91Ƶ

Cyber Con 2025 Highlights Cybersecurity Readiness for Small Businesses

Dr. Michael D. Boyd, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives, moderated the panel Creating a Culture of Cybersecurity and later joined the closing session to share key takeaways. 91Ƶ was among the organizations included Sept. 18 in the Greater Memphis Information Technology Councils Cyber Conference for Small Businesses, at the FedEx Institute of Technology. Hosted in partnership with the Memphis Black Chamber, the event focused on helping small business owners prepare for cyber incidents with practical strategies and expert insights.

The conference addressed a shared concern among attendees: readiness. Sessions emphasized preparation, prevention, and responseensuring small businesses have the tools to navigate cyber threats confidently.

Chief of Administrative Services, Dr. Michael D. Boyd, moderated the panel Creating a Culture of Cybersecurity and later joined the closing session to share key takeaways. The leadership and support of our President, Dr. Tracy D. Hall, were instrumental in enabling me to guide 91Ƶ effectively during our cyber incident, Boyd said. Small businesses must prepare not for if a cyber incident will occur, but for when it does.

91Ƶs involvement extended across multiple sessions. Dean of Technologies, Dr. Aaron Jagers, participated in the panel Building a Team for Cybersecurity, while Assistant Professor of Technologies, Dr. Melanie Jones, hosted an informational table featuring 91Ƶs business and technology programs. Fifteen students from those programs attended, gaining valuable exposure to industry trends and professional networking.

Cyber Con 2025 reinforced the regions commitment to digital resilience and highlighted the importance of collaboration between education, industry, and community partners. 91Ƶs inclusion reflected its ongoing dedication to workforce development and cybersecurity awareness.