Davenport University is celebrating October’s National Cybersecurity Awareness Month by hosting its second annual free Cybersecurity Summit. This year’s summit will feature keynote speaker Jorel Van Os, chief information security officer (CISO) at Acrisure. Attendees will hear about his experiences within the IT industry and learn more about the dynamic field of cybersecurity.

The Cybersecurity Summit will be held Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 6-8 p.m. in the auditorium on Davenport’s W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus. Check-in begins at 5:30 p.m. Attendees will have an opportunity to network and enjoy refreshments.

Organizers said those who are considering a career in cybersecurity and those who are seasoned tech professionals will find great value in attending Davenport’s Cybersecurity Summit. 

Van Os held several key positions at Acrisure before advancing to his current role as CISO. He is an executive leader who partners with C-suite management and cross-functional teams to create and execute strategic security roadmaps. He has extensive experience building, guiding and coaching high-caliber, multidisciplinary teams. 

“Davenport’s nationally recognized cybersecurity program is designed to address the talent needs in this sector,” said Davenport President Richard J. Pappas, Ed.D.  “Joel Van Os is sharing cutting-edge knowledge from his work in the cybersecurity field, and our students and  community will benefit from hearing a speaker of his caliber.” 

Davenport is one of a select number of colleges in Michigan designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. 

Jeff Martin in the College of Technology said cybersecurity continues to be one of the fastest-growing segments of the IT industry, driven by the increasing frequency of cyber threats and a global shortage of skilled professionals. 

“As organizations prioritize data and system protection, the demand for qualified cybersecurity experts continues to rise, with significant opportunities for growth and high compensation. Cybersecurity Awareness Month is the perfect time to explore these diverse, in-demand career paths and the critical role cybersecurity professionals play in safeguarding digital infrastructure, said Martin.” 

In addition to the summit, Davenport is hosting two virtual “Tech Talks.” The first Tech Talk is “Hacking 101- a beginner’s guide to cybersecurity” and will be held on October 10, 2024, from 4-5 p.m. It will discuss the basics of hacking and how to defend against cyber threats. The second Tech Talk, “AI Unveiled,” will take place on October 24, 2024, from 4-5 p.m. This is an introductory look into the fascinating world of AI. For more information on these Tech Talks, or to register, click here. 

Click here to learn more about Davenport’s College of Technology programs.