Free Webinar on Password and Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)

CyberHawaii, a local nonprofit organization, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the lead federal agency on cybersecurity and critical infrastructure security and resilience, are hosting a webinar on password and multi-factor authentication on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, from 2 pm to 4 pm.

The session is the first one in the 2024 Fortify Cybersecurity Webinar Series, sponsored CISA and CyberHawaii. This series was made possible by a grant from the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Other supporters of this series include the State Office of Homeland Security, the FBI, Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i, the Hawai‘i Defense Alliance and the University of Hawai‘i.

Password management is a fundamental control in a strong cyber security framework and can be effectively implemented by businesses of all sizes. Many who operate small or large businesses may not give passwords much attention and mistakenly assume using a password that is easy to remember will make their lives easier when they have so many other responsibilities. However, a simple password is easier for cyber terrorists to crack, while a longer, more complicated password that uses a combination of letters, numbers and symbols takes longer and can be the first line of defense against a cyber-attack. This is just the beginning what is necessary for basic password security.

Conversely, multi-factor authentication may seem like a new technology that is out of the reach of most businesses as a security tool. Given the variety and frequency of cyber threats working to compromise online accounts, MFA is no longer a luxury. It provides an additional line of defense that can be implemented in businesses of all sizes. And it has matured to the point that even small businesses are able to implement it.

Presenters

Jennilyn LaBrunda, a Cybersecurity Advisor (CSA) with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) for the Pacific Islands, will lead this session. She is responsible for Hawaii, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, and American Samoa.

Guam-based LaBrunda is an experienced cybersecurity and information technology professional with over 15 years of experience. She is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and a graduate from the University of Guam with a double major in technology & e-commerce and computer information systems.

She oversaw several comprehensive cybersecurity programs for the Department of Defense to ensure resilient protection of critical systems and data. She spearheaded over a dozen major IT and security initiatives, which included leading the development of policies and contingency plans, conducting risk assessments, implementing security controls, investigating security breaches, providing technical support, and developing training curriculum for the cybersecurity workforce. Her work was recognized with a Meritorious Civilian Service award.

Charissa Wong, information security and technology manager for Bowers + Kubota, has more than 20 years of experience information technology and security management. Wong holds a CISSP certification and is the owner of Cyber Kia‘i, a security consulting firm whose mission is to help Hawai‘i businesses improve their security posture.

She is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools and the University of Oregon, and is an active member in the local cybersecurity community, which includes serving as the vice president of ISC² Hawaii.  Wong is also a member of the CIO Council and CyberHawaii.

To register for this webinar, visit the CyberHawaii website or click here.