The Frontlines of Cybersecurity: Creating a Culture of Security through Education
Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2025Time: 02:00 PM ET / 01:00 PM CT / 12:00 PM MT / 11:00 AM PT [Prevailing Time]
Presenter: Todd McElmurry, IT Consultant, Heard, McElroy & Vestal, LLC (HMV)
Moderator: Wayne Sine CPA, Education Director, National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives
Learning Objectives:
• Attendees will be able to recognize key cybersecurity threats, including phishing, ransomware, and SQL injections, and learn how these attacks are deployed and their potential impacts on businesses.
• Participants will learn best practices for keeping sensitive data secure, including encryption, secure data transfer methods, and the importance of regular system updates to mitigate vulnerabilities.
• By fostering a culture of continuous learning and vigilance, attendees will be equipped to contribute to their organization's cybersecurity efforts, ensuring compliance with regulations and minimizing the risk of security breaches through proactive behavior.
Field of Study: Information Technology
Program Level: Basic
CPE Credit: 1 Credit Hour
Delivery Method: Group Internet-based
Prerequisite(s): No advanced preparation or prerequisites are required for this course.
Course Description
In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity is critical for tax, finance, and accounting professionals to protect sensitive data and safeguarding operations. This session will empower participants with knowledge on the evolving threats in cybersecurity and equip them with practical strategies to foster a security-first mindset within their organizations. From understanding common cyberattacks such as phishing and ransomware to implementing safety protocols, attendees will learn the importance of building a culture of safety through education and proactive defense mechanisms. This webinar will guide finance professionals in becoming active participants in maintaining cybersecurity, minimizing risks, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
Key Takeaways:
• Identify and Understand Cybersecurity Threats: Attendees will be able to recognize key cybersecurity threats, including phishing, ransomware, and SQL injections, and learn how these attacks are deployed and their potential impacts on businesses.
• Implement Strategies to Safeguard Data: Participants will learn best practices for keeping sensitive data secure, including encryption, secure data transfer methods, and the importance of regular system updates to mitigate vulnerabilities.
• Cultivate a Culture of Cybersecurity Awareness: By fostering a culture of continuous learning and vigilance, attendees will be equipped to contribute to their organization's cybersecurity efforts, ensuring compliance with regulations and minimizing the risk of security breaches through proactive behavior.
Presenter and Moderator Bios
Presenter: Todd McElmurry, IT Consultant, Heard, McElroy & Vestal, LLC (HMV)
Todd McElmurry graduated from Texas State Technical College in 1998 with a degree in Computer Networking. He spent the first several years of his career life working with Smith County and Gregg Country Appraisal Districts within their IT and GIS Mapping departments. In 2003 he started as Network Administrator with Curtis Blakely & Co., PC in Longview, Texas where he has been for the last 20 years. In January 2023 Curtis Blakely & Co., PC was acquired by Heard, McElroy & Vestal, LLC out of Shreveport, Louisiana. Todd transitioned into their IT group where he currently serves today.
His experience as a Network Administrator has encouraged him to have a passion for security and looking for ways to help clients become more knowledgeable about technology and Cyber Security through training and speaking at statewide conferences.
He is married to his wife Lisa of 24 years and have 3 boys together. He enjoys camping, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. He is very active in his church and community.
Moderator: Wayne Sine CPA, Education Director, National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives
After retiring as Tax Director for Southern States Cooperative, Wayne Sine was asked to serve as Education Director for NSAC. He has been a long-time and active member of NSAC, having served as past President of the Atlantic Chapter and past Chair of the Tax Committee. In addition to his work with NSAC, Wayne has served on the Legal, Tax, and Accounting (LTA) Committee of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, Chaired the Tax Committees for both the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the Virginia Manufacturers Association, served on the Tax Policy Committee of the Virginia Society of CPAs, and served as past Region Vice President for the Tax Executives Institute.
CostFree for NSAC Members / $56.00 for Non-Members
Delivery System
- All programs are delivered using the Zoom platform.
- Confirmations will include log-in instructions.
- Participants are able to participate using any device with an Internet connect (if the device does not have speakers, the participant can also dial-in) or they can participate with audio only by dialing in.
- All registrants will receive a link to the CLN’s recording by email within 48 business hours of event’s conclusion.
- There will be assistance available to help with technical and connectivity issues up to 10 minutes prior to the start of the presentation.
Registration
All registration is done on-line and each guest must provide their name and email address to participate. All NSAC members may register for free. Non-members may register for a nominal fee.
Refund Policy
NSAC will not issue refunds for CLNs. If a registrant is unable to participate in the CLN and provides notification to info@nsacoop.org 48 hours prior to the session, a credit will be provided for a future CLN. Alert the NSAC staff member monitoring the CLN if technical difficulties are encountered and technical support will be provided to eliminate problems with future CLNs.
Additional Information
Live participation is required for CPE credit and polling questions must be answered to document your active participation. All registrants will receive an email following the session with links to the slides and/or handouts, and a link to the CLN recording (unless otherwise stated). If you are unable to participate in the live session, you can still watch the recorded session, but you will not be eligible for CPE credits. Those eligible for credits will receive their certificate by email with 7 business days.
For more information regarding NSAC CLNs or administrative policies such as complaint and refund, contact the NSAC Headquarters, 7946 Clyo Road, Suite A, Centerville, OH 45459, 937-222-6707, or info@nsacoop.org.