Top security organizations collaborate to bring comprehensive cybersecurity education to Dallas

Sept. 20, 2017
Subject matter experts to share best practices, leading approaches to mitigate cyber, information security threats at ASIS 2017

Alexandria, VA (September 15, 2017)ASIS International, the world's largest association for security management professionals, in conjunction with InfraGard and the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA), today released the cybersecurity focused sessions that will be featured during the 63rd ASIS International Annual Seminar and Exhibits (ASIS 2017), Sept. 25-28 in Dallas, TX. ASIS 2017 attendees not only will obtain best practices from security experts but also explore current issues, such as the recent Equifax breach. The newly added, “There’s Been a Consumer Information Breach.  What Do I Do?” panel will examine the impact of data breaches on consumer confidence and businesses, as well as ways to address a data breach crisis. This is just one session of more than 180 education offerings taking place during ASIS 2017, the security industry’s most robust conference, covering all aspects of security – from active shooter scenarios to asset protection.

The Malwarebytes SMB Threat Report recently indicated that small- to medium-sized businesses in all 50 states have experienced a 165% increase in the number of malware detections, and a 231% increase in ransomware incidents, quarter-over-quarter – with Texas coming in at or near the top in both categories. Cybersecurity is one of the most pressing issues facing organizations of all sizes, and it is a major focus area during ASIS 2017.

“Combining the expertise of InfraGard and ISSA with ASIS subject matter experts offers a wide range of cybersecurity-related content for attendees,” said Shayne P Bates, CPP, Principal Consultant, Stratum Knowledge LLC and IT Security Council Chair for ASIS International. “ASIS 2017 gives attendees the flexibility they need to create a schedule tailor-fit to their experience level and career objectives. So, whether you are an operational security professional seeking to better understand the intersection of physical and cybersecurity, or an information security professional with years of experience, we have you covered.”

Each of the daily keynote presenters will also touch on some aspect of cybersecurity as it relates to the overall threat landscape, including:

  • George W. Bush, ​43rd President of the United States
  • Mark Cuban, Technology & Media Entrepreneur, Owner of the Dallas Mavericks, HD Net/AXS TV Chairman & Co-Founder
  • Scott Klo​sosky, International Speaker and Author, Future Point of Vie​w
  • Global Responses to Global Threats panel featuring Edward F. Davis, III, Former Police Commissioner, Boston Police Department; Rick DesLauriers, Former Special Agent in Charge (SAC), Boston Division, FBI​; Paul Barnard, Detective Chief Superintendent, City of London Police; ​​Bonnie Michelman, CPP, Executive Director of Police, Security and Outside Services, Massachusetts General Hospital

A sample of the other cybersecurity-focused sessions at ASIS 2017 that are open to media include:

In conjunction with this event, ASIS is also holding a free community security education program, Sept. 27-28 for small to medium-sized businesses and community institutions. The two-day program includes the session, Don’t Be a Victim! Fundamental of Cybersecurity for SMBs.

“Cybersecurity poses critical risks across all 16 critical infrastructure sectors, which our 50,000 InfraGard members represent across the nation,” said Gary Gardner, Chair of the InfraGard National Members Alliance. “The InfraGard training program this year offers courses from the FBI as well as a four-part course, ‘Designing a Cybersecurity Program based on the NIST Framework,’ being taught by the University of Massachusetts.”

“We've found that cybersecurity and physical security are becoming increasingly interconnected. Their complementary natures fostered an innate need for partnership. ISSA looks forward to bringing our expertise to ASIS 2017,” said Pamela Fusco, CFO and Treasurer, ISSA Board of Directors.

The complete Cybersecurity track and associated sessions for ASIS 2017 can be found here.

Specifics related to the InfraGard program can be found here.