Forge Institute launches the Arkansas Cyber Defense Center

Even before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which included a series of powerful cyber attacks on the Ukrainian digital infrastructure, the United States was susceptible to devious state sponsored cyberwarfare. SolarWinds and Colonial Pipeline are two well documented examples.

Not so well documented are the thousands of cyber attacks executed upon the United States every day that often target small and mid-sized businesses. Many victims aren’t equipped with the skills to know how to prevent or repel a cyber attack. Forge Institute, a leader in workforce cyber training and intelligence analysis, is bringing its knowledge to bear during these uncertain times. 

The Arkansas Cyber Defense Center (ACDC) is a dedicated hotline that connects small and mid-sized businesses directly in contact with a Forge Institute volunteer. Small business and startup leaders can call ACDC when they feel their organization is under cyber attack or if they feel their digital infrastructure is inadequately protected.  

“The attack can come from anywhere, like ransomware through your personal device,” said Lee Watson, founder and CEO. “They’ll target your employees looking for passwords, account numbers and other sensitive information. Your vigilance has to be relentless.”

Watson explained that many businesses and organizations don’t have a cybersecurity department or even an IT professional with the necessary information security training on staff to counter malicious cyber actors. ACDC was developed by Forge Institute to help those organizations when hacks occur. As the ACDC grows, internship opportunities will be made available to vetted college students. 

According to Dr. Philip Huff, Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity, UA