By: Kevin W. Techau

HR professionals are on the front lines in the challenge of maintaining cyber security in the workplace. It is estimated cyber breaches cost the global economy an estimated $450 billion last year.  2017 saw more money lost, more time stolen, and more data breached than any year in digital history. HR professionals play a pivotal role in preserving the security of the company in cyberspace.  HR departments hold some of the most private, important and sensitive information a business maintains. An HR database holds information such as: bank details, dates of birth, social security numbers, home addresses and many more. It is crucial  that the HR departments not only understand how to protect their own data, but the  companies as well. This presentation by a former United States Attorney with front-line experience in addressing cyber security issues  involving, prevention, detection, breaches, criminal  prosecution and internal investigations involving  cybercrimes. He will provide an up-to the minute review of how HR professionals can help build a human firewall to prevent cyber security lapses in the workplace. While cybercrime comes in many forms,  a  2017 study showed that 89% of companies have dealt with security incidents originating with a deceptive email – that means ransom ware, Trojans, viruses, stolen credentials and more.  Case studies will be used to explain the practices and techniques HR staff can use to successfully help implement cyber security  preventions training and techniques in their workplace.

Presentation Objectives:

• Provide overview on how HR should protect their data,
• Provide information on prevention, detection, breaches, criminal prosecution and internal investigations involving cyber breaches and crimes.
• Provide a review of how HR professionals can help build a human firewall to prevent cyber security lapses in the workplace.
• Provide an update on the growing cyber security regulatory and privacy law issues HR professionals must be prepared to handle.
• Discuss case studies to explain best practices and techniques HR staff can use to successfully help implement cyber security prevention.

About the Speaker:
Kevin W. Techau is an attorney with the Smith, Mills & Schrock Law Firm. He is chair of the firm’s government compliance, internal investigations and municipal defense practice. Techau previously served as the presidentially appointed US Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa from 2014-2017. As the chief federal law enforcement official in the district leading an office of 20 prosecutors. He partnered with Iowa State University and Drake University to plan and conduct two Cyber Security Roundtables attended by over 200 Iowa businesses CEOs, Senior VPs, General Counsels and CIOs. Techau’s 30-year legal career includes service as commissioner of the Iowa Department of Public Safety, director of the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals in Governor Tom Vilsack’s cabinet and seven years as Associate General Counsel at American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company. He retired as a Colonel with 27 years of total military service including seven years on active duty with the United States Air Force as a Judge Advocate, and 20 years of service with the Iowa Air National Guard upon retirement he was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal.