KU Offers Cybersecurity Workshop in Overland Park for Nontechnical Leaders
OVERLAND PARK (Oct. 17, 2017) – October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, reminding governmental, public and private organizations alike to invest in the necessary training for employees at all levels to keep internal data and information secure. Many news stories cover common tips on securing personal data, such as changing your password more often, being cautious of public Wi-Fi and not using the same password for every account. Next month, local leaders can learn strategies and tactics for businesses, nonprofits and governments to defend against and effectively respond to the growing threat and costs of cyber-attacks.
University of Kansas Professional & Continuing Education invites area professionals to the one-day workshop, “Cyber-Security: What Every Leader Needs to Know,” on Nov. 10. Homeland security expert Michael H. Hoeflich, J.D., Ph.D., John H. & John M. Kane Distinguished Professor of Law, will reveal what organizations can do to avoid becoming the next cybersecurity crisis headline.
"Anyone who reads the news today realizes that incidents of cyber intrusions into corporate and government networks and the concomitant loss of confidential data are on the rise and will, no doubt, continue to rise,” Hoeflich said. “As a result, every entity that holds confidential data, whether of customers or employees, must take all necessary steps to avoid data breaches and, if they happen, be prepared to deal with them.”
During the workshop, Hoeflich will go beyond information technology (IT) principles, covering areas such as rapidly evolving cybersecurity law and policy, crisis communication strategies and response, strategic planning for preparedness, operations and supply chain issues, and other cybersecurity measures for nontechnical leaders.
"The after effects of a data breach can be crippling for a company and may include financial liability, decrease in stock value, and years of complex and expensive litigation,” Hoeflich said. “Understanding the legal and political environment of data breaches is crucial."
Other experts agree proper preparation involves technology and training all levels of an organization.
“Corporate leaders would be wise to understand that the future of cybersecurity lies not in a single-pronged approach or miracle tool but in solutions that recognize the importance of layering human readiness on top of technological defenses,” said Dante Disparate and Chris Furlow in their May 2017 Harvard Business Review article, “The Best Cybersecurity Investment You Can Make is Better Training.” “To be clear, technology is a critical piece of the cybersecurity puzzle, but just as with a car containing all the latest safety technology, the best defense remains a well-trained driver.”
Register for the workshop
The cybersecurity for nontechnical managers workshop, “Cyber-Security: What Every Leader Needs to Know,” is Friday, Nov. 10, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will be held at the KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park and costs $199 per person. For more information and to register, call 785-864-5823 or visit the leadership webpage.
About the University of Kansas Professional & Continuing Education
KU Professional & Continuing Education supports the teaching, research and public service missions of the University, contributing to postgraduate professional education, workforce development, distance learning and quality of life for Kansans and worldwide communities. Other programming within Professional & Continuing Education includes Professional Programs, Aerospace Short Courses, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center and Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute. Combined, these programs teach more than 30,000 individuals a year in every county in Kansas, across the United States and internationally. It is headquartered at the KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park, Kansas.
