What siberX does

siberX is a privately held Canadian cybersecurity events and training company headquartered in Thornhill, Ontario, operating since at least 2017. The company runs a portfolio of seven event brands targeting enterprise security leaders, government and public-sector buyers, and women in cybersecurity — including Operation: Defend the North (ODTN), a multi-city tabletop cyber crisis simulation exercise; CISO Forum Canada, an executive security leadership conference; Canadian Women in Cybersecurity, an annual diversity-focused conference; AiSecCon and siberXcon, AI-themed executive gatherings; the Cybersecurity Think Tank Retreat, an invitation-only GenAI security summit; The Cybersecurity Meetup, a networking series; and gamified Cybersecurity Escape Rooms for hands-on training.

The underlying platform combines in-person and virtual event delivery (including a 24/7 YouTube Cyber Stream and a siberX App for on-demand access) with structured tabletop crisis simulations built around fictitious cyber attacks against Canadian critical sectors — Energy, Finance & Banking, Healthcare, Government Services, and Telecommunications. The proprietary NOW // AI program, co-developed with SANS Institute, introduces an AI risk management curriculum organized into Protect AI, Utilize AI, and Govern AI operational pillars, with content spanning anomaly detection, autonomous AI agent risk, predictive analytics, and generative AI security.

siberX monetizes through four streams: event ticket sales (General Admission $99, Virtual Full Access $10, Virtual Starter Pass free, CISO Forum $650-$1,350, Think Tank Retreat $1,995), tiered event sponsorships (Innovation, Strategy, Support, Sponsor, Partner tiers), enterprise cyber solutions (vendor/VAR/MSSP enablement via the SiberX Engine platform and certification readiness services), and sponsorship/grant funding. The company employs 11-50 staff, is founder-led by CEO Mahdi Raza, and reports no institutional funding rounds or parent company ownership. Geographic operations span Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec, with ODTN 2026 scheduled across five major Canadian cities.

Name

siberX

Legal name

SiberX

Website

https://siberx.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

siberX is a privately held Canadian cybersecurity events and training company that operates a portfolio of conference brands (ODTN, CISO Forum, Canadian Women in Cybersecurity, AiSecCon, Think Tank Retreat) and tabletop crisis simulations serving enterprise security leaders, government agencies, and the Canadian cybersecurity community.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cybersecurity Training and Events

NAICS

Computer Training (611420), Other Computer Related Services (541519)

akta.pro primary industry

Security Operations (SOC), Incident Response & Threat Hunting (EDAOAIAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Incident Response & Case Management (HDADAGAF), Phishing, Social Engineering & Business Email Compromise (BEC) Training (EDABAGAB), IT Risk Management (ITRM) (HDADAIAD)

Keywords

• Cybersecurity events
• Tabletop crisis simulations
• Cybersecurity training
• Security conferences
• AI risk management

Headquarters

HQ city

Richmond Hill

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Event Tickets: Revenue generated from selling tickets to cybersecurity events including Operation: Defend the North, CISO Forum, and other conferences. Ticket tiers include General Admission ($99), Virtual Full Access ($10), and Virtual Starter Pass (Free).
2. Conference Sponsorships: Sponsorship packages at various tiers (Innovation, Strategy, Support, Sponsor, Partner) for events like Canadian Women in Cybersecurity.
3. Enterprise Cybersecurity Solutions: Services for enterprise clients including Cyber Certification Readiness and Enterprise Cyber Solutions.
4. Training and Certification: Cybersecurity training programs, escape room experiences, and certification readiness services for vendors, VARs, MSSPs, and individual professionals.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

siberX operates a portfolio of cybersecurity conferences, tabletop crisis simulation events, and training programs for Canadian security professionals. The company runs multiple annual event series including Operation: Defend the North (a sector-specific cyber readiness exercise), CISO Forum Canada, AiSecCon, siberXcon, Canadian Women in Cybersecurity, The Cybersecurity Meetup, and the Cybersecurity Think Tank Retreat, complemented by gamified escape room training, certification readiness programs, enterprise cyber solutions, and the NOW // AI risk management simulation program developed with SANS Institute.

