October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) which continues to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity across our nation, ensuring that all Americans have the resources they need to be safer and more secure online.

The impact cybercrime has on companies and individuals is substantial. An estimated $6 trillion will be spent globally on cybersecurity by 2021. For many companies, it takes nearly six months to detect a data breach and 77 percent of organizations do not have a cybersecurity response plan.

CSU president Dr. Chris Markwood and Student Government Association president Curtis Walker issued an official proclamation in support of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month on Friday, Oct. 1. As a 2021 Champion University for cybersecurity, CSU remains dedicated to the ongoing education and innovation efforts to create a more cyber aware world. As part of those efforts, all CSU faculty and staff will undergo cybersecurity awareness training throughout the month.

Additionally, CSU has subject matter experts available for media. Please contact Greg Hudgison ([email protected]) to set up interviews.

Nicol Lewis - CSU Chief Information Security Officer. Lewis’ 20-year career has included progressive duties in data security and cybersecurity, enterprise-wide IT risk management and compliance, and business continuity. In addition to her previous role as the CISO for the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, she has held similar positions with both the Georgia Technology Authority and Georgia Public Library Service. Her education and training background includes the Georgia Cybersecurity Academy and a Master of Information Science degree from Valdosta State University.

Michael Barker - Director, TSYS Cybersecurity Center. With a bachelor of science in nuclear engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology and a master of science in Information Security Management from the University of Fairfax and 35 years of experience across a broad range of technologies and industries, Barker is a recognized industry leader in cyber security, information security and digital forensics. Barker is certified by the National Security Agency as an Information Systems Security Professional and a Senior Systems Manager. He also is certified by the Georgia Police Officer Standards Training as an instructor in cyber forensics investigations.

In celebration of the month, CSU will also host events open to the public.

Free Community Shredding Event

Saturday, Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

CSU Main Campus in Lot 4 (behind the Synovus Center of Commerce & Technology)

Sponsored by River Mill Data Management

No binders, plastics, CD's or large metal clips are permitted.

Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) Cyber Career Panel

Monday, Oct. 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Virtual session with invite on Discord

A full schedule for the month can be found at https://legalaffairs.columbusstate.edu/information-security/cybersecurity-awareness-month.php.