Events

This presentation covers the cyber security fundamentals that all small business owners should understand and act on. Learn the common risk points that make most small businesses susceptible to a cyber-attack or data breach. Understand the risks and identify weak points in your systems. Learn best data practices and the resources available to help business owners protect their data, employees, and customers.

Registration closes at 12:00 PM on Monday, 04/13/2026.

Data is the new liability. Is yours protected from a cybersecurity attack?

Customer data is one of the most valuable assets a business hold.  It is also one of the most targeted.  A single data exposure can damage trust , trigger legal issues, and impact long term growth. Don’t be a victim!

Red Hat and the Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Office of Space Commerce are co-hosting the fifth annual Cybersecurity Open Forum – Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity, in Washington, D.C. This in-person and virtual event will be an opportunity to hear from leading experts, practitioners, representatives from state and federal agencies about the evolving nature of cybersecurity, from new technologies to new concerns for operational and sovereign resilience. These insights will guide collaborative government and industry partnerships to accelerate innovation while protecting critical industries as a foundation of national economic power.

Join the discussion with leaders from the field who are shaping evolutionary approaches to safeguard against current and emerging threats for secure data and commerce in important commercial sectors. Topics will include technology, communications, computing and security measures that inform best practices and policies within an ever-changing landscape that encompasses threats, vulnerabilities, and intelligence.

Three themes will be highlighted for this year’s Open Forum:

1. Cybersecurity for AI: As artificial intelligence rapidly integrates into government operations and critical infrastructure, the event will delve into the profound cybersecurity implications of this transformative technology. The conference will address the emerging trends in securing AI systems, from autonomous systems to advanced data analytics, and examine how current laws, regulations, and policies may be lagging behind the rapid pace of AI development. Participants will explore innovative strategies and best practices to safeguard against novel threats, ensuring the resilience and trustworthiness of AI-driven systems within the U.S. government and across vital commercial sectors. As always, we dive into the unique aspects of space systems as an illuminating case study and an area to apply lessons and shape future strategy.
2. A focus on results: This conference will emphasize a critical paradigm shift in cybersecurity: moving beyond a mere compliance-driven approach to one centered on tangible results and measurable outcomes. The need is being driven by a radical shift in how complex systems are built and operated with integrated AI, the continued acceleration and sophistication of supply chain threats, and the complexity of modern vulnerability management in the face of an avalanche of CVEs. Key to this transition will be a proactive systems approach to minimizing risk while reliably measuring effectiveness and rapid iterative improvement. We'll look at applying best practices for protecting open data and cloud environments with this goal in mind. And we will aim to identify current cybersecurity trends and address where existing frameworks may be lagging needs, fostering a proactive and outcome-oriented approach to national cybersecurity.
3. A retrospective: In our fifth year, we will look back on our history of the event. How these events have helped enable stakeholders throughout the U.S. Government and industry prepare for the future. A review of some of the past themes, session, and innovations that have been highlighted in this event. A case study on how we have helped influence forward looking policy.

A key component of managing and reducing cybersecurity risks and integrating good cybersecurity practices throughout your business is making sure you have a cybersecurity-ready team. But what does that, or can that, look like? The composition of this team will vary based upon your budget, current staff capabilities, risk level, cybersecurity or privacy requirements, etc., and can vary from a single in-house cybersecurity role (e.g., hiring new staff or upskilling existing), to an entire internal cybersecurity team, to external vendor or community support—or a mix of all the above.

For small businesses who are often confronted with limited resources, knowing how to get started and finding the necessary resources can be particularly challenging. During this webinar, speakers will showcase various options that small businesses may consider as they start building their cybersecurity team, including but not limited to:

• What to consider before building your cybersecurity team
• Options if you do not have the resources to hire a dedicated staff member to focus on cybersecurity, such as apprenticeships, engaging a third-party vendor, etc.
• Community resources small businesses can reach out to for assistance
• Considerations for hiring your first cybersecurity staff member or outsourcing to a third party
• Resources and tips for training all staff to build a culture of cybersecurity throughout the organization

When we think about cybersecurity and rapidly evolving technologies, we often focus on technical skills. However, strong cybersecurity also depends on professionals who can collaborate, communicate, and make responsible decisions in complex environments. This webinar highlights the human side of cybersecurity careers and explains why workplace, professional, and leadership skills—such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—are essential for building a strong and effective cyber workforce.