MANSFIELD, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—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 December 4 presentation at The Ohio State University at Mansfield, titled “The Power of Public/Private Partnerships for Small Business Security.”
Patton, a leading expert in cybersecurity, will highlight the public and private resources available for small business owners. Her talk will take place 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,” Patton said. “The good news is that there is help available.”
Her presentation is the third and final installment in the cybersecurity series sponsored by Ohio State Mansfield, the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development, and ES Consulting. Patton will discuss private sector resources, such as nonprofits, vendors, service providers, and cyber insurers, as well as public resources from federal and state agencies.
Given the crucial role small businesses play in local communities, a cyber disruption to one small business can have far-reaching effects. “The supply chain is so interconnected that even a small business can significantly impact our whole community,” Patton noted. “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 JPMorgan Chase. She actively encourages cybersecurity collaboration across and within industries and is the author of “Navigating the Cybersecurity Career Path.” Patton is also committed to improving diversity and inclusion in the cyber workforce and mentors individuals interested in careers in security, privacy, and risk management.
Helen Patton’s presentation is free to attend, but registration is requested. For more information and to register, visit the event website.