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IEE Member Event Recap: Cybersecurity for Today’s Businesses

On Friday, May 12, nearly 50 people attended a Cybersecurity and Cyber Threat event hosted by the IEE and the African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania. David J. Hickton, former U.S. attorney and founder of the University of Pittsburgh’s Institute for Cyber Law, Policy, and Security (Pitt Cyber) spoke to local business owners about the trends and current advancements of cyber security for businesses.

Pitt Cyber is an initiative launched by Pitt’s former chancellor, Chancellor Gallagher. The goal of Pitt Cyber, according to Hickton, is to get ahead of the problem by suggesting law and policy changes for subjects that are not talked about often.

During his presentation, Hickton discussed common methods hackers use to target businesses, such as phishing, ransomware, and vendor security. Hickton also said that every business is vulnerable to breaches and loss of data. Technology is outpacing the laws and the government, which is resulting in a greater digital threat.

Hickton believes that there are many talented people at the universities in Pittsburgh who can work together against the digital threat.

“Pittsburgh is and has been a center for cyber excellence,” Hickton said.