ICCWS

21st International Conference on Cyber Warfare and Security
5-6 March 2026, Wilmington, U.S.A

University of North Carolina (UNCW), USA



Welcome to ICCWS 2026

The International Conference on Cyber Warfare and Security (ICCWS) is a prominent academic conference that has been held annually for 20 years, bringing together researchers, practitioners, and scholars from around the globe to discuss and advance the field of cyber warfare and security. The conference proceedings are published each year, contributing to the body of knowledge in this rapidly evolving domain.

The ICCWS serves as a crucial platform for the exchange of ideas and the dissemination of cutting-edge research in cyber warfare and security. By covering a wide range of topics, the conference facilitates interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration, driving forward innovations and improvements in how nations, organizations, and individuals address cyber threats. The open access conference proceedings, published annually, provide valuable insights and are frequently cited by academics, policymakers, and industry professionals, underscoring the conference’s role in shaping the future of cyber warfare and security. 

Conference co-Chairs

Dr. Ulku Clark
Dr. Toni Pence

Programme Chair

Dr. Bilge Karabacak

Personal Message

Welcome to ICCWS 2026 at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, located in the vibrant coastal city of Wilmington, North Carolina!

We are happy to invite you to the 21st International Conference on Cyber Warfare and Security (ICCWS 2026), co-hosted by the Congdon School (within the Cameron School of Business) and the Department of Computer Science at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW).

UNCW’s cybersecurity program is an interdisciplinary initiative developed by the Congdon School and the Department of Computer Science. It stands at the forefront of cybersecurity education and research, fostering collaboration among academia, industry, and government to address the ever-evolving challenges in cybersecurity.

Beyond the conference sessions, we encourage you to explore Wilmington’s rich history, scenic coastal views, and welcoming atmosphere. From the charming historic downtown waterfront to the beautiful nearby beaches, the city offers the perfect blend of professional engagement and relaxation.

We look forward to welcoming you to ICCWS 2026, where leading experts, researchers, and practitioners from around the world will come together to share insights, build new collaborations, and shape the future of cybersecurity.

See you in Wilmington!

Important Dates

Abstract submission deadline13 August 2025
Notification of abstract acceptance27 August 2025
Full paper due for review02 October 2025
Notification of paper acceptance (with any requested changes)11 December 2025
Earlybird registration closes25 December 2025
Final paper due (with any changes)08 January 2026
Final Author payment date29 January 2026
We are planning to run our series of conferences as physical events with the option for participants to join virtually. We urge you to continue to submit your abstracts and papers in line with the published dates (extensions will be granted on request). For more details contact info@academic-conferences.org

Conference Publications

   

Papers accepted for the ICCWS after the double-blind peer review process, will be published in the conference proceedings, subject to author registration and payment. The conference proceedings have an ISSN (2049-9870) and will be assigned an ISBN on publication. Proceedings are accessible here: https://papers.academic-conferences.org/index.php/iccws

Additionally, papers that have been presented at the conference will also be considered for further development and possible publication in the journals listed below. Authors are invited to submit their work to these journals mentioning that they attended the conference. Authors will be expected to develop the work by 40-50%, including a change of title and abstract. Individual journal procedures will need to be followed and there is no guarantee of publication.

Conference Accreditations


 The Proceedings of the International Conference on Cyber Warfare and Security (ICCWS) will be submitted to the following bodies for indexing:

  • BowkerLink Publisher Access System
  • British Library Legal Deposit
  • Curran Associates Proceedings
  • EBSCO database of Conference Proceedings
  • Elsevier Scopus
  • Google Scholar
  • Google Book Search
  • submitted for consideration by the Web of Science (WoS) Conference Proceedings Citation Index
  • Institution of Engineering and Technology in the UK
  • Nielsen
  • Publishers’ Licensing Services
  • ProQuest
  • Ranked 1 in the Norwegian Register for Scientific Journals, Series and Publishers

The Conference Proceedings are submitted for accreditation on publication. Please note that depending on the accreditation body this process can take up to several months.