderation, misinformation, and the role of technology platforms in societal well-being. Her presence underscores the growing convergence of national security, public policy, and digital governance.

• Michael Lewis, the master storyteller behind financial blockbusters like The Big Short and Moneyball, is known for his ability to demystify complex, opaque systems and reveal the human behaviors that drive them. His participation suggests a focus on the narrative of cybercrime, the psychology of risk in financial technology, and the systemic vulnerabilities that can lead to catastrophic digital failures.

• Tech entrepreneur and venture capital titan Ben Horowitz of Andreessen Horowitz offers a view from the nexus of innovation and investment. His insights will likely focus on the economic drivers of the cybersecurity industry, the burgeoning landscape of security startups, and the strategic imperatives for businesses navigating a world of escalating digital threats.

• Adam Savage, a scientist and educator beloved for his work on MythBusters, represents the importance of critical thinking, empirical testing, and public education. In a field often plagued by fear, uncertainty, and doubt, his perspective can help ground the conversation in practical problem-solving and demystify complex security concepts for a broader audience.

This diverse lineup is a core part of the conference's strategy. "At the heart of cybersecurity lies the people, and our powerful, resilient community," said Linda Gray Martin, Senior Vice President of RSAC Conference, in the official announcement. "This year's keynote speakers bring a wide range of perspectives and experiences with something for everyone."

RSAC at 35: From Niche Code to Global Community

The 2026 conference marks RSAC's 35th anniversary, a milestone that highlights its remarkable evolution. What began in 1991 as a small, focused gathering for cryptographers has transformed into the world's largest and most influential cybersecurity summit, annually attracting over 40,000 attendees.

This journey mirrors the trajectory of cybersecurity itself. In its early days, the conference was a battleground for ideas about encryption and privacy, famously taking a stand against the U.S. government's "Clipper Chip" in 1995. A decade later, a 2005 keynote by then-Microsoft CEO Bill Gates signaled a major shift, broadening the conference's focus from pure cryptography to the wider landscape of IT security.

Now an independent entity, the conference has rebranded to emphasize its core mission, with the "C" in RSAC explicitly standing for "Community." This reflects a strategic pivot towards fostering collaboration, content, and connection across industries and roles. The 35th-anniversary lineup is the ultimate expression of this philosophy, assembling a community that extends far beyond security operations centers to include policymakers, investors, and cultural influencers.

Power of Community: Tackling AI, Zero Trust, and Beyond

While the headline-grabbing names draw attention, the technical substance of RSAC remains its bedrock. The conference's explicit theme, "Power of Community," will frame discussions around the most pressing challenges facing the industry. Based on the announced speaker list and prevailing industry trends, several key topics are set to dominate the agenda.

Artificial Intelligence is chief among them. Sessions will undoubtedly explore the dual nature of AI as both a powerful tool for defense and a potent weapon for attackers. Experts from companies like Microsoft, Google, and Databricks will share insights on protecting the AI stack and navigating the new threat landscape. They will be joined by the titans of cybersecurity, including the CEOs of CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, and Varonis, who are building the next generation of AI-native security platforms.

Other critical themes include the continued push for Zero Trust architectures, the complexities of cloud and supply chain security, and the ever-evolving ransomware threat. The agenda is packed with industry legends and leaders, from the famed Cryptographers' Panel featuring Whitfield Diffie and Adi Shamir to former NSA directors like General Keith Alexander and General Paul M. Nakasone. This deep bench of expertise ensures that RSAC remains the premier venue for technical deep dives and strategic security planning.

The conference will culminate in a 35th Anniversary Closing Celebration featuring a conversation between RSAC Executive Chairman Dr. Hugh Thompson and actor Hugh Jackman. The inclusion of a globally recognized entertainer like Jackman serves as a final, powerful symbol of cybersecurity's arrival as a topic of mainstream cultural relevance, capping a week dedicated to the idea that in our digital age, security is truly everyone's business.