SC Capitol Defense is a one-day conference designed for cybersecurity professionals across industries — state and local government, K-12 Directors of Technology, and commercial technology leaders.
Held at the Columbia Museum of Art, the conference combines keynote presentations from nationally recognized experts, hands-on technology demonstrations, and facilitated roundtable discussions — all focused on the practical challenges facing South Carolina organizations today.
The Capitol is not merely a backdrop — it is a reminder that cybersecurity is a civic responsibility, and that defending South Carolina’s K-12 digital infrastructure requires the same commitment and coordination as defending its physical one.
Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Free Registration: https://capitol-defense.com/
Strengthening cybersecurity in K–12 is no longer optional, it’s essential. The Cybersecurity for Education Coalition’s Masterclass gives school and district leaders the practical knowledge, hands-on experience, and confidence they need to build stronger, more resilient systems that keep teaching and learning safe.
This FREE training is aligned to the National Institution of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 which is connect directly to the CIS Controls being adopted by SCDE for SAFE K-12 and CoSN’s Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) framework.
The Masterclass delivers a uniquely accessible and highly actionable learning experience. Designed specifically for education, it provides clear guidance, realistic practice, and expert-led instruction that demystifies cybersecurity for leaders at every skill level. Whether you're just beginning the journey or refining an established program, the Masterclass equips you with tools you can use immediately in your district.
Participants engage in interactive, scenario-based learning facilitated by a certified cybersecurity expert. The training happens right at your location, making it easy to gather your team, collaborate, and create shared understanding across roles. By anchoring all activities in the Cybersecurity Rubric (CR), leaders learn how to assess readiness, prioritize next steps, and drive sustainable improvement.
By attending the Masterclass, participants will:
Who should attend?
This Masterclass is ideal for district and school technology leaders, cybersecurity teams, instructional technology staff, and cross-functional leadership groups who want a unified, strategic approach to managing cyber risk. It is especially effective for teams who want to deepen their shared understanding and create coherent next steps. All skill levels are welcome (New to cybersecurity or looking to enhance existing knowledge)
To commemorate Women’s History month SCAET is partnering with the South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA), and Discovery Education to host an inaugural Women's History Month Luncheon for school district Instructional and Information Technology Leaders on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the SCASA building located at 1 Fernandina CT, Columbia SC 29212.
