FIRST Expands VulnOptiCON 2026 as AI Raises Vulnerability Risks

Artificial intelligence and automation are reshaping vulnerability management by helping researchers identify software flaws faster while also giving attackers tools to accelerate exploitation. The shift is narrowing the time available for organizations to assess, prioritize and patch weaknesses. With the volume of vulnerabilities assigned Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures, or CVE, identifiers reaching a record, coordinated disclosure and risk-based remediation have become increasingly important for security teams worldwide.

The Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams, known as FIRST, said it will expand its VulnOptiCON 2026 conference in Luxembourg. The event will bring together vulnerability researchers, incident responders and risk-management specialists to examine how AI is changing both flaw discovery and exploitation. Participants will share strategies for handling a faster attack cycle, rising vulnerability volumes and the operational challenge of directing limited defensive resources toward the most consequential threats.