Dec. 12 Panel Focuses on the Importance of Cyber Security for Manufacturers

    LOVELAND, CO, December 07, 2017 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Northern Colorado Manufacturing Partnership (NoCO) presents "The Importance of Cybersecurity for Manufacturers" Dec. 12 at The Ranch. The event, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., focuses on important cybersecurity issues along with an important 12/31/17 deadline that manufacturers who support the defense sector must meet. To help Colorado manufacturers become cybersecure, Manufacturer's Edge has partnered with NoCO Mfg and Colorado Advanced Manufacturing Association (CAMA) to offer a cybersecurity presentation featuring a cyber expert from the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST).

Colorado's 6,000 manufacturers (85% with fewer than 20 employees) are busy making products and don't always have the time or the trained technology professionals available to help them secure their infrastructure. Nevertheless, cybersecurity risks are real and can destroy a business and its reputation.

Manufacturers not compliant with new cybersecurity regulations by the end of this year risk losing or disrupting the work they provide under contract with the Department of Defense (DoD). Manufacturers, no matter their size, are encouraged to pay attention to cybersecurity, particularly as they become increasingly reliant on computer systems and IT. A cybersecurity incident could not only result in damage to their information or information systems but cause loss of profit, decreased productivity and damage to their credit and reputation--and if the incident ends up being costly, they may be driven out of business altogether.

As they face the continuing threat of cyber breaches and malicious ransomware, manufacturers need to know how to protect themselves and their clients against crippling cyberattacks and be aware of risks to national security.

Manufacturers can learn about cost-effective solutions that meet DoD requirements and the basic foundations of cybersecurity, including policies, procedures and people, at the Dec. 12 event. They will learn how to defend vital data and information, avoid disruptions to operations and product delivery, and protect employees' personal information. They also will learn how to provide awareness training to help employees--the first line of defense against cyberattacks--recognize phishing attacks, the risks associated with the use of social media and various cybersecurity issues and how to address them in the workplace.

"Are you currently a supplier to the defense sector? Is your organization considering manufacturing products or components for the DoD or DoD contractors? Are you aware of the NIST 800-171 Standard requiring all contractors to have two basic cybersecurity components in place by December 31, 2017? If not, this event is just for you," said Jessica Cowden, Marketing Manager for Manufacturer's Edge in reference to NIST 800-171, a security controls document developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology that outlines standard requirements for contractors. The document is in response to the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) clause 202.254-7012.

"The Importance of Cybersecurity for Manufacturers" will be held at The Ranch Bar & Grill, 5290 Arena Circle, and will include a speaker program, followed by networking. Panelists will include Mike O'Donnell with Envision IT Partners and Chris Conrardy with EWI.

"Hackers and cybercriminals are now successfully focusing more of their unwanted attention on small companies, including manufacturers," NIST cyber security expert Pat Toth said in her blog, "Small-Business Cybersecurity is Twice as Nice as Pumpkin Spice," published Oct. 18. "Many cybercriminals view smaller businesses as being less secure and more vulnerable to attacks."

The speaker program will be 3:30-5:00 p.m. with B2B networking 5:00-6:00 p.m. RSVP is required - RSVP now at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-importance-of-cyber-security-for-manufacturers-tickets-39241540504. Remote live streams for those who can't attend the event will be available thank to CAMA at the Southern Colorado Fuse Center, 555 E. Pikes Peak Ave., Colorado Springs, CO, and CAMA, 14062 Denver West Parkway, Building 52, Ste. 300, Golden, CO.

The cost for NoCO members is $15 and admission is $20 for non-members.

About NoCo Manufacturing Partnership
The NoCo Manufacturing Partnership was formed in 2013 as a result of Governor Hickenlooper's state Economic Development plan called the Colorado Blue Print. The Blue Print identified 11 key sectors of the economy in Colorado by region. Northern Colorado's two main sectors identified were Health and Wellness and Advanced Manufacturing. Regions within the state were encouraged to form sector partnerships to provide more localized grass roots support to augment state efforts in each sector. These would be industry specific, led by business, in partnership with economic development, education and workforce development.

A collaboration arose as part of the Blue Print process involving people from each of these affiliations and the NoCo Manufacturing Partnership was born. It continues to be an all-volunteer, business led, free membership organization designed to support Northern Colorado manufacturers. It is served by a Board of Directors, representing each affiliation from private business to local government, as well as two active committees: Networking and Manufacturing Talent/Rocks! For more information, find us on the web, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

About CAMA
Formed in 2013, the Colorado Advanced Manufacturing Association (CAMA) is the first and only statewide, member-based, trade association exclusively dedicated to advancing manufacturing in Colorado by helping its members stay competitive, build prosperous relationships, stay informed, save time and money, grow their workforce, and advance their business through education, connections, and strategic resources exclusive to CAMA members. CAMA is a member-driven organization in which all board and executive members have a deep vested interest in the success of the organization as a whole, and the businesses of each member. As an organization we share a common goal of advancing manufacturing in the state of Colorado and making it better and easier to do business here.

About Manufacturer's Edge
Manufacturer's Edge is a statewide manufacturing assistance center partially funded by the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). Manufacturer's Edge encourages the strength and competitiveness of Colorado manufacturers through onsite technical assistance through coaching, training and consulting, collaboration-focused industry programs, and leveraging government, university and economic development partnerships. Learn more at their website, on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

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