Cybersecurity Career Week Launches National Campaign for October 2026
Cybersecurity Career Week is scheduled for October 19–24, 2026, to promote workforce development and digital resilience. Coordinated by the NICE program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the campaign features webinars, media challenges, and community events designed to connect job seekers with industry professionals.
The campaign targets students, educators, and career changers exploring roles in the digital security sector. According to NIST, participants can access interactive toolkits and event listings through the official website to host local activities and guide new talent into the cybersecurity workforce.
Webinars and events focus on networking and career entry
The week-long initiative features structured virtual and in-person sessions addressing career entry, networking, and skill alignment. On October 14, 2026, a pre-campaign webinar titled “Networking Like a Leader: Building Authentic Connections That Create Opportunities” runs from 1:00 to 2:00 PM ET to help professionals build long-term career relationships.
On October 15, 2026, the NIST National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) hosts an in-person Cybersecurity Connections event from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM ET in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Commerce and Montgomery County, MD. Additional virtual sessions include a SANS-led webinar on October 20 addressing graduate job market entry, and a session on October 21 focusing on student pathway alignment based on Work Roles in the NICE Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity (NICE Framework).
Social Media Challenges and Interactive Discussions
Public engagement runs throughout the official week from October 19 to 24, 2026, via the #mycyberjob media challenge on X, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, coordinated by @NISTCyber. Participants share short videos and photos highlighting their work in the industry.
An X chat under the hashtags #CyberCareerChat and #CyberCareerWeek takes place on October 19, 2026, from 12:00 to 12:30 PM ET. Later in the week, on October 22, a panel discussion covers core competencies required across NICE Framework work role categories.
Who organizes Cybersecurity Career Week and how to participate
Who organizes Cybersecurity Career Week?
The NICE program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology under the U.S. Department of Commerce coordinates the campaign.
When does Cybersecurity Career Week take place in 2026?
The campaign is scheduled for October 19 through October 24, 2026, with select preliminary events beginning on October 14.
How can educators participate in the campaign?
Educators and mentors can access interactive toolkits, career planning resources, and turnkey event guides on the website to host local activities for students.