No organization is completely safe from cyber attacks, from healthcare systems to Las Vegas casinos to small family businesses.
Incidences of cyber attacks — attempts to breach organizations' information systems — have exploded. Between 2021 and 2023, data breaches increased by 72%. Last year, attacks grew further, with over 343 million people victimized.
These attacks have real-world fallout. When Change Healthcare, a major healthcare company, suffered a cyber attack in early 2024, patients struggled to get their medications. Recently, the White House warned states about the potential for “disabling cyberattacks” on water and wastewater systems.
Fortunately, some things can be done to lower the risk.
To help companies take a more proactive approach to their cybersecurity practices, SDN Communications is sponsoring the 2024 Sioux Falls Cybersecurity Conference, hosted by the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, on Tuesday, April 23, in Sioux Falls. Registration costs $75 and includes breakfast and lunch.
What to know about the 2024 Cybersecurity Conference
When: 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 23
Where: Sioux Falls Convention Center, 1201 North West Ave., Sioux Falls, SD
Admission: $75. Includes lunch and breakfast. Register on the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce website.
View the full agenda: There are eight sessions, including welcoming and closing remarks.
Participants will explore the changing “threat landscape” from foreign and domestic sources. They’ll hear from experts on ways they can create a culture of security within their organizations and incorporate best practices for protecting their businesses.
Keynote speakers are:
- Jim Edman, the Cybersecurity Coordinator for the Department of Homeland Security’s Cyber and Infrastructure Security Agency in South Dakota. He will address the question, “Are you above or below the cybersecurity poverty line?”
- Aaron Baker, a self-taught software engineer and “passionate malware researcher and collector.” He is the lead penetration tester for Project Boundary Fence within the Madlabs environment at Dakota State University in Madison. He will present “Project Boundary Fence — A Dive into Securing South Dakota.”
Breakout sessions will include Communication in Security; an Incidence Response Workshop; Taking Vulnerability Management to the Next Level; Navigating the Impact of CMMC 2.0 on Department of Defense Contractors; Cyber Insurance; and Navigating the Darknet.
Gov. Mike Rounds will present a virtual legislative update and Stacy Kooistra of Dakota Applied Research Corporation will present “The DARC Report.”
"As a telecommunications company deeply invested in the security of our networks and those of our clients, we understand the critical importance of staying ahead of cyber threats," SDN Communications Vice President of Sales & Marketing Ryan Dutton said. "Supporting events like the Sioux Falls Cybersecurity Conference is not just a commitment but a necessity in today's digital landscape. Cybersecurity isn't just about protecting data; it's about safeguarding livelihoods, ensuring continuity of services, and preserving trust."
