Chamber of Commerce – Current Security Risks in Business (Feb. 10)

WATERVILLE, January 20 — The next Business Breakfast, presented by Thomas College in partnership with the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, will focus on the security of business data. The presenter will ask business owners to ask themselves: "Who's looking at my data? Am I secure? Do I have a plan? Do I even know?" The presentation will be held on Wednesday, February 10, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Student Center Atrium on the College's campus at 180 West River Road in Waterville.

Allen Cornwall, of Systems Engineering, will discuss current security risks that businesses are faced with and means to protect against them. Firewalls may not be enough to prevent an entire network from being compromised ("hacked"). In his presentation, Allen will be offering valuable information that could defend your business and prevent costly mistakes. Allen will explain what hackers are trying to steal and simply what they want from businesses. He will challenge business owners to question if they are "really at risk." Questions that business owners should ask their vendors and business associates in regards to security for the business will also be explored.

Allen Cornwall has over 15 years of experience in Information Technology. He has worked as project manager and has implemented software applications that he has designed for small-scale to Fortune 500 companies. He has consulted for clients throughout Maine and Northern New England. He holds an M.B.A., a B.S. in Industrial Technology and an A.A.S in Mechanical Drafting (CAD). His past experiences in the engineering and manufacturing sides of business were a precursor to his foray into technology and provide a breadth of knowledge far beyond technology. In his nearly 10 years at System's Engineering, he has become a trusted resource for many clients.

The public is invited to attend the breakfast and presentation. The breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. and the program starts at 8 a.m. The cost per person is $14 for Chamber members with advanced registration, $16 for Chamber members at the door, and $20 for non-members. Contact the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce at 873-3315 or prog.asst@midmainechamber.com for registration information.

The sponsors for the 2010 Business Breakfast Series are: O'Donnell, Lee, McCowan, & Phillips, LLC, Attorneys at Law; PFBF, Certified Public Accountants; GHM Insurance Agency; Oxford Networks; and Merrill Bank, a division of People's United Bank.