Cybersecurity presentation to appeal to small biz owners

Small business owners and anyone with an interest in cybersecurity can improve their knowledge during the Introduction to Cybersecurity for Small Businesses breakfast on April 2 from 8-9:30 a.m. at the Ohio State University at Mansfield.

Oliva K. Hernandez, lead engineer in industrial cybersecurity at Ohio State’s Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence, will cover the basics for small businesses, sharing tips and best practices that can save time, money and headaches.

Hernandez also will share information about a free online training course called the Ohio Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Pilot. This three- to five-hour course is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and explores topics such as internal auditing, vendor management and phishing.

The event is sponsored by Ohio State Mansfield, the Braintree Business Development Center and Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development.

“Understanding the foundations of cybersecurity is crucial for small business leaders,” Angie Cirone of the Mansfield-Richland Area Educational Foundation said. “This event will help leaders assess their risk and avoid attacks. We also want to foster networking and idea sharing around cybersecurity topics.”

Bob Cohen, CEO of Braintree, said the goal is to build up a network of cybersecurity stakeholders and increase awareness of the resources available.

In addition to business owners, the event will appeal to school administrators, local government officials and employees, and anyone interested in protecting themselves against cyberattacks.

The free online course is an optional addition to Hernandez’s presentation and includes 10 educational modules designed to educate, train, mentor and improve efforts to mitigate cyber threats.

The speaker event will be held at 1760 University Drive, Mansfield, Conard Hall, Room 203.