Product overview

siberX is a cybersecurity events and experiences company operating a portfolio of distinct products centered on immersive training, professional development, and community engagement. The core offering consists of large-scale cybersecurity conferences and tabletop simulation exercises, including Operation: Defend the North (ODTN), CISO Forum Canada, AiSecCon, and siberXcon. Supporting these are specialized events like Canadian Women in Cybersecurity, The Cybersecurity Meetup networking evenings, and Cybersecurity Think Tank Retreats. The portfolio also includes gamified learning products (Cybersecurity Escape Rooms), certification readiness programs, enterprise solutions (via the Engine platform), and the newly launched NOW // AI program developed with SANS Institute for AI risk management training. These products serve Canadian cybersecurity professionals through in-person events, virtual attendance options, and streaming content.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AiSecCon: Premier closed-door event where AI and cybersecurity leaders, executives, and government officials gather to explore AI-driven security, evolving cyber threats, and breakthrough innovations.
• Canadian Women in Cybersecurity
• CISO Forum
• Operation: Defend the North
• The Cybersecurity Meetup
• siberXcon
• Cybersecurity Think Tank
• Cybersecurity Escape Rooms

Products and services

• Operation: Defend the North (ODTN) A Canadian Cybersecurity Readiness Exercise that simulates fictitious cyber attacks against Canada's critical sectors (Government, Telecommunications, Energy, Finance/Healthcare National, and Border/Manufacturing) through interactive tabletop exercises. Designed for industry leaders, cybersecurity professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to fortify defenses.
• CISO Forum Canada Executive cybersecurity conference bringing speakers, attendees, and sponsors from around the world to discuss leadership, strategic management, innovation, and cutting-edge information security topics for CISOs and security executives.
• Canadian Women in Cybersecurity Annual conference celebrating diversity of thought, experience, ability, and background in the Canadian cybersecurity ecosystem, featuring keynotes, panels, hands-on technical reviews, and gamified engagements for women in cybersecurity.
• AiSecCon Premier closed-door event where AI and cybersecurity leaders, executives, and government officials gather to explore AI-driven security, evolving cyber threats, and breakthrough innovations.
• siberXcon Executive cybersecurity conference bringing together leaders from AI, cybersecurity, government, and academia for a full-day program focused on AI-driven security risk, emerging cyber threats, and digital trust.
• The Cybersecurity Meetup Exclusive evening networking events bringing together cybersecurity professionals, executives, and thought leaders for authentic collaboration and lasting professional relationships.
• Cybersecurity Think Tank Retreat Invitation-only three-day summit designed for top security leaders to focus on actionable solutions through peer-to-peer collaboration and deployable strategies tailored to Canadian regulatory demands, including a GenAI Security edition.
• NOW // AI AI risk management simulation program developed with SANS Institute, featuring three operational pillars: Protect AI, Utilize AI, and Govern AI. Designed to help leaders manage AI risk, strengthen security controls, and defend enterprise value.
• Cybersecurity Escape Rooms Gamified cybersecurity simulations and escape room experiences providing hands-on training and practical security skills in an immersive game environment for professionals and municipal staff.
• Enterprise Cyber Solutions (SiberX Engine) Cybersecurity solutions tailored for enterprise organizations, including vendor, VAR, and MSSP enablement services delivered through the SiberX Engine platform.
• Cyber Certification Readiness Training programs designed to help professionals prepare for cybersecurity certifications, including CPE credit opportunities in compliance with SANS Standard Number 16.

