Flathead Valley Community College to Host Free Community Lectures

Flathead Valley Community College will host a free community lecture this Thursday in the Arts and Technology Building, room 139, on campus in Kalispell.

The lecture will teach attendees the value of cybersecurity for personal protection.

The school will host three other free lectures throughout October.

They will host Subconscious Seduction: Russian Cyber Meddling in Eastern Europe on Oct. 5, The Rise of China: Unrestricted Warfare and Cyber Aggression on Oct. 19 and Cybersecurity for Small Business on Oct. 26. No registration is needed for the lectures.

Flathead Valley Community College released the following information and schedule:

Flathead Valley Community College’s Continuing Education Center is hosting four community lectures beginning this Thursday, September 28 in the Arts & Technology Building, room 139, on campus in Kalispell.

Each lecture is free to attend and registration is not required.

Cybersecurity for Personal Protection Sept 28 | 6-8pm

Learn how to protect yourself in the digital world. Topics include password security, phishing and social engineering, malware and ransomware, secure web browsing, network and Wi-Fi security, mobile device security, online privacy, data backup, parental controls and incident response. Gain a solid understanding of common cyber threats, recognize potential risks and take proactive measures to enhance your cybersecurity posture.

Subconscious Seduction: Russian Cyber Meddling in Eastern Europe Oct 5 | 6-7:30pm

Russia's effort to menace Eastern Europe extends well beyond Ukraine as Putin's regime continues its cyber campaign to influence public opinion (and political leadership) in countries such as Hungary, Serbia and the Baltic States. Winning the hearts and minds of this geostrategic region means securing voters and political party leaders who are sympathetic to Russia and, thus, uncooperative NATO and EU partners. This lecture discusses the nature of the threat and what it means for the U.S. and its allies.

The Rise of China: Unrestricted Warfare and Cyber Aggression Oct 19 | 6:30-8pm

China’s rise was built substantially on economic empowerment through engagement with the United States. This process has also included aggressive cyber operations against the U.S. homeland. Discuss China’s rise through the lens of China’s “three strategies” (Belt & Road Initiative, Military Modernization, and “Made in China 2025”) and the counter-strategies employed by the U.S. and its allies to deter this threat of a revised world order with Chinese economic and military power at its center.

Cybersecurity for Small Business Oct 26 | 6-8pm

Explore small business cybersecurity fundamentals and practical strategies to protect your business from cyber threats. Topics include risk assessment, employee awareness and training, secure network infrastructure, data protection and backup, incident response planning, vendor and third-party risk management, and regulatory compliance. Learn about the unique challenges small businesses face and leave with actionable insights to implement effective security measures and mitigate potential risks necessary to safeguard your business and customer data.