The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), a nonprofit public-private partnership focused on helping all digital citizens stay safer and more secure online, is coming to the Denver metropolitan area with its STOP. THINK. CONNECT. Two Steps Ahead: Protect Your Digital Life tour to educate consumers and businesses about adopting simple security measures like two-step authentication into their everyday lives. The event is held in partnership with New Horizons Denver, New Horizons Corporate, and Logical Operations, who are all dedicated to increasing end-user security through engaging hands-on training programs.
The event, which takes place on Tuesday, April 26 at Baldoria on the Water (146 Van Gordon Street, Lakewood, CO) is part of a national tour to generate much-needed awareness about activating easily implemented security features, like two-step authentication, available on many of the Internet’s most popular sites. Deborah Blyth, Colorado’s Chief Information Security Officer from the Governor’s Office of Information Technology, will kick off the event with opening remarks. The morning will feature a hands-on demonstration educating attendees on how to improve their security on sites like Google, LinkedIn and others and a panel discussion with local consumer protection and cybersecurity experts will follow.
Lack of consumer adoption of good password practices continues to create problems. On a positive note, however, more Internet sites are implementing safety features that can help computer users add another layer of security to their accounts. These features go by many names, including two-step authentication – also known as two-step verification or multi-factor authentication. The process is simple and requires login approvals using a variety of methods, including SMS texts to a mobile device or random one-time use password generators. The goal is the same: allowing only authorized users to access an account. Additionally, NCSA has created an educational and entertaining video – in simple, memorable language – that walks viewers through the process http://stopthinkconnect.org/2stepsahead.
“It’s time to shift our viewpoint and ‒ literally ‒ get “two steps ahead” on Internet security by changing our position from one dominated by vulnerability and risk to focusing on taking action by using two–step authentication and creating a culture of cybersecurity,” said Michael Kaiser executive director at NCSA. “We can do this by working together and using new security tools to build a safer, more secure and trusted Internet. Utilizing all available security measures and understanding the consequences of actions and behaviors online is the key message underlying the STOP. THINK. CONNECT. campaign. ”
“Security isn't a department, or a tool, or an IT thing,” said Deborah Blyth, Chief Information Security Officer for the State of Colorado. “There are steps we can all take to significantly reduce risk, especially as we realize that individuals play a key role in securing an organization’s assets. I am thrilled that NCSA is bringing the Two Steps Ahead tour to Colorado where we can share our experiences, and attendees will take away actionable steps to improve their own level of security.”
“Whether a major corporation dealing with credit information down to an individual looking at photos on Facebook, everyone is vulnerable to cyber-attacks.” Mark Kassing, Product Manager at New Horizons Computer Learning Centers advocates, “Our greatest weapon against these attacks is knowledge. We need to be aware of the danger and execute best practices to help avoid risk.”
"Research has repeatedly shown that most security breaches start with human error. This event will highlight many simple steps people can take live a safer personal and professional 'digital life'” said Bill Rosenthal, CEO of Logical Operations and an event sponsor.
The event will include remarks from Deborah Blyth and the following:
- Josh Hares, Chief Revenue Officer, Better Business Bureau of Denver/Boulder
- Nick Esselman, Regional Sales Manager, New Horizons Computer Learning Centers
- Mark Kassing, Product Specialist, New Horizons Computer Learning Centers
- Michael Kaiser, Executive Director, National Cyber Security Alliance
- Jill Heath, Director of Special Projects, National Cyber Security Alliance
The event will take place on Tuesday, April 26 from 9am-11am. Registration is free and open to the public, but space is limited. “We want to thank all our partners in advance for helping to make the event in Denver a success,” Kaiser said.
To register visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/two-steps-ahead-protect-your-digital-life-tour-denver-colorado-tickets-23116260357. To learn more about staying safe online and to find links to websites that offer additional account security visit www.stopthinkconnect.org/.
About The National Cyber Security Alliance
The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) is the nation's leading nonprofit, public-private partnership promoting cybersecurity and privacy education and awareness. NCSA works with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and NCSA's Board of Directors, which include representatives from ADP; AT&T Services, Inc.; Bank of America; BlackBerry Corporation; Cisco; Comcast Corporation; ESET North America; Facebook; Google; Intel Corporation; Logical Operations; Microsoft Corp.; PayPal; PKWARE; RSA, the Security Division of EMC; Raytheon; SANS Institute; Symantec and Visa Inc. NCSA’s core efforts include National Cyber Security Awareness Month (October), Data Privacy Day (January 28) and STOP. THINK. CONNECT., the global online safety awareness and education campaign led by NCSA and the Anti Phishing Working Group, with federal government leadership from DHS. For more information on NCSA, please visit staysafeonline.org/about-us/overview/.
About Logical Operations
Logical Operations helps organizations and individuals maximize training with an adaptable expert-facilitated learning experience. Its more than 5,100 titles are available globally through flexible delivery platforms that are designed for any learning environment. Logical Operations also offers a growing portfolio of high-stakes certifications such as Logical Operations Certified CyberSec First Responder and assessments including Logical Operations Certified CyberSAFE. Logical Operations' CEO, Bill Rosenthal, is a board member of the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and works alongside representatives from organizations such as AT&T, Bank of America, Facebook, Google, Intel, Microsoft, Verizon, Visa, and more, to make sure that everyone has the education and resources needed to stay safe and secure online. For more information, connect with Logical Operations at http://logicaloperations.com and on Twitter @logicalops.
