Threats, Tech, and Tashkent: FIRSTUZ26 Recap

By Grace Staley, FIRST Events Team
Wednesday, March 18th, 2026

The 2026 FIRST Regional Symposium for Central Asia brought the global cybersecurity community to Tashkent, Uzbekistan over February 26-27, 2026, marking an exciting milestone for the organization. Hosted by UZCERT and INHA University in Tashkent, it was the very first regional symposium organized by the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST) in Central Asia, and it did not disappoint.

Over the course of two action-packed days, approximately 250 participants joined in, from seasoned cybersecurity professionals to curious researchers and eager students. The event saw strong engagement not only from registered attendees but from many local industry members who heard about the symposium and joined sessions as walk-in participants. Held on the university campus, many students got their first taste of conference comradery and were overjoyed to ask questions, explore, and show off their skills! The enthusiasm and curiosity of these new voices brought energy to the discussions.

The symposium provided a platform for meaningful dialogue and knowledge sharing amongst cybersecurity practitioners. Through presentations, discussions, and networking opportunities, we explored ways to strengthen operational capabilities and respond more effectively (together). Moreover, the symposium offered ample opportunities to strengthen regional and international partnerships and contribute to a more resilient global cyberspace - FIRST's ultimate goal!

FIRSTUZ26 was made possible with the generous support of sponsors who share FIRST's commitment to strengthening the ecosystem, including Gold Sponsor, VMRay, and Silver Sponsors, CTM360 and NRD Cybersecurity. VMRay added an extra element of excitement to the symposium with a raffle challenge that tested attendees' creativity and critical thinking skills!

As Mirza Asrar Baig of CTM360 put it:

"FIRST brings together a community that genuinely believes in collaboration over competition. For us at CTM360, that exchange of insights and trust between global practitioners is invaluable in staying ahead of evolving cyber threats. Supporting the first FIRST event in Central Asia was particularly meaningful; it reflects the growing importance of strengthening cybersecurity capabilities in emerging regions, and we're proud to contribute to that progress alongside the global community."

For many attendees, the real highlight wasn't just the sessions, but the chance to meet peers across the region face-to-face, swap stories, and grow the FIRST family. A special welcome dinner hosted by UZCERT brought speakers and sponsors together for Uzbek hospitality and cuisine at the city's iconic TV Tower. With gorgeous 360 views, the illuminated tower provided the perfect atmosphere for conversation and new friendships.

Beyond the conference sessions, attendees had the chance to experience the unique culture and warmth of Tashkent at every corner. From the city's vibrant food scene to its modern architecture and bustling streets, it was hard not to feel welcomed by the local culture and find yourself smiling across a large plate of plov!

The Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST) is a global network of more than 800 member organizations spanning Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania, all collaborating to make the internet a safer place. Programs like the FIRST CORE Program are helping grow the community by creating even more opportunities for training, knowledge sharing, and capacity building around the world. Learn more at: https://www.first.org/global/core/

The first FIRST Regional Symposium in Central Asia proved one thing: this region is a shining beacon (much like its TV tower) of cybersecurity talent and collaboration. For those who attended, the two days were packed with learning, laughter, and cultural adventures. And for those who couldn't make it this time, the message is clear: Central Asia is an exciting place for the cybersecurity community to connect, collaborate, and grow. We hope to be back soon. We can't wait for round two.