Sent by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget
Contact: Lauren Leeds, 517-335-3783

LANSING, Mich. -- The first of four Cyber Awareness luncheons hosted by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB) is scheduled to take place on the campus of Northern Michigan University (NMU) Wednesday, April 9.

“These luncheons are a fantastic way for citizens, educators, and leaders in business and industry to receive updates to Michigan’s Cyber Initiative,” said Dan Lohrmann, Michigan’s chief security officer. “Attending one of the luncheons is a great way to get updates on the latest topics in today’s cyber security industry.”

The kickoff event is runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at NMU’s University Center located at 1401 Presque Isle Ave., Marquette.

Anyone interested in attending can register online at events.esd.org/CyberAwarenessLuncheons.aspx.

Attendance is $20, although students and members of the following organizations can attend for the discounted price of $15 per person:

Information Systems Security Association; InfraGard; West Michigan Cyber Security Consortium; Information Sharing and Analysis Center; Michigan Information Sharing and Analysis center; Michigan Government Management Information Science; and Washtenaw County Cyber Citizenship Coalition.

According to Lohrmann, the presentations will focus on a comprehensive, forward-looking blueprint to enhance safety and allow for Michigan to reap the economic benefits of the growing cyber security industry. Panel discussion topics include: “Cyber Security and Global Threats: Are We Ready?” and “Hot Issues in Cyber – What it Means to Businesses and Education,” as well as a session titled “Let’s Talk Cyber: Is Privacy Dead?”

The Michigan Cyber Awareness Luncheon Conference Series serves as a follow up to the sold out Michigan Cyber Summit hosted last fall by Gov. Rick Snyder.

“The State of Michigan continues to view cultivating public/private partnerships as a top priority when it comes to addressing cyber security for its residents,” said David Behen, DTMB director and Michigan’s chief information officer. “I encourage anyone interested in learning more about cyber security to sign up to attend one of the luncheons.”

Other luncheons in the series are scheduled for Kalamazoo, Traverse City and the Metro Detroit area.

For more information about the Michigan Cyber Awareness Luncheon Conference Series, contact Leslie Smith at (248) 353-0735, extension 152 or by email at: lsmith@esd.org.