Cyber-Arch Summit Coming to Hartwell Next Week

More and more businesses, as well as government entities, are being hit with a new kind of cyber crime – ransomware attacks.

That’s why the Hart County Industrial Building Authority is sponsoring a CyberArch Summit next week in Harwell.

Industrial Building Authority Director Dwayne Dye says it’s important for area business owners to understand how to protect their businesses from these kinds of attacks.

“We want industries and local businesses to educate themselves about how important it is to increase their cybersecurity and take care of their critical data,” Dye said. “We hear more and more about small businesses, larger businesses, and even municipalities are being targeted.”

The CyberArch Summit is planned for Friday, Oct. 11 at the Hart County Agriscience Center.

The theme of the seminar is “Creating a Cyber-aware Community” and will feature several speakers and activities designed to help companies and governments safely guard their information and data.

Those attending will learn the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cyber framework, guidelines, and best practices to manage a cybersecurity-related risk.

Representatives from the Georgia Technology Authority, HTC, the insurance industry and others will be there to share their expertise and provide suggestions for attendees looking to help secure their or their company’s data.

Small businesses, government employees, board of education employees and industry professionals are invited to attend.

Dye noted that many small businesses die after a ransomware attack.

“Most businesses, especially small businesses are not taking the steps to be protected from these scammers,” Dye said. “We just don’t want any of our regional businesses to be impacted by this.”

This summer, the Stephens County Tax Commissioner’s office was hit with a ransomware attack, and the Georgia State Patrol was also hit with ransomware.

GSP is still working to replace its software system at all of its posts throughout the state.

Dye said the seminar is open to small business throughout the Northeast Georgia Region, but registration will be limited to the first 50 people.

A lunch will be provided by the Hart College and Carer Academy culinary students.

To register, you can go online to https://webapps.georgiacenter.uga.edu/eRegistration/servlet/PersonInfo?eventNumber=92449

And to get more information, you can contact Archway Professional Anna Strickland [email protected] 706-338-9767.