By: Muhammad Aamir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter

A new partnership between siberX, St. Clair College and the SANS Institute will bring an AI‑focused executive cybersecurity program to Windsor‑Essex this fall, aimed at helping leaders navigate the growing risks posed by artificial intelligence across regulated industries.

Launching in October 2026, the NOW // AI program is designed to prepare executives, managers and technical leaders to make fast, defensible decisions as AI reshapes cyber risk, regulatory pressure and enterprise value. The initiative includes a full‑day, instructor‑led SANS war‑room simulation and an interactive cyber‑range environment built around realistic AI‑driven incidents.

Organizers say the program places participants inside high‑pressure scenarios that mirror real‑world crises, requiring them to manage cascading operational, regulatory and reputational consequences. The training replaces theory with action, offering hands‑on experience in AI risk, governance and incident response.

The program targets leaders in sectors such as finance, critical infrastructure and the public sector, where AI adoption is accelerating. According to the SANS 2026 Workforce Research Report, 27 per cent of organizations have linked a recent breach to internal skills gaps, with AI security among the most significant capability deficits.

“This partnership represents a significant step forward in executive cybersecurity education,” said Mahdi Raza, CEO and founder of siberX. He said combining SANS’ global expertise, St. Clair College’s applied‑learning strengths and siberX’s immersive environments will help prepare leaders for the realities of AI‑driven risk.

St. Clair College president Michael Silvaggi said the initiative aligns with the college’s focus on industry‑relevant training. He noted the college’s upcoming Border Tech Expo with siberX will further highlight innovation in the sector.

Rob T. Lee, chief AI officer at SANS Institute, said organizations are being pushed to adopt AI without the governance structures needed to manage it responsibly. “NOW // AI gives leaders a structured environment to test their decisions under realistic conditions,” he said.

Windsor‑Essex’s concentration of manufacturing, financial services and public‑sector organizations makes it a natural setting for the program, organizers said. Participants who complete the training will earn a SANS × siberX badge and certificate based on demonstrated application of AI risk‑management principles.

Registration details and program dates will be released in the coming months.