Seventh North American International Cyber Summit Oct. 29 in Detroit
For the eighth-straight year, Gov. Rick Snyder has proclaimed October as Michigan’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month, to highlight the need for Michigan residents and businesses to be aware of their online activities, tips to avoid cyber-crimes and how the state protects critical data systems.
“The need for security awareness of online activity has never been greater,” Snyder said. “By proclaiming October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month it brings a spotlight to threats that every person and business is facing and highlights the ways to remain safe.”
Michigan has taken a collaborative and proactive approach to cyber defense with the creation of the Michigan Cyber Command Center (MC3), partnering with the Merit Network on the establishment of the Michigan Cyber Range at public universities and National Guard installations and the formation of the Cyber Civilian Corps to assist in emergencies.
“Michigan has become a national leader in recognizing the need to have partnerships between the public and private sectors,” said Dave DeVries, director of the Michigan Department of Technology, Managment and Budget (DTMB) and state chief information officer. “It will take a continued collaborative effort across the nation to keep sensitive
data safe from those wishing to do harm or profit through cyber-crimes.”
According to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, Michigan residents and businesses have lost more than $36 million to cybercriminal activities so far this year, with an average victim loss of over $6,000.
“Cyber criminals pose a serious threat to the daily routines and connected lifestyles of Michiganders,” said Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the Michigan State Police. “As virtual crime evolves, so does our response. The Michigan Cyber Command Center provides a single-point of contact to investigate and prosecute Michigan’s cybercrimes through partnerships and information sharing with government agencies and businesses.”
“The demand for our Cyber Warriors continues to evolve and grow,” said Major General Gregory J. Vadnais, adjutant general of the Michigan National Guard and director of Military and Veteran Affairs. “Both our Cyber Operations Squadron and Cyber Protection Team members are actively engaged at the federal level defending our nation. When they are not on their federal missions, cyber soldiers/airmen are supporting training and exercises at the local, State, and International level building capability with NATO partners. Many National Guard members bring their civilian experience in cybersecurity and network engineering into the training, which delivers a highly-skilled force responsive to the needs of the nation.”
The DTMB, the Michigan State Police and the Michigan National Guard will be promoting ways for Michiganders to be safe and secure online as a part of the Michigan Cyber Initiative throughout the month of October.
The Michigan Cyber Initiative website provides information ranging from practicing proper cyber hygiene to learning about available law enforcement. To learn about staying safe and protected online, individuals are encouraged to visit michigan.gov/cybersecurity.
On October 29, Snyder will host the North American International Cyber Summit at the Cobo Center in Detroit. This will be the seventh cyber summit in Michigan, bringing together cyber security professionals from around the world to participate in dynamic discussions and provide the latest information in cyber technology and strategy.
The summit is open to the public and will feature information for individuals, families, educators, business professionals, law enforcement and government officials.
Registration, current agenda and speakers are available at michigan.gov/cybersummit.
Back for the third year, the summit will also be the location for the finals of the Governor’s High School Cyber Challenge. The challenge tests students’ skills in computer science, information technology and cybersecurity in a two-round statewide competition. Round One of the competition took place October 2-5 online. Round Two culminates at the Summit on October 29th.
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