SECWAC and Chamber to Present Forum on Cybersecurity Nov. 3

Panel Discussion with International Experts Will Address Digital Safety Concerns
 
Eastern CT  – The Southeastern CT World Affairs Council (SECWAC) and the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT have partnered to present a special luncheon calling attention to the critical issue of cybersecurity. The luncheon will be held Tues. Nov. 3 at Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
 
The luncheon will take the form of a panel discussion from panelists William Barnes, Donald L. Anderson, and April Lorenzen. The panel will be moderated by Andreas Mink, who is a foreign correspondent for Swiss and German media and is a member of the Board of Directors of SECWAC.
 
The discussion is centered on the topic ‘Why has cybersecurity become a national priority? What can organizations do to prepare for cyberattack? What should a more secure future state look like?’ To this end, panelists will provide their insight, as well as share tips on how to prepare for the eventuality of cyberattack.
 
“Digital communication has become the norm for conducting business both nationally and internationally,” said Tony Sheridan, President & CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT. “But the convenience that comes from this media also brings significant security concerns for our personal and business transactions. A cyber attack could cripple our nation’s infrastructure, communications abilities, and economy. We’ll attempt to provide solutions and advice at this important luncheon.”
 
SECWAC Chairman Milt Walters agreed, noting “We’re privileged these three professional practitioners could coordinate their schedules and are willing to share with us their views on the dynamic and ever changing issues surrounding cyber security,”
 
Admission is $35 per person and includes lunch served by Mystic Marriott. Call (860) 912-5718 or email Info@SECWAC.org to reserve your spot today. RSVP is required, and payment will be collected at the door.
 
More information about SECWAC can be found at www.SECWAC.org. Learn more about the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT at www.ChamberECT.com or call the Chamber office at (860) 701-9113.

About the panelists:
William Barnes leads Pfizer’s Security Solutions, Architecture, and Engineering team.  His responsibilities include operation and maintenance of the Corporation’s layered cyberspace defenses and development of advanced security analytics to improve the detection of threats and accelerate response actions.  Prior to joining Pfizer, Bill served in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) as the Deputy Chief Information Officer for the Marine Corps Base located in Quantico, VA, holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the USMC Reserves assigned to Marine Cryptologic Support Battalion in Fort Meade, MD.
 
Donald L. Anderson is Senior Vice President in charge of business technology and building management functions at the Boston Federal Reserve Bank. He is responsible for the group that provides the Federal Reserve System with services in the areas of cybersecurity, network security, and secure Internet connectivity. Don joined the Bank in 2003 from Hewlett Packard.  He is a founding member of the Advanced Cyber Security Center, which brings together a variety of organizations to address cyber threats.
 
April Lorenzen is the Chief Data Scientist of Zetalytics, where she specializes in global scale cyber security data and unique data visualization tools for analysts. A regular speaker and trainer at international security conferences, she advises the international law enforcement community and has been awarded for "Outstanding Support in the On-Going Battle Against Cybercrime" from the National Cyber-Forensics & Training Alliance. About the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut:
The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut is a collaborative of business and community leaders dedicated to securing and enhancing the economic vitality of eastern Connecticut. The Chamber works to create value for its members and the region by providing forums for business networking, leadership and discussions of issues that affect the region; providing opportunities for members to showcase their products, services and accomplishments; helping small businesses succeed through educational programs; and working to reduce the costs of doing business in Connecticut.  For more information, visit www.ChamberECT.com.