Date: August 1–6, 2026
Location: Las Vegas, USA
Type: Conference with dedicated AI/ML track
Website: blackhat.com/us-26
What Is Black Hat USA 2026?
Black Hat USA 2026, the 26th edition of the world’s most respected information security conference, returns to Las Vegas from August 1 through August 6. Organized by Informa Tech, the event has long served as the premier gathering for cybersecurity professionals, researchers, and vendors. In recent years, Black Hat has expanded its scope to address the growing intersection of artificial intelligence and security, and the 2026 program continues that evolution with a dedicated AI/ML track.
This track is specifically designed to cover the most pressing challenges at the nexus of AI and cybersecurity: adversarial attacks, model exploitation, prompt-injection research, and AI red-teaming. The conference also features hands-on training sessions and cutting-edge security research briefings, making it a critical venue for anyone working to secure AI systems or understand how AI is reshaping the threat landscape. For AI professionals, Black Hat USA 2026 is not merely a security conference—it is a barometer for the state of AI safety and resilience.
Why It Matters for AI Professionals
As AI models become embedded in enterprise workflows, critical infrastructure, and consumer products, the security of these systems is no longer an afterthought—it is a core requirement. Black Hat USA 2026 provides AI professionals with direct access to the latest research on how models can be compromised, from adversarial inputs that fool classifiers to sophisticated prompt-injection attacks that hijack large language models. Understanding these vulnerabilities is essential for data scientists, ML engineers, and AI product managers who must build robust, trustworthy systems.
Attendees will gain actionable insights into red-teaming methodologies tailored for AI, learning how to probe models for weaknesses before attackers do. The conference also offers a unique opportunity to network with leading security researchers who specialize in AI exploitation, bridging the gap between the AI development and cybersecurity communities. For professionals responsible for AI governance or compliance, the briefings at Black Hat USA 2026 provide an early look at emerging threats that could shape future regulations and best practices.
What to Expect
Black Hat USA 2026 is structured around several key components that cater to both technical depth and strategic overview. The AI/ML track is a central focus, but the broader conference covers all aspects of information security. Key themes and offerings include:
- AI/ML Track: Dedicated sessions on adversarial attacks, model exploitation, prompt-injection research, and AI red-teaming. These briefings are curated from peer-reviewed submissions and represent the forefront of AI security research.
- Hands-On Training: Multi-day, instructor-led courses that allow attendees to practice techniques for securing AI systems, conducting penetration tests on models, and defending against AI-specific threats.
- Research Briefings: Cutting-edge presentations from independent researchers, academic institutions, and industry labs, covering everything from hardware-level exploits to AI supply chain vulnerabilities.
- Keynote Presentations: While specific speakers for 2026 are to be announced, Black Hat traditionally features thought leaders from government, academia, and the private sector addressing the most critical issues in cybersecurity.
- Arsenal and Vendor Expo: A showcase of open-source tools and commercial solutions, including those focused on AI security, model validation, and adversarial defense.
Who Should Attend
Black Hat USA 2026 is designed for a broad audience within the AI and cybersecurity ecosystem. Primary attendees include:
- AI/ML Researchers and Engineers: Those building or deploying models who need to understand adversarial robustness and secure development practices.
- Security Researchers and Red-Teamers: Professionals specializing in penetration testing, vulnerability research, and offensive security, particularly those expanding into AI-specific attack surfaces.
- Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and Security Leaders: Executives responsible for organizational risk management who must evaluate the security implications of AI adoption.
- Product Managers and Developers: Teams integrating AI features into applications who need to prioritize security from the design phase.
- Policy Makers and Compliance Officers: Individuals tracking the regulatory landscape around AI safety and data protection.
How to Register
Registration for Black Hat USA 2026 is available exclusively through the official conference website. The event offers several pass types, including full-conference access, training-only passes, and briefings-only passes. Pricing details for the 2026 edition are to be announced; early-bird discounts are typically offered for registrations completed before a specified deadline. To secure your spot and receive updates on the agenda, speakers, and pricing, visit the official registration page at blackhat.com/us-26.
