Save the Dates: Virtual State Cybersecurity Summit Set for Oct. 20-21

The four key state departments that play key roles in cybersecurity have again teamed up with California State University, Sacramento (Sac State), in setting the dates for the annual State of California Virtual Cybersecurity Education Summit: Oct. 20-21.

Joining Sac State in sponsoring the event are the California Department of Technology (CDT), the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), the California Military Department and the California Highway Patrol. They are the “core four” agencies that target computer crime in California. 

“The 2020 Virtual Summit is designed to engage the entire spectrum of California’s cybersecurity professionals, whose job functions and expertise range from highly technical to executive,” says the event’s announcement/registration site. “Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the nation’s leading solution providers and discover the latest products and services for enterprise cyber defense. The Summit will be content-rich with proven strategies and practical tools and templates for transforming your information technology and information security operations to effective government security operation centers of tomorrow.”

The event will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. both days. This is the fourth year the event has been held, and it’s also the first time it’s spanning two days and being offered online.

Vitaliy Panych, the state’s acting chief information security officer, said on LinkedIn that the event will be “a great event to share your message and get great content.” He also put out a call for those seeking to offer suggestions or breakout topics.

“Wanted to encourage maximum participation,” he said, noting that proposals for event material are due by Monday and should be submitted online. 

Proposals will be evaluated on how well they meet the following criteria:

• Well-defined topic with focused objectives.
• Wide appeal and interest to the target audience.
• Addresses innovative approaches and evidence-based and/or priorities in the field.
• Offers informative materials or tools applicable to communities or organizations and can be transferred into practice.

“For submission inspiration,” the submissions announcement says, “click here for a list of hot topics in cybersecurity that was discussed at the first Advisory Board Meeting on Aug. 13.”

Only online submissions will be considered. Multiple submissions on varying applicable topics are encouraged. As the agenda and roster of speakers and breakout sessions develops, Techwire will provide updates.