Cybersecurity is a major field of focus for the State of Missouri, with initiatives constantly being implemented to build a secure digital landscape.
The Governor’s Office of Cybersecurity works to protect the state’s digital infrastructures and assets from malicious cyber threats and attacks. Missouri also boasts a rich history of cybersecurity innovation in the private sector, with a long list of world-renowned security-focused companies based in the state.
Several annual conferences and events are held in Missouri to share best practices for protecting digital infrastructure against increasingly sophisticated and persistent cyber threats.
The Midwest Cyber Security Summit is a two-day event organized by the Missouri National Guard each year, bringing together experts, thought leaders, and security professionals from across the nation. The Women in Cybersecurity Conference is another annual event that educates and encourages female cybersecurity professionals to become effective members of the workforce. Finally, the Spring/Fall Business Cybersecurity Conference is an annual, day-long event that focuses on educating small business managers and infosec professionals on cybersecurity trends and best practices.
In addition, the University of Missouri’s Center for Information Assurance and Cybersecurity regularly hosts open hackathons and hack days, which bring together cybersecurity professionals, industry experts, and students to tackle important information security challenges. Further, Missouri’s Cybersecurity Conference held in May offers an opportunity for attendees to get insights into the latest threats, find out how they can secure their data, and network with other industry experts.
Finally, numerous organizations and associations are dedicated to supporting information security, computer security, and cybersecurity in Missouri. The Missouri Cyber Alliance and the Missouri Security Professionals Association both work to promote education and collaboration in the industry.
The St. Louis Information Security Group is a group of cybersecurity professionals from the greater St. Louis area that meets regularly to discuss industry topics of interest and collaborate on security projects.
The Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) Missouri Chapter also holds monthly meetings to educate members on current trends in the field.