At NIST Information Security is Good Business: Survival Tools and Techniques

GAITHERSBURG, Md.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Dec. 10, 2001–To address the specific needs of small and medium sized businesses and organizations, The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), in co-sponsorship with the Small Business Administration and the National Infrastructure Protection Center’s InfraGard Program will hold a series of regional workshops in cities across the country.

These one-day workshops are designed to raise awareness of Information Security risks and vulnerabilities, while providing specific techniques to improve Information Security practices. The meetings focus on the reasons to secure information, ways to evaluate the needs of the organization, and the practical steps to take to protect business information.

Did you know…

— The Love Bug virus caused damage, expected to run into

billions of dollars, by invading business computers. Can you

afford the loss of business, staff time, or the repair costs

that such an attack could bring?

— Hackers scan thousands of computers looking for identities to

steal and vulnerable systems to attack. They could break into

your Website and deface it and even reroute your customers.

— As many as 90 percent of all information security breaches

originate from inside the company in which they occur. Do you

have a dissatisfied employee who could corrupt your customer

information or disrupt your billing?

Is your information protected against…

— Computer viruses?

— Hackers?

— Software bugs?

— Technical failure?

— Disgruntled employees?

— Cyber criminals?

— Human error?

Why is Information Security good business?

Today’s customers are becoming very security conscious. In our electronic age, information is the foundation for success. Whether you’re a wholesaler, manufacturer, doctor, realtor, or philanthropist, if your

— financial records were gone tomorrow,

— customer records were stolen, or

— business strategies fell into the hands of your competitor,

you could suffer major losses in profits or credibility.

So, you don’t have the resources to hire a full-time Information Security staff? What can you do?

Attend a Regional Information Security Workshop, presented by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Specifically designed to empower small- and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations, the workshops show you some simple tools and techniques to safeguard your organization’s critical information.

Learn…

— how your data is vulnerable,

— what you can lose through an information security breach,

— critical, practical steps to protect your business,

— how to utilize information security vendors/consultants, and

— How to evaluate tools and techniques based on your

organization’s needs.

These Regional Security Workshops are a part of NIST’s outreach program. They are designed to raise awareness of Information Security risks and vulnerabilities, while providing small businesses with specific techniques to improve their Information Security practices.

Who Should Attend?

— Decision makers in small- to medium- sized businesses

— Decision makers in nonprofit organizations

— Individuals who seek an introduction to Information Security

problems, tools, and techniques

— Individuals who value practical information

About NIST

As part of the United States Department of Commerce’s Technology Administration, the National Institute of Standards and Technology works to develop and promote measurement, standards, and technology to enhance productivity, facilitate trade, and improve the quality of life.

NIST’s Computer Security Division works closely with the Information Technology (IT) industry to develop technology, standards, and test methods that enable everyone to apply IT effectively, safely and seamlessly.

Register now for these Locations:

NIST, in co-sponsorship with the Small Business Administration

andthe National Infrastructure Protection Center’s InfraGard Program

will hold Regional Security Workshops across the country. The first

meetings will be held in the following locations:

Richmond-Petersburg, VA

Tuesday, December 11, 2001

Embassy Suites Richmond

2925 Emerywood Parkway

Richmond, VA 23294

Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC

Wednesday, January 16, 2002

Embassy Suites Raleigh Durham Airport

201 Harrison Oaks Boulevard

Cary, NC 27513

Birmingham, AL

Wednesday, February 20, 2002

Sheraton Birmingham Hotel

2101 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard, North

Birmingham, AL 35203

Details and registration forms:

http://csrc.nist.gov/Bus_Regional_Mtgs/

NIST Workshop Coordinator:

Alicia Clay, Ph.D.

Computer Security Division

NIST’s Information Technology Laboratory

100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8930

Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8930

mail to: regionalmeetings@nist.gov

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