The Case for Cyber Security for Small Business Workshop on February 24, 2004 in Phoenix
Phoenix- February 5, 2004 The Arizona Telecommunications & Information Council (ATIC) and the Arizona Cyber Security Alliance (ACSA) will present a half-day workshop, "The Case for Cyber Security in Small Businesses," on Tuesday, February 24, 2004 from 7:30 AM to Noon at the ASU Downtown Campus in Phoenix. The half-day workshop will focus on the business and legal aspects of information security for small businesses in Arizona, understanding the risks in today's environment, and learning prudent information security practices. Attendees will also learn about a variety of educational resources including community colleges and commercial institutions offer courses on this topic and be able to meet commercial providers of information security products and services. Full details and registration can be found online at http://www.arizonatele.com/atic/csfeb04/.

You see the news nearly every day, another organization's critical business systems were attacked. Whether the attack was successful or not, valuable resources were expended handling the problem. While the most publicized attacks are against large companies and government agencies even if you have only one computer, you are at risk. An attack against your computers, network, or even your phone systems will seriously impact the operation of your business. Small businesses, not just large enterprises, face rapidly increasing business risks from inadequate information security practices. Small business owners and managers attending this workshop will be able to understand the risks they face, and begin to learn how to manage such risks through prudent information security practices. You should be concerned about these possibilities, not as a technology issue, but as another business consideration such as the possibility of fire or theft.

The workshop will be start with a keynote from Tom Fraker, Chair of the Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) on "Risks to the Small Business," followed by Christopher Pierson, an attorney with Lewis and Roca on "Cyberliability: An Examination of Legal Issues and Technical Solutions." Then, a panel of experts will further discuss the issues and answer attendees' questions. The program will conclude with briefings on the Arizona Cyber Security Alliance and education and training opportunities available that can help better secure small businesses on the Internet. Educational and industry vendors will exhibit throughout the morning.

The cost for the half-day workshop including breakfast is only $15 and limited to 150 participants. For those who can't make it to Phoenix to attend in person, free audio and web conferencing will be available. However, ATIC and ACSA encourage all to attend this event onsite at the ASU Downtown Campus to experience the presentations live and to interact with the commercial and educational exhibitors. More information about the event and online registration are available online at http://www.arizonatele.com/atic/csfeb04/.

About the Arizona Telecommunications and Information Council: ATIC (http://www.arizonatele.com/atic/) is a foundation of the Governor's Strategic Partnership for Economic Development (GSPED) and Arizona's recognized and authoritative organization guiding technology policy development, serving as a leading source of information and expertise on telecommunications and information technology matters. ATIC develops, promotes and supports initiatives and guides adoption of effective public policies that encourages wide-scale deployment and availability of telecommunications services and information technologies to insure economic prosperity for the Arizona community, expand the region's global competitive advantage, enable continued educational advancement and support an enhanced quality of life. Contact ATIC at atic@researchedge.com or by phone at 602-254-5887.

About the Arizona Cyber Security Alliance: ACSA (http://www.azsecurity.org/) is a project of the Tucson's Community Information and Telecommunications Alliance (CITA - http://www.tucsonlink.org/). The statewide Cyber Security Alliance helps the Arizona community understand the rising security threats and develop strategies to reduce personal, customer and business risks. ACSA particularly targets IT professionals and executives of small business and nonprofit organizations. CITA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to Building Links to the Electronic Future that will support Arizona's educational, economic and community development and is a leader working to ensure that all citizens, schools, businesses and community organizations in Arizona have access to, and the ability to maximize the use of technology. Contact ACSA at cita@tucsonlink.com or by phone at 520-321-1309.

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Contact: Mark Goldstein, Secretary, Arizona Telecommunications & Information Council (ATIC), Voice & Fax: 602-470-0389, markg@researchedge.com