Michigan Schedules Cyber Awareness Breakfast Conference Series

Contact: Kurt Weiss 517-335-0050

The Michigan Cyber Awareness Breakfast Conference Series 2012 was announced today as part of the ongoing Michigan Cyber Initiative aimed at defending Michigan against cyber attacks and positioning the state to take advantage of opportunities in the growing cyber security industry.  The breakfast conferences will provide updates to the Michigan Cyber Initiative unveiled last October by Governor Snyder during the Michigan Cyber Summit held at Eastern Michigan University. 

Recognized as a national leader in cyber security, Michigan places a high emphasis on protecting the state's computer systems and networks.   The state's centralized technology model places Michigan in a strong position to implement security efforts.

"The breakfast series is another sign of Michigan's commitment to cyber security," said Dan Lohrmann, Chief Security Officer for the State of Michigan.  "These events will further our action plan and continue to build upon key relationships that will help position Michigan for success in protecting our infrastructure and developing our economy."

Dates for the breakfast programs are as follows, with a starting time of 9:00 a.m.:

May 1, 2012 - Amway Grand Hotel, Grand Rapids, MI
June 5, 2012  - The Henry, Dearborn, MI
August 1, 2012 - The Ramada Inn, Marquette, MI
November 8, 2012 - Grand Traverse Resort, Acme, MI

Speakers for the series include:

- Jeff Barnes, Executive Director of Public Safety, Office of Michigan Governor Rick Snyder
- David Behen, Chief Information Officer, State of Michigan
- Dan Lohrmann, Chief Security Officer, State of Michigan
- Captain W. Thomas Sands, Commander, Michigan State Police, Emergency Management & Homeland Security Division
- Brigadier General Michael Stone, Assistant Adjutant General-Installations
- Don Welch, Ph.D, President & CEO, Merit Networks
- Jeff Freyer, Vice President, Comcast Business Class

"Michigan's Cyber Initiative is a critical step in preparing our state for all threats and hazards, both natural and man-made," said Capt. W. Thomas Sands, commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD).  "This series provides another great forum for bringing together members of the public and private sectors to continue safeguarding our state against cyber attacks."

The cost for attending is $15.00 per person.  Sponsors for the series include Cisco, Comcast Business Class, Symantec, Motorola and Unisys.  Additional information and a link for registration can be found at https://events.esd.org/cyberawarenessbreakfasts.aspx.  

Data theft and breaches from cyber crime can cost businesses as much as $1 trillion globally.
Government is no stranger to cyber attacks either.  In fact, each day in 2010, Michigan state government averaged 29,942 blocked web browser attacks, 24,671 blocked web site attacks, 14,072 blocked network scans, and 88,774 blocked intrusion attempts. 

A full version of the Michigan Cyber Initiative, as well as a cyber toolkit, can be found at http://www.michigan.gov/cybersecurity.