By 1812Blockhouse
In an event aimed at boosting cybersecurity awareness and preparedness, the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development hosted a fireside chat recently moderated by President & CEO Ellen Heinz. The discussion featured industry experts Mark Bell, Cyber Security Outreach Coordinator for the Adjutant General’s Department of Ohio, and Kirk Herath, Cybersecurity Strategic Advisor to Governor Mike DeWine and Chairman of CyberOhio. They explored Ohio’s cybersecurity initiatives and shared essential strategies for businesses in protecting against cyber threats.
Ohio’s Cybersecurity Initiatives
During the chat, the experts highlighted critical cybersecurity programs developed by the state, including:
- Ohio Persistent Cyber Improvement: A program designed to address ongoing cyber risks, ensuring continuous protection against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.
- Ohio Cyber Range Institute: An innovative training and research platform aimed at enhancing cybersecurity skills across industries, allowing Ohio businesses to stay ahead in a rapidly changing digital world.
- Ohio Cyber Reserve: A volunteer force of trained cybersecurity professionals ready to assist during significant cybersecurity events or breaches.
The importance of these initiatives was underscored as proactive approaches to safeguarding Ohio’s digital infrastructure, with a focus on building resilience across the private and public sectors.
Practical Cybersecurity Strategies
Attendees gained insights into actionable steps that organizations can take to bolster their cybersecurity posture. Key takeaways included:
- Becoming Cyber Aware: Businesses were encouraged to regularly educate their employees about the latest cyber threats and the best practices to minimize risks.
- Proactive Threat Detection: The speakers emphasized the importance of implementing systems that can detect suspicious activities early, preventing potential attacks from escalating.
- Best Practices for Resilience: Developing a robust infrastructure that can withstand cyber-attacks is crucial. Bell and Herath recommended conducting regular risk assessments and having a clear response plan in place.
Resources for Small Businesses
A highlight of the event was the mention of the Ohio Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Pilot Program, which provides valuable resources at no cost. Small businesses can take advantage of this initiative to:
- Identify potential cybersecurity threats.
- Respond effectively to cyber incidents.
- Build resilient systems that safeguard sensitive data and operations.
This program is an essential tool for small businesses looking to fortify their defenses against cybercrime. Those interested can register now, with no cost to participate.
Upcoming Cybersecurity Events
Building on the success of this discussion, the Richland Chamber has announced additional events in its cybersecurity series, aimed at further educating local businesses on critical issues:
- Nov 6: The Growing World of Cybercrime
Register here: The Growing World of Cybercrime - Dec 4: The Power of Public/Private Partnerships for Small Business Security
Register here: The Power of Public/Private Partnerships
These sessions promise to dive deeper into the emerging trends in cybercrime and the importance of collaboration between public and private entities to enhance security.
Special Thanks to Event Sponsors
The event would not have been possible without the support of ES Consulting and partners OSU-Mansfield and OSU’s Institute for Cybersecurity, who played a pivotal role in bringing these insights to the community.
Source, Photo: RIchland Area Chamber & Economic Development
