Cybersecurity experts collaborate with state leaders at inaugural conference

WEST COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — As the use of technology increases in our day-to-day lives, so does the need for online security.

Members of an organization called the SC Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity, or SC CIC (“Kick”), joined together with state leaders in West Columbia for an educational conference.

The inaugural event gave critical personnel from across the state a chance to collaborate, network, and build cyber solutions.

Speakers included Governor Henry McMaster, and keynote speaker Dr. Gerry Auger from the company Simply Cyber.

Operating within SLED, the group provides proactive and recovery services for online threats — and on a much larger scale, makes sure our state’s infrastructure is protected.

“When you think of the lights on at your house, it’s the energy companies that we’re helping protect. It’s the water facilities helping to deliver drinking water to the house. It’s all the local government organizations that are delivering the critical services out to their community, that we’re trying to protect and make sure they’re always available for the community that needs them,” says SC CIC Director Ryan Truskey.

Chief of SLED Mark Keel says as cyber thieves become more savvy, law enforcement must stay ahead of the game.

“There’s nothing in our lives today that’s not run by computers. And so it impacts our life in everything we possibly do. Everything we do at sled from our forensic laboratories to our criminal justice information systems, all it related. And so it can have tremendous impact on us and law enforcement and on any other sector of our society it makes a huge difference,” says Keel.

So how can we prevent cyber attacks online?

Truskey says the FBI’s Internet Crime and Complaint Center website is a great place to start — offering consumer and industry alerts and tips on how to prevent elder fraud.

“Be aware of the security training that’s out there. Look to the state and federal government that has awareness programs. October is cyber security awareness month, so look for all the agencies that push out guidance to the community on what they need to be doing to protect themselves,” he says.