Keynote
On 16 March 2026, Æva Black will open FOSS Backstage 2026 with a keynote on “Can Open Source be Secure by Design?”.
For twenty years, the tech industry has externalized more and more risk into the digital commons of free and open source software. Despite the undeniable economic benefits of open source collaboration, by withholding security-essential features and under-investing in communities which maintain that commons, industry has invited disaster.
In response to the sharp rise in global cybersecurity incidents and the role FOSS has played in some of them, some governments mobilized investments and contemplated regulations — such as SOSSA in the U.S. and the CRA in Europe — to improve the safety of our now-digital world.
Æva Black will reflect on historical inflection points that led to these challenges and share their view of how the Cyber Resilience Act could create a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve the sustainability of open source communities through Voluntary Security Attestations.
About
Æva Black is an international thought leader on open source software security, with over 25 years of experience building digital infrastructure, leading open source projects, and advising on cybersecurity policy.
— “Technical Luminary” — Wired
After leading OSS Security Programs first in the Azure Office of the CTO and then at the U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Agency, Æva founded Null Point Studio, a boutique cybersecurity consulting firm in the Netherlands, to continue supporting the sustainability and security of free and open source software.
— “child prodigy turned creative genius” — CISA
A veteran of the first dot-com bubble, Æva’s signature red-and-black aesthetic has darkened conference stages around the world since 2005. When not behind a computer screen, they can be found on a motorcycle or looking for new ways to support their local queer community.
Join Us!
Don’t miss Æva Black’s keynote and many other insightful sessions on 16–17 March at FOSS Backstage in Berlin!
Until 8 December, you can save more than 40% on the regular ticket price with our Early Bird Ticket!
