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The first SA Cyber-Security Conference attracts the best in local and international speakers

The Mzanzy Cyber-Security Institute, an organisation which supplies authoritative opinion and guidance on all aspects of information and cyber security, has announced the launch of the first South African cyber-security conference. With security and privacy issues receiving daily attention in the world’s media, the Cyber Security Conference will focus on issues relevant to business, government and private citizens concerned about the integrity of sensitive information in today’s connected world.

Cyber security is an issue that defines the age in which we live. Not only do cyber incursions create a significant threat to commerce, but they can also disrupt the Internet, which has become one of our primary means for communication. The first annual Cyber Security conference, also known as ‘Securing Mzanzy’s Future’, will feature prominent global and national security experts presenting the latest advances in cyber security.

Richard Young, the driving force behind the conference, has had many years of experience leading security operations in major financial institutions in the USA, UK and South Africa. Young says the aim of the conference is to create awareness of cyber threats and to alert stakeholders of the need to adopt a robust cyber-security framework.

“We aim to lay the groundwork for building the capacity of key decision-makers in government and industry, helping them to implement strategies aimed at preventing and responding to cyber threats in a timely manner,” explains Young. “Moreover, it is also crucial that we arm these decision-makers with the means to adopt resilient technical measures, establish appropriate organisational structures and create a robust regulatory framework to deal with cyber threats on a personal, business and national level.”

T.J. Jacoby, the New York City Housing Authority chief information officer, will deliver the keynote address. Jacoby will provide a strategic view into the constantly morphing aspects of cyber security and its impact across all aspects of business. Additional highlights include panel and collaborative discussions with industry chief security officers, security entrepreneurs, industry analysts and a technology showcase.

Among the other international speakers are Dr Alain Nkoyock, senior ICT coordinator for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (Austria), Professor Memon, a professor in the Department of Computer Science & Engineering and director of the Information Systems & Internet Security (ISIS) laboratory at New York University and Jay Renade, director of education services at TechnoDyne University, New York.

Local security experts will join Brian Gerber, operations director at Siyenza Holdings in discussing security issues pertinent to South Africa. Among the topics to be discussed is the need for a common legal and regulatory framework that takes the changing nature of cybercrime into account.

The Cyber Security Conference will be held on 23 and 24 March 2011 at the Gallagher Conference Centre, Midrand. For more information, please e-mail [email protected] or go to www.cybersecurityconferencesa.co.za

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