Are You Cyber Ready?

According to a 2017 survey conducted by Small Business Trends, almost half of all cyber-attacks that occur on a daily basis affect small businesses. Of the targeted small businesses, 60 percent closed within six months due to the financial burden.

No matter the size of your business, the scope of online transactions, data storage and communications make us all a target of cyber threat.

The University of Southern Indiana is bringing cybersecurity information and resources to the tristate region from 8 a.m. to Noon Wednesday, October 24 at the inaugural Southwest Indiana Cyber Conference. The conference is $60 to attend.

“We want to help small businesses be more aware of the cyber threat landscape that is impacting the region and understand what the legal implications and responsibilities are when it comes to cyber threats,” said Dr. Gabriela Mustata Wilson, associate professor of Health Informatics.

National thought leaders on cybersecurity will give the following presentations:

Are you able to detect your cyber vulnerability? By Che Bhatia and Thys DeBruyn
Engage in a low-cost cyber vulnerability assessment.

A national perspective on cyber readiness.
Learn about the nature and scope of cybercrime and nation-state activities to increase the level of awareness of the cyber threats posed in today’s environment.

Are you insured for a cybersecurity breach? By Adam Ira
Explore Cyber Insurance options and know the gaps in existing insurance that small businesses may have.

What can the Indiana Executive Council on Cybersecurity do for you? By Chetrice Mosley and Tad Stahl
Learn how to prepare and defend your organization and the state from cyber-attacks and increase the nation’s cybersecurity workforce.

“We put together this conference to raise awareness of cyber threats on businesses in this region,” said Dr. Kenneth Shemroske, associate professor of Computer Information Systems. “We want regional businesses to know that there are state resources, which may be leveraged, in the fight against these cyber threats.”

Registration is available online or by calling USI Outreach and Engagement at 812-464-1989. More information is available at USI.edu/swi-cyber.