Executives of Small- and Medium-Sized Firms to Be Briefed on Cyber Security

Duquesne University will host experts from government, industry and academia for an in-depth discussion about cyber security and the intelligence required to protect business operations

Dr. Ken Saban

The Cyber Security Executive Briefing on Thursday, Dec. 8, will feature presentations by Dr. Ken Saban, associate professor of marketing and principal investigator, and Dr. Stephen Rau, Frank V. & Ann Cahouet Professor, accounting and information systems division chair. They will present key findings of the National Computer Security Study of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME). The study, based on interviews with more than 250 CEOs, presidents and business owners, focused on security preparedness of SMEs within five industries including energy, health care, hospitals, manufacturing and telecommunications. Sponsored by a grant from the Department of Justice, the event will be held at the DoubleTree Hotel in Green Tree.

Dr. Stephen Rau

Donna Dodson, deputy chief cyber security advisor and chief of the computer security division of The National Institute of Standards and Technology, will provide the keynote address, The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Cyber Security Initiatives for Business.

“The study results reinforce the fact that being knowledgeable about cyber security is the best defense against attacks on your business,” said Saban. “Cybercrime is not just an IT issue—it’s an overall risk that affects the viability of companies large and small.”

A panel discussion will review methods for evaluating risks and recognizing threats, understanding cyber security insurance and implementing best practices. Panelists will include Joseph H. Jones, COO at Ascent Data; Richard Archer, partner in advisory services at KPMG; David Brown, president and CEO of Business CyberSecurity Inc.; and Thomas Philbin, senior manager at Henderson Brothers. Technology consultant Christine Ebken will moderate the panel discussion.