High Tech Conference Set for Niagara Falls

NIAGARA FALLS—“Network security” is a major buzzword at this year’s Technology & Homeland Security forum, set for Oct. 15 at the Seneca Niagara Casino.

The forum, an annual offering in Niagara County for nearly a decade, is one of the region’s top technology confabs. It provides IT professionals, corporate and government leaders, and others with more than a layman’s interest in technology, homeland security, and protecting sensitive computer networks from hackers and other threats with an opportunity to see the latest leaps forward in securing computer networks and to learn from computer industry professionals, according to Larry Helwig, Niagara County’s director of data processing.

“Network security is a hot topic right now,” Helwig said.  “Everyone from government, police and fire agencies, school districts—they all have computers.  I hope the people who attend gain more knowledge on how to protect their networks and keep them secure, and keep intruders from gaining access.”

The forum runs from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. It also includes a free breakfast and lunch. As an added incentive for IT professionals, the forum will count as 6 continuing professional education hours toward ISC2 and ISACA certifications.

Helwig discussed many of the program’s offerings Thursday in an online video, available at techforum2009.blogspot.com.

He was joined in making the announcement by T.J. Lukasiewicz, the executive vice president of InfraGard Buffalo Members Alliance, and Jeff Ross, executive director of infoTech Niagara.

“The Homeland Security & Technology Forum gives Western New York technology and security professionals, as well as the organizations that sponsor them, an opportunity for free training, information sharing, and networking,” Lukasiewicz said. “The collaborative effort between Niagara County, the Erie County Local Emergency Planning Committee, the Niagara County Local Emergency Planning Committee, the InfraGard Buffalo Members Alliance, and infoTech Niagara is another example of the cooperative spirit in Western New York that sets our community apart.”

Ross emphasized that the forum offered opportunities for IT and security professionals, and urged employers to allow IT managers and others to attend the conference.

“Anyone who manages computers, is involved in critical infrastructure protection, or manages security in the workplace should attend,” Ross said. “This is a great opportunity for local professionals to have access to national vendors from companies such as Cisco, Barracuda Networks, Dell, IBM, and many more.”

In addition to vendors, 14 classes are being offered on topics as wide-ranging as “Extending and Protecting Vital Infrastructure,” “Security for a Mobile Workforce,” and “The Commonsense Guide to protecting yourself from Hackers, Employees, and the Government.”

Pre-registration is required, and can be done online at www.niagaracounty.com/forum.asp. For more information, call 716-439-7048 or email techforum2009@niagaracounty.com.