Photo: CHRISTOPHER KEELS
MANSFIELD, Ohio – Small businesses are a critical part of the economy in north central Ohio, and keeping them cyber safe is a continuous challenge. Helen Patton, a strategic cybersecurity advisor at Cisco, will discuss the opportunities and challenges small businesses face during a Dec. 4 presentation at The Ohio State University at Mansfield, called “The Power of Public/Private Partnerships for Small Business Security.”
Patton is a leading expert in cybersecurity and will discuss the public and private resources available for small business owners. She will speak from 5:30-7 p.m. in Ohio State Mansfield’s Riedl Hall, Room 151.
“Small Businesses are just as much at risk of cyber-attacks as large ones, and in many ways they are more susceptible because they are under resourced,” she said. “The good news is that there is help available”
Her presentation is the third and final in the cybersecurity series sponsored by Ohio State Mansfield; the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development; and ES Consulting. She will discuss private sector resources, such as nonprofits, vendors, service providers and cyber insurers, as well as public resources such as federal and state agencies.
Because small businesses are so crucial for local communities, a cyber disruption to one small business can be far reaching.
“The supply chain is so interconnected that even a small business can significantly impact our whole community,” she said. “It is part of being a responsible business owner to understand how to protect against cyber threats – not just for themselves but for their entire supply chain.”
Before joining Cisco, Patton served as the chief information security officer at The Ohio State University and spent 10 years in risk and resiliency at JP Morgan Chase.
She actively encourages cybersecurity collaboration across and within industries, and is a blogger and the author of “Navigating the Cybersecurity Career Path.” Patton believes in improving diversity and inclusion in the cyber workforce, and mentors people interested in pursuing careers in security, privacy and risk management.
Register to attend. Helen Patton’s presentation is free to attend, but registration is requested, on the event website.
