EMU Cybersecurity Event Connects Small Businesses, Resources

Most small business owners don't have the resources to have a person dedicated to protect their information network. Even more probably think that they are not big enough to have to worry.

"They think, 'It's not going to happen to me,'" said Gerald "Skip" Lawver, coordinator of the Eastern Michigan University Information Assurance Program. "But what they don't realize is that criminals hone their skills on smaller businesses and sometimes those smaller businesses can have access to larger information systems."

To help small businesses learn how they can protect their information, the EMU Information Assurance program will host an introduction to business security, Thursday, June 9, 8 a.m., in Room 300 of the EMU Student Center.

The conference is free and includes breakfast. RSVP is required by June 2. Call 734.481.2320 or email nsimms1@emich.edu

The conference is co-sponsored by the Washtenaw County Cyber Citizen Coalition.

"This is a networking opportunity for businesses and our students," Lawver said. "The students get the opportunity to gain experience through internships while the businesses learn how they can make their information more secure."

This is the second year that the IA program has had the conference.

As a National Security Agency Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education, EMU's Information Assurance Undergraduate program provides preparation for an advanced degree in information assurance/security. The program offers flexibility that prepares the student in an applied professional track leading to employment after graduation in the IA field. There are four unique concentrations for students to choose from: IA Management, Applied IA , IA cryptography and Network Security/Administration.

For additional information about the EMU IA program, go to http://www.emich.edu/cot/undergrad_ia.htm