Speakers Offers Insight on Cyber Security

Close to 100 people converged at Tamarack Tuesday for a symposium on cyber security, hosted by the Southern West Virginia Preparedness Partnership.

The event offered local individuals or businesses an opportunity to learn about cyber threats and ways to protect themselves. Four speakers were on hand to talk about their area of expertise and educate those attending.

Beckley Fire Chief Kevin Taylor, who also serves as co-chair for the SWVPP, explained the importance and relevance of the event.

“Our mission is to better prepare our region for various disasters and although when you think of disasters, you think of flooding, snow storms, etc. Cyber security and cyber threats do not make the list, but according to the Department of Homeland Security, cyber security is the No. 1 economic and national security threat our country considers right now,” Taylor said.

“Cyber security is always a moving target. For that reason, you will never be fully prepared, and you will never have all the protection you need, because every time someone comes up with software, or a program to combat these things, the hackers come up with a new way to access it.”

Tuesday’s classes covered a variety of subjects; Director of Marshall University Forensic Science Center, Terry W. Fenger, Ph.D., presented a class on cyber policies in the workplace.

He said the day’s goal was to spread awareness from not only a technological aspect, but from a policy standpoint as well.