Forge Institute Receives Funding, Partners to Launch Structured Programs to Drive High-Growth Entrepreneurial Ventures in the Energy Sector
The Forge Institute is proud to announce the launch of Embers Xcelerator: Grid-Connected Cyber, a pre-accelerator program focused on growing innovations for grid-connected resilience, and the Forge Institute Mentorship Program.
Cyber Threat Training Course Strengthens the Energy Sector’s Defenses Across the Mid-South Region
Forge Institute, in collaboration with UA Little Rock and the University of Arkansas, has recently completed a successful Cyber Threat Training course which aims to bolster the cyber security defenses of the Nation’s energy infrastructure.
Lessons from the Front Lines: Cyber Warfare Expert Jim Richberg to Share Insights at Forge Institute Cyber Summit
The 5th Annual Forge Institute Cyber Summit will be held on October 7-8, 2024, at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. This pivotal event will convene top cybersecurity experts and stakeholders to discuss the latest strategies and innovations in cyber defense.
Jim Richberg, Fortinet’s Head of Cyber Policy and Global Field Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), will deliver a keynote address.
Arkansas Cyber Defense Center Offers Water and Wastewater Cyber Health Check
The Arkansas Cyber Defense Center (ACDC) is actively working to help water treatment facilities across the state mitigate vulnerabilities from cyber attacks, particularly those posed by nation-state actors.
Mark Cheng and Dr. Barbara Stevens Join Forge Institute, Supercharging its Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Innovation Leadership
“We are thrilled to welcome Mark and Barbara to our Advisory Board. Dr. Stevens’ formidable expertise in cybersecurity and data science will be instrumental as we continue to elevate our national digital defenses. Mr. Cheng has a rich background in strategic analysis and leadership, and is quite skilled at forging partnerships to advance business and national security objectives. We welcome their expertise in supporting our mission of keeping America one step ahead in cyber and data security," stated Lee Watson, Chairman and CEO of the Forge Institute.
Forge Institute Adds Daniel Ross, Chief Growth Officer, and Jim Schnoes, Chief Financial & Compliance Officer, to the Leadership Team
Forge Institute has named new officers to its leadership team. Daniel Ross is the new Chief Growth Officer and Jim Schnoes will serve as the Chief Financial & Compliance Officer.
Black Basta Ransomware: An Emerging Threat
The Arkansas Cyber Defense Center (ACDC) is committed to enhancing the cybersecurity posture of organizations across the state of Arkansas. Our focus includes analyzing emerging threats, understanding the tactics employed by cybercriminals, and providing guidance to mitigate these threats. In the context of increasing global ransomware incidents, this blog aims to spotlight the Black Basta ransomware variant, explaining its operational tactics and offering prevention strategies.
Forge Institute’s Commitment to Military Veterans Earns National Recognition from the U.S Department of Labor
Forge Institute, a leading national provider of cybersecurity training and workforce development solutions, has been recognized with the prestigious 2023 HIRE Vets Medallion Award Platinum Level from the U.S. Department of Labor. This distinguished honor acknowledges Forge Institute's exceptional commitment to recruiting, upskilling, and employing veterans.
Forge Institute Strengthens Cybersecurity Resilience, Bridging the Talent Gap
"Employers like us are thrilled to have people who've been through great training and are prepared to hit the ground running because there is a shortage of cyber talent,” emphasized a cybersecurity professional. "It’s hard to put a price tag on what it means for our company when we can take current team members and add to their infosec and technical skills. It also helps employees progress their long-term career as an information security expert."
Michael Orlando Appointed to Forge Institute's Esteemed Advisory Board
Forge Institute is thrilled to announce the newest member of its Advisory Board, Michael Orlando, a seasoned leader with deep expertise in counterintelligence and national security. In his role on the board, Mr. Orlando will leverage his extensive background to further Forge’s goal of developing a fortified regional defense innovation ecosystem.
Forge Institute promotes Scott Anderson to Chief External Affairs Officer, adds additional team members and prepares for continued growth
Forge Institute promotes Scott Anderson to Chief External Affairs Officer, adds additional team members and prepares for continued growth
Lou McAlister Becomes Latest Digital Leader to Join Forge Institute’s Advisory Board
Forge Institute, a national leader in increasing digital capabilities for organizations nationwide, announced today that Lou McAlister, co-founder and CEO of Broadband Development Group and author of the entrepreneurial guidebook No Substitutes, has joined the Forge Institute Board of Advisors. McAlister’s service to the Forge Advisory Board begins immediately.
Acxiom & Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas join as sponsors of 2023 Forge Cyber Summit
Forge Institute announces Acxiom has joined as a Presenting Sponsor of the highly anticipated Forge Cyber Summit 2023, scheduled to take place Oct 4-5 in Little Rock. A global leader in data-driven marketing solutions, Acxiom’s continued commitment to cybersecurity excellence resonates with the Summit’s mission to foster innovation, collaboration, and advancements in the digital security landscape.
Cyber Advisory: Volt Typhoon
In the last few months, a stealthy and targeted malicious cyber campaign has targeted critical infrastructure organizations within the United States, posing a threat to both private and public sectors. [Read More]
Forge Institute and the Arkansas Conference of Technology (ACOT) Team Up to Fortify Arkansas Schools against Cyber Adversaries to Safeguard Our Kids
In response to the alarming rise of cyber threats targeting educational institutions, Forge Institute is thrilled to announce a significant partnership with the Arkansas Conference of Technology (ACOT). This collaboration aims to reinforce cybersecurity across Arkansas’ schools, providing a robust shield for students, faculty, and staff against evolving digital threats.
Unleashing Cyber Insights: Trailblazing Keynotes by Dr. Dane Egli, Tere Brun, & Scott Shyne Await at the Forge Cyber Summit!
The annual Arkansas Cyber Summit is set to take place on October 4th-5th, showcasing the intersection of cybersecurity and the natural beauty of the region. Hosted less than 30 minutes from downtown Little Rock, this two-day event will feature insights, best practices and first-hand cyber defensive & AI experiences from national industry professionals, government leaders, and cybersecurity enthusiasts.
Acxiom and Forge Institute Partner to Pave Tech Career Pathways for Veterans
Acxiom sponsors the Forge Fellowship program, offering internship and professional coaching opportunities to help military service members break into the booming cybersecurity and digital industries.
Forge Institute Announces Strategic Collaboration with the Arkansas Municipal League
The Forge Institute announced a pivotal collaboration with the Arkansas Municipal League (AML) and the Arkansas Cyber Defense Center (ACDC). This partnership aims to provide crucial cybersecurity services and expertise to the municipalities of Arkansas, thereby fortifying the state's cyber defenses.
Consortium for Cyber Innovation members announce strategic collaboration with the Department of Energy & Idaho National Laboratory
Forge Institute (Forge), a subrecipient of UA Little Rock’s $1 million grant, announced a collaboration to establish a new research project to enhance protections for Arkansas’s energy utilities against energy-focused cyberattacks within the existing Forge Institute Emerging Threat Center. This project is part of the Consortium for Cyber Innovation (CCI), which is led by Forge and includes UA Little Rock and the University of Arkansas.
Renowned Author and Cyber Expert Perry Carpenter Joins Forge Institute Board of Advisors
Perry Carpenter is an internationally recognized thought leader in the area of security awareness, security behavior management practices, and social engineering. He is author of the recently published, “The Security Culture Playbook: An Executive Guide To Reducing Risk and Developing Your Human Defense Layer.” He also serves as Chief Evangelist & Strategy Officer for KnowBe4, the world's largest integrated platform for security awareness training combined with simulated phishing attacks.