Davenport University hosted its second annual Cybersecurity Summit at its W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus October 16 as part of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

The summit gathered prospective and current students, recent graduates, experienced tech professionals, community members and employers under one roof to explore the exciting and growing field of cybersecurity.

Keynote speaker Jorel Van Os, chief information security officer (CISO) at Acrisure, spoke about forging cyber careers, embracing diversity, tackling emerging threats and advancing careers across all levels. He also engaged the audience in lively discussions on topics that included cyber threats, AI threats and ransom attacks.

Van Os, a nationally recognized Ethical Hacker, took the audience on a fascinating walk through the dark web and gave examples of where cyber defenders must look to protect company security, data and identities.

Shelley Lowe, Davenport’s executive director of Career Services, said Davenport intends to make the Cybersecurity Summit an annual event that brings together all facets of education, community, and industry to learn and engage.

“This summit is our opportunity to highlight our programs with the community and allow our students and community to gain the opportunity to network and talk tech with practitioners and tech peer groups,” said  Lowe. “Our goal with this event is to position Davenport in the market as a key resource in cybersecurity in Michigan and across the U.S.”

Summit attendees also had the chance to meet with representatives from several professional organizations and network with seasoned professionals and recent alumni.

Area employers, such as Auto-Owners, Acrisure, TEKSystems and Applied Innovation were also on-site to connect with students and discuss their open cybersecurity positions.

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.

“Davenport wants to be at the forefront in making sure West Michigan has the talent needed to fill the demand for cybersecurity professionals,” said Amy Mansfield, Davenport’s dean of the College of Business and College of Technology. “This summit is a great step toward achieving that goal and shows that the tech community is a supportive one.”

Those interested in Davenport’s cybersecurity program were able to meet with representatives from Admissions, Career Services and the College of Technology.

To learn more about Davenport’s College of Technology programs, visit www.davenport.edu/academics/areas/technology.