Hudson Valley Cybersecurity Series | Cyber Essentials – Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress

Hudson Valley Cybersecurity Series | Cyber Essentials

March 29th, 2022

EVENT 1: CYBER ESSENTIALS – March 29, 2022
The federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) shared information that is essential to protecting computer systems, data and infrastructure for local government and businesses. CISA discussed its “SHIELDS UP” guidance for all organizations – big and small – to adopt a heightened posture as a result of Russia’s unprovoked attacks in Ukraine. Although there is no specific or credible cyber threat in the United States, CISA is encouraging organizations to practice extra vigilance and report unusual activities on their government, utility or business networks.

Speakers

Michael Hastings

Michael Hastings is a Department of Homeland Security Advisor assigned to Region II working out of Albany, NY. Michael has extensive industry experience to include roles as Vice President of IT Risk Management and several leadership positions in governance, risk management and operations in regional and national organizations. He is also an Army veteran, and served on a recent overseas operational deployment as a Division Chief Information Officer. Michael holds an MBA in Technology and Management, and is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional.

Benjamin Voce-Gardner

Benjamin Voce-Gardner currently serves as the Director of the Office of Counter Terrorism for the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. In this role, he is responsible for coordinating counterterrorism outreach to public and private stakeholders and oversees the Division’s Cyber Incident Response Team, Critical Infrastructure Unit, and Public Safety Unit. He previously served as the Division’s Director of Cybersecurity Policy, where he oversaw its cybersecurity assets and developed policies to address cybersecurity threats. Before that, He was the Assistant Secretary to the Governor for Public Safety, where his portfolio included the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Division of Military and Naval Affairs, State Police, Cyber Security Advisory Board, Division of Criminal Justice Services, and Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. Before joining the Governor’s office, he worked as a litigator in the New York offices of Zuckerman Spaeder LLP, where his practice focused on criminal litigation, complex civil litigation, and corporate investigations. Prior to private practice, he served for six years on active duty in the United States Navy and currently holds the rank of Commander in the Navy Reserves. He has deployed to the Middle East twice in support of the Global War on Terror. He received his BA from Connecticut College, JD from Boston College Law School, and MS in Cybersecurity Risk and Strategy from New York University.