Quantifiable outcome

• 500+ attendees at single event (Canadian Women in Cybersecurity 2020)
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability4 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SANS InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 February 2026SANS Institute and siberX partnered to introduce NOW // AI, a simulation program aimed at enhancing AI risk management, security governance, and compliance. The program includes operational pillars: Protect AI, Utilize AI, and Govern AI.
• MISA OntariocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 October 2025siberX partnered with MISA Ontario and SANS Institute to deliver a cybersecurity training workshop and escape room experience at the 2025 MISA Ontario InfoSec Conference in Hamilton. The event focused on practical, municipal-specific cybersecurity training, including hands-on workshops, gamified simulations, and certification opportunities.
• Bell CyberminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBell Cyber listed as a sponsor for Operation: Defend the North 2026 (Ottawa) event.
• HPE Aruba NetworkingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHPE Aruba Networking listed as a sponsor for Operation: Defend the North 2026 (Ottawa) event.
• CyberJutsuminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWomen's Cyberjutsu listed as a partner for ODTN Ottawa 2026 event, supporting diversity in cybersecurity.
• ReadySetCyberminorGTM or Marketing PartnerReadySetCyber listed as a partner, providing cybersecurity readiness resources and content.
• CyberBPOminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCyberBPO listed as a partner supporting cybersecurity business process outsourcing content and engagement.
• Cyber GamifiedminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCyber Gamified listed as a partner, supporting gamified cybersecurity training experiences.
• Noma SecurityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerInnovation-level sponsor for Canadian Women in Cybersecurity 2026.
• NetwrixminorGTM or Marketing PartnerInnovation-level sponsor for Canadian Women in Cybersecurity 2026.
• Check Point SoftwareminorGTM or Marketing PartnerStrategy-level sponsor for Canadian Women in Cybersecurity 2026.
• OptivminorGTM or Marketing PartnerStrategy-level sponsor for Canadian Women in Cybersecurity 2026.
• DarktraceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupport-level sponsor for Canadian Women in Cybersecurity 2026.
• MNP DigitalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupport-level sponsor for Canadian Women in Cybersecurity 2026.
• SANS InstituteminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor and partner for Canadian Women in Cybersecurity 2026, supporting professional development content.
• WiCyS Ontario AffiliateminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner organization for Canadian Women in Cybersecurity 2026, supporting women in cybersecurity community.
• ISACA CalgaryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner organization for Canadian Women in Cybersecurity 2026.
• Diana InitiativeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner organization supporting diversity in cybersecurity for Canadian Women in Cybersecurity 2026.
• Canadian Cyber Threat ExchangeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner organization for threat intelligence sharing and community engagement.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• SANS Institute: SANS Institute is the leading global provider of cybersecurity training and certifications. It is a direct peer in cybersecurity technical training AND siberX's strategic co-development partner on the NOW // AI program, making it the closest comparable in content depth and audience overlap.
• OffSec: OffSec (Offensive Security) provides hands-on cybersecurity training including OSCP and gamified lab environments. Highly comparable to siberX's escape rooms and tabletop simulations in its experiential, scenario-based training approach.
• Cybrary: Cybrary is an online cybersecurity training platform offering courses, certification prep, and hands-on labs for practitioners. Comparable to siberX's certification-readiness and training offerings, particularly in the individual-professional segment.
• Infosec Institute: Infosec Institute provides cybersecurity training, bootcamps, certification prep, and skill assessments. Direct competitor in the certification-readiness and skills-development category where siberX also operates.
• Hack The Box: Hack The Box is a gamified cybersecurity training and CTF platform with hands-on labs and enterprise offerings. Closely comparable to siberX's escape rooms and gamified training experiences in format and audience.

Broad incumbents

• ISACA: ISACA is a global professional association offering cybersecurity/IT governance training, certifications (CISA, CISM, CRISC), conferences, and chapter events. It overlaps with siberX in serving CISOs and security leaders with certification pathways and executive forums, but operates globally with a much larger content library.
• (ISC)²: (ISC)² administers the CISSP and other flagship cybersecurity certifications and runs professional education and events for security practitioners. Comparable to siberX's certification-readiness and executive training lines, but at vastly greater global scale.
• Pluralsight: Pluralsight is a large-scale technology skills platform with substantial cybersecurity content, certification paths, and hands-on labs. It is a broad incumbent covering siberX's training/certification adjacency at much greater scale.

Others

• WiCyS (Women in Cybersecurity): WiCyS is the leading global nonprofit advancing women in cybersecurity, running annual conferences, affiliates, and mentorship. siberX's Canadian Women in Cybersecurity conference mirrors this mission and audience, making WiCyS a peer/partner ecosystem comparator.
• MISA Ontario: MISA Ontario is a municipal IT/security association that co-delivered a siberX workshop and escape room in 2025. Functions as both a regional channel partner and a peer in the Canadian public-sector cybersecurity training ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/watch?v=JUWNC58SGJw

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about siberX