Hello San Francisco
San Francisco was electric once again as the cybersecurity world converged for RSAC 2026. Between the non-stop energy and innovations, one thing was clear: AI has officially taken center stage.
No longer just a tool, AI now represents both the greatest opportunity and the greatest risk for organizations. The conversation has shifted from adoption to how it is secured and kept in step with its rapid evolution.
With that, here is a recap of the trendiest companies and the best events from the most unforgettable RSAC yet.
Sweet Security
Right across from the Moscone Center, Sweet Security was serving up some decadent treats, coffee, and an even sweeter take on cloud security in the AI era. Renting out a full bakery, they created a full cafe experience and one of the most inviting stops of the week, because nothing pairs better with cybersecurity than a little pick-me-up and a conversation.
Beyond the sweetness was a serious message. Sweet Security is tackling what they call the next generation of cloud security, built for a world where AI moves fast, and attackers move even faster. From “minus one” exploits to agentic applications acting on their own, the threat landscape is evolving in real time, and their platform is designed to keep up with it.
Their approach centers on runtime security rather than relying on static scans. By establishing a baseline of normal behavior, they can quickly flag deviations, detect threats, and prioritize what is truly exploitable. The result is less noise and more clarity on what actually matters.
Cy4Data Labs
The expo floor can sometimes feel like a full on rodeo, and what’s a rodeo without a mechanical bull… or in Cy4Data Labs’ case, a mechanical database.
It was one of those booths you couldn’t walk past without stopping. The creativity translates directly into how they approach data security. Cy4Data Labs focuses on protecting data at its most granular level through atomic level encryption, securing each data element with its own unique key, making stolen data essentially useless.
At RSAC, they introduced their Behavior Engine for insider threat detection, built around a simple but powerful framework, Detect. Deny. Eject. Designed to identify and contain threats in seconds rather than months, the platform shifts security from reactive to proactive.
In a space where data is constantly in motion, Cy4Data Labs is proving that the real challenge is not just riding the chaos, it is controlling it!
It’s Showtime
This year, I found myself swapping the expo floor for a seat at the AMC Metreon, where cybersecurity took on a cinematic twist. It was a chance to sit back, relax, and take it all in from a different perspective.
OPSWAT: Into the Breach
OPSWAT really brought the heat (literally) in terms of unique experiences. They partnered with Kari Byron to premiere their docuseries Into the Breach: Breaking the Firewall, turning cybersecurity into something you could actually see and experience.
One standout moment was the focus on data diodes, a one-way data flow system that ensures information cannot return once it leaves. Seeing it in action made the power of prevention based security clear.
That idea reflects OPSWAT’s message at RSAC 2026: rethink cybersecurity. Instead of reacting to threats, their approach centers on stopping them before they execute, powered by technologies like Deep CDR, MetaDefender, and AI-driven capabilities such as Alin and Aether.
The VIP screening at AMC made it even more of an experience, with Kari there in person, connecting with attendees. It was a fun way to absorb complex concepts in a more digestible format, while still walking away with real insight.
Women in Cyber Documentary
Accompanied by our lovely Women in Cyber Scholarship winners, we made our way to the AMC Metreon for a screening that felt a little different from the rest.
The Women in Security Documentary is a film built around real stories. It brings together women across the cybersecurity industry, each sharing what it truly looks like to navigate this space.
It is honest and deeply human. The kind of documentary that does not just highlight success, but shows the reality behind it, the challenges of being underrepresented, the pressure to prove yourself, and the strength it takes to keep showing up anyway.
As a woman in this field, it was more than inspiring; it was validating. A reminder that you are not navigating this space alone, and that the stories we carry matter just as much as the work we do.
Tattoos with Torq
Torq not only has an edgy aesthetic and the world’s largest and cutest inflatable at the show, but they also delivered one of the boldest ideas at the conference. I did a double-take when I saw the Torq Tattoo Bus. A tattoo at a cybersecurity conference? Say less. I was in! Shoutout to the talented artists from Body Art Bus, who brought the whole experience to life. They were a fun and energetic group and made the entire process feel safe and easy!
Permanent ink might be the bold move, but Torq is bringing that same level of commitment to cybersecurity. Their AI SOC platform enables enterprises to detect and respond to threats with speed and precision at scale.
At RSAC 2026, they introduced Torq Agentic Builder, bringing AI deeper into security workflows. With Cursor level functionality, teams can describe what they need and generate processes in real time, shifting from manual response to something far more adaptive.
Endor Labs: Women in AI Night Market
The energy shifted in the best way possible when Endor Labs hosted their Women in AI Night Market. It felt less like a conference event and more like a little escape tucked inside RSAC.
Beautifully curated with a soft, zen ambiance shaped by a thoughtful lineup of vendors and artists, including Rose Crelli on violin, Banh Bakery, Eternal Trinket Permanent Jewelry, a henna artist, Sisters & Lab Handmade Skincare, and Teappo Premium Teas.
This was a space where women in tech could come together and connect without the usual conference pressure. I met so many amazing women here, and every interaction felt genuine.
Behind the scenes, Endor Labs was also showcasing some seriously impressive work. Their new platform, AURI, is built for the AI-driven development lifecycle, embedding security directly into developer workflows and even AI coding assistants. It helps teams catch and fix real risks early, before they ever make it into production.
It was the perfect balance. A night that felt light and fun, while still grounded in the kind of fresh thinking that is shaping where the industry is headed.
Physical Security Village: Lockpicking 101
One of the coolest and most illuminating sessions I attended was Lockpicking 101 by Physical Security Village, led by Terry Luan and Karen Ng.
This was not your typical sit in session. It was interactive and a little bit thrilling. I got to try picking a lock myself and even learned how something as simple as a bobby pin can be used to escape handcuffs.
What stood out most was how approachable it all felt. With the right technique and just a bit of practice, things we assume are secure suddenly felt… a lot less secure. The session broke down the fundamentals, from applying just enough tension to feel a pin “click” into place, to understanding how locks can be manipulated one piece at a time.
That was the bigger message. Physical security is just as critical as digital security. We spend so much time protecting systems and data, but sometimes overlook the physical access points that can be just as vulnerable.
It was one of those sessions that sticks with you. Not just because it was fun, but because it completely shifts how you look at something as simple as a locked door.
Goodbye San Francisco
Just like that, RSAC 2026 comes to a close.
From AI driving the conversation to hands-on sessions that redefined what security really means, this year left its mark.
You come for the technology, but you leave thinking about the people and the perspective you did not have before.
Goodbye, San Francisco, this Reporter Is Signing Off!
About the Author
Angie Apolinar is a Lead Reporter at Cyber Defense Magazine and a Women in Cybersecurity award recipient. She is a graduate student in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance at Western Governors University with a degree in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton. Angie serves as a Cyber Mentor and Professor’s Assistant for Cypress College’s Cyber Defense Program, where she supports the next generation of cyber professionals. She is also involved in NASA research and workforce development programs, gaining hands-on experience in mission concepts and emerging space technologies.
Reach her online at [email protected].
