The Rotary Club of Akron had the pleasure of listening to Ken Fanger, during our Tuesday, October 24 Club Meeting.
Ken Fanger, President of On Technology Partners and a CMMC-RP (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Registered Practitioner), has over 30 years of experience specializing in cybersecurity and information technology systems management and design, and project management. Ken is one of fewer than 2,000 people to hold the designation of CMMC-RP, helping businesses with federal contracts to meet the new Department of Defense cybersecurity standards. Currently focusing on the manufacturing sector, he’s also worked in the pharmaceutical, legal, medical, nonprofit, and government fields. His MBA in Operations Management enables him to understand work/process flow, while allowing him to develop strategies for an organization’s future.
Ken began his presentation with a couple of examples of things that have happened to him as well as his customers when it comes to cybersecurity breaches. He emphasized that we are not “dumb” when it comes to cybersecurity but did say that Users are the weakest link. When we get that “questionable” email or phone call we need to be extra careful and not provide information that can allow access to important documents, accounts, etc. If in doubt, hang up or delete the email. Emails can infect your computer by opening attachments, but they can also infect your system if you click on a link in the content of the email.
Ken discussed the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI). While AI can be beneficial in our business and personal lives, it can also be harmful when it comes to issues around cyber security.
Ken continued his presentation discussing the Triple A’s: Aware, Address, Arise.
Awareness Phase: Share stories of what happened to you. Don’t be embarrassed. Share with others to save others from a similar experience.
Address Phase: When the attack phase happens, hang-up.
Arise Phase: Ensure your system has all available updates, virus protection, etc. Don’t pay “ransom.” Large companies sometimes do pay, which only empowers those who are hijacking companies’ systems.
Ken informed Rotarians that because of a grant they received they can provide a free scan to businesses to assess their vulnerabilities. They can also provide some free services to schools.
Ken concluded by stating that cyber security threats can be frustrating and confusing. He stated that it can help to have a partner that knows how to navigate those processes and compliance standards.
For more information on what On Technology Partners can assist you with, you can check out their website at https://ontechnologypartners.com, email them at infor@ontechpartners.com or call at 216.920.3100.
Yours in Service,
Terry Dalton
Akron Rotary Club Secretary and Scholarship Chair
