News and Music Discovery
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Murray State TSM Hosts 'Security Matters' Conference for Area Small Businesses

Matt Markgraf, WKMS

The issue of cyber security has become increasingly relevant, with recent attacks on Sony, Target and Anthem making headlines over the past few months. Murray State's Center for Telecommunications Systems Management's Patterns of Distinction Security Matters is a one day technology security conference next Thursday, April 23, with a focus on how small businesses can protect themselves from evolving threats. The Center's Associate Director Michael Ramage joins Kate Lochte on Sounds Good with a preview.

The Patterns of Distinction Security Matters conference is the largest security in business conference in the region. The free event is on April 23 in the Murray State University Curris Center, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A networking opportunity the night before will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Big Apple Cafe in Murray.

Ramage says the need for understanding and tackling cyber threats is constantly evolving. This conference is focused on small businesses who don't have a security expert on staff or the ability to routinely research issues and know what to do. Attacks happen all the time, he says, while some aren't as big as the Anthem breach, they do occur. 

"We have great technology, we have the greatest firewall, we can have the greatest tools, but the most vulnerable piece of a company is its people. We can't get rid of our employees, obviously. so how do we educate our employees to make them as secure as possible."

The keynote speaker is Craig Jacobs, Director of Incidence Response at MGM Resorts International. He'll share a story about an incident at a casino and the steps they took to respond. Other speakers include Roy Riley, President of Peel & Holland, Drew Perry, IT Compliance Manager for Ashland, Inc., Sarah Kennedy Nance, Security Vulernability Engineer for HCA Inc., Jacob Abbot, Systems Engineering Manager at AirTight Networks, and Michael Williams, Manager of Security Operations for Computer Services Inc. 

Registration information and more at the Patterns of Distinction website

More about Murray State's Telecommunications Systems Management program

Matt Markgraf joined the WKMS team as a student in January 2007. He's served in a variety of roles over the years: as News Director March 2016-September 2019 and previously as the New Media & Promotions Coordinator beginning in 2011. Prior to that, he was a graduate and undergraduate assistant. He is currently the host of the international music show Imported on Sunday nights at 10 p.m.
Related Content