Topic: Cybersecurity for Government Professionals

There has been an alarming increase in the number of cybersecurity incidents in 2023, and most experts agree there are no signs of the problems slowing down in the foreseeable future. In the past we viewed cybersecurity as a challenge for the IT people, but now it is clear cybersecurity has moved beyond that and it impacts all of us. For many it is a subject that seems overwhelming to understand or try and stay on top of it all, but it doesn’t have to be. In this session we will review the current state of cybersecurity in our world, discuss government’s ever-changing role, take a look ahead at what’s next, and share a few tips on how you can make a difference.

Speaker:
Derek M. Kestner, Information Security Officer
Supreme Court of Virginia

About our speaker:
Derek M. Kestner serves as the Information Security Officer for the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) of the Supreme Court of Virginia. He began his career in the Virginia Judicial System in 2001 as a deputy clerk in a circuit court before transferring to the administrative office to work with information technology systems in roles including systems analyst, project manager, and project management coordinator. 

Derek is a native of Abingdon, Virginia, but resides in New Kent County with his wife and daughter. He is a graduate of Emory & Henry College (bachelor’s in economics and political science) and Virginia Tech (Master of Public Administration). Derek is a Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) with the International Information System Security Certification Consortium ((ISC)2) and a Project Management Professional (PMP) with the Project Management Institute (PMI).  He also serves as a member of the Virginia Cybersecurity Advisory Committee and as a member of the Court Technologists Committee at the Center for Legal and Court Technology.

Core Competency: Technology

Takeaways:

• Understanding cybersecurity and how it affects you.
• Government’s role in cybersecurity.
• Changes ahead with cybersecurity.  

Fundraising Committee

The fundraising committee is planning a 50/50 raffle at our September meeting.
Please remember to bring extra cash to buy your tickets.

This just in! Sales for the Big 50/50 raffle are starting early this year. Don't forget to pick your ticket books up at the September meeting.