Message from the President

The Ventura County chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO VC) continues its commitment of serving all Ventura County women business owners by hosting its meetings in various cities throughout the county. Its October meeting, “Why your business needs a cybersecurity plan” will be on Tuesday, October 8^th at The Greek Restaurant in the Ventura Harbor from 8:30am­ – 10:30am. Get your tickets by clicking here. Breakfast will be served.

If you think your business is too small for a cybersecurity breach, think again.

No business is too small to be attacked. According to a 2017 survey conducted by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), nearly 50% of women business owners have not taken action to prevent or prepare for a cybersecurity incident. As NAWBO VC member and cybersecurity expert Michelle Wilner of VIRTIS states, “We are in a global cybersecurity crisis. 40% of all breaches come through web apps. Businesses are falling victim to ransomware attacks every 14 seconds. 60% of small companies go out of business within six months of a cyber-attack. Hackers are everywhere … they are organized, and we are not.” Whether business owners are concerned about cost, feel they are too busy, or simply don’t know what steps to take, it is critical to be prepared to address cyber threats.

In this panel discussion you’ll learn:

• Trends in cyber security
• The differences between compliance and risk management
• What steps you can take right now to protect your business from cyber threats
• What’s a Business Continuity Plan and do you need one?
• Tips and best practices

Stellar panel of cybersecurity experts convening in Ventura on October 8th

• Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin is committed to addressing the growing threats of cyber-attacks. She will be discussing current cybersecurity legislation.
• Craig McClellan, Director of Data Center Operations, CIO Solutions, Inc. Craig has over 10 years experience supporting, monitoring and architecting software and hardware solutions for businesses.
• Jayme Garone, Assistant VP, Relationship Manager, Chase Bank. With over 10 years experience in the finance industry, safeguarding businesses from cyber fraud is always top of mind.

The panel will be moderated by cybersecurity expert, Michelle Wilner, CEO/Co-Founder of VIRTIS, a full-service, woman-owned cybersecurity firm, reshaping the dynamics of the cybersecurity landscape with its globally unique solutions and services. Thank you to VIRTIS for sponsoring this important panel discussion.

NAWBO Ventura County hosts educational meetings monthly on timely topics vital to the growth and success of women business owners, including female non-profit founders and executives. Breakfast, lunch and/or dinner meetings are typically held the second Tuesday of each month at various locations in Ventura County.