Cyber Resilience and Emergency Preparation at Institute

Posted on January 22, 2026 by Sharon Hollister

The 2026 Institute & Expo – Change Makers – is Feb. 11-12 in St. Paul. Join us for two days of nonstop education for everyone on your team, plus the largest aging services expo in the region, special events, and valuable connections with peers.

Cyber Resilience Is Now Emergency Preparedness

Ransomware and data breaches are no longer isolated IT issues—they are full-scale operational emergencies. In just the first half of 2025, 211 ransomware attacks targeted healthcare organizations, continuing a troubling rise in cybercriminal activity affecting hospitals, clinics, and long-term care providers.

High-profile incidents such as the Change Healthcare breach, impacting an estimated 190 million people, and the CommonSpirit Health ransomware attack, which cost roughly $160 million to respond and recover from, underscore a critical reality: cyber incidents can disrupt care, finances, and operations just as severely as natural disasters or other emergencies.

To help organizations move beyond check-the-box compliance, this full-day cyber resilience intensive focuses on integrating cyber events into all emergency preparedness planning. The workshop combines real-world case studies, regulatory guidance, legal and insurance perspectives, and a hands-on simulation exercise.

Participants will:

• Understand how cyber incidents disrupt care delivery and operations
• Connect cyber threats to CMS emergency preparedness requirements
• Strengthen governance, communication, and decision-making during a cyber crisis
• Complete a simulation exercise that meets emergency preparedness drill requirements

The agenda includes lessons from the 2025 City of St. Paul cyberattack, a practical review of emergency preparedness with a cyber lens, and a facilitated tabletop exercise based on a realistic healthcare cyber incident.

Attendees will leave with actionable strategies, exercise materials, and an after-action template they can adapt for their own organizations—helping ensure they are better prepared when a cyber incident becomes their next emergency.

Separate registration and fee apply to this deep-dive Intensive session on Tuesday, Feb. 10.

Other Pre-Conference Intensives

Why not add on one of four Pre-Conference Intensive sessions on Tuesday, Feb. 10 for deep-dive learning on a specific topic of interest? Separate registration and fee apply.

1. QAPI - Meeting and Exceeding Requirements to Drive Improvement
2. Cyber Resilience and Emergency Preparedness for Nursing Homes and Assisted Living
3. Navigating Licensure, Accountability, and Board Engagement: Responding to Board of Nursing Inquiries
4. Leadership and Governance Intensive: Bold Ideas to Transform Aging featuring visionary strategist Bob Kramer

Opening Keynote: Locked In—Change Makers When No One’s Watching

In long-term care, the most meaningful work often happens without recognition. In this powerful opening keynote, Damon Dunn honors the quiet dedication of caregivers and leaders whose daily acts of compassion create lasting impact.

Drawing from his journey from poverty to a Stanford scholarship and the NFL, Dunn shares how true greatness is built in the unseen moments—when no one is watching. His message speaks directly to long-term care professionals whose presence, consistency, and authentic connection foster dignity, hope, and resilience for residents.

Participants will explore how everyday caregiving strengthens personal meaning, builds resilience, and supports leadership growth—reminding attendees that while applause may fade, the legacy created through this work endures.

About the Speaker
Damon Dunn is an author, former NFL player, entrepreneur, and CEO of Sign Talent Solutions. His story transcends background and role, inspiring audiences to live boldly and lead with purpose.

The Opening Keynote session is sponsored by Piper Sandler & Co.

Questions? Contact our education staff for assistance at education@leadingagemn.org.