Get ready to race the clock and defend your district.

Illinois K-12 technology directors and cybersecurity staff will be immersed in a live cybersecurity experience unlike anything you’ve seen before. SOC vs. The Clock drops you directly into the middle of a real-world ransomware attack. This interactive, hands-on simulation challenges you to think and act like a SOC analyst while making high-stakes decisions under pressure. As the attack unfolds, you’ll hunt for indicators of compromise, investigate initial access and data theft, and respond to an active adversary—all while the clock is ticking.

Guided by Sophos threat detection and response experts, you’ll gain insider insight into how modern attacks really happen, how MDR (Managed Detection and Response) teams stop threats in real time, and what effective incident response looks like when every second counts. Along the way, you’ll collaborate with peers from neighboring school districts; sharing strategies, lessons learned, and best practices in a supportive, team-based environment.
And yes—fuel is provided. Enjoy coffee and donuts to start the day and stick around for a complimentary catered lunch.

This is not a lecture. This is not a demo. This is your chance to experience a cyberattack before it happens to you.