Cybersecurity Training Opportunity Available for Manufacturers in South Carolina

Columbia, S.C. – The S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW), in association with the S.C. Manufacturing Extension Program (SCMEP) and the S.C. Department of Commerce (SCDOC), will be hosting an informative webinar designed to provide critical information on cybersecurity programs and resources specifically tailored to South Carolina’s manufacturing community.

The webinar will also feature guest speakers from Needling Worldwide, a cybersecurity consulting firm, and GENEDGE Alliance, an organization renowned for enabling manufacturing companies to innovate and compete in today’s market. The Cybersecurity Essentials for Manufacturers Webinar will take place over Zoom on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022, from 10:30 a.m.-noon.

This virtual training session will go over three core topics:

(1) the business side and financial incentives of improving your manufacturing company’s cybersecurity,

(2) An introduction to information security management systems (ISMS), and

(3) Updates on the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) for manufacturers operating in the U.S. Department of Defense supply chain.

“Manufacturing is an industry that undeniably fuels our state’s economy and provides hundreds of thousands of jobs to South Carolinians,” states S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce Executive Director Dan Ellzey. “This training opportunity is the culmination of experts across multiple agencies working together to provide the most current and cost-effective information for manufacturing companies in the hopes that they can improve their cybersecurity, workflows, and overall production.”

“I’m delighted that in conjunction with our partners, SCDOC and DEW, we are hosting a webinar that will provide essential information on cybersecurity programs and resources available to all of South Carolina’s manufacturing community,” said S.C. Manufacturing Extension Program President and Chief Executive Officer Andy Carr. “In addition, I am pleased that this webinar will include a session focusing on something that is often overlooked – the business case behind improving a company’s cybersecurity posture.”

Manufacturers increasingly rely on data, information, and technologies to run their operations. Defending these assets from disclosure, modification, disruption, or improper use is a challenging yet crucial aspect of operating a business. This webinar is the perfect opportunity for manufacturers across the state to find guidance, solutions, and training that is practical, cost-effective, and helps them manage their privacy risks.

“Now, more than ever, businesses must continually work to enhance their cybersecurity posture, and this is especially true for manufacturing companies,” said South Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary Harry Lightsey. “Secure technology protects data and mitigates risks that could disrupt a company’s operations. That is why this webinar is so important. Participants will receive valuable cybersecurity information specific to the manufacturing community and designed to help strengthen policies, processes and systems.”

Manufacturers can sign up to attend the upcoming Cybersecurity Essentials for Manufacturers Webinar by registering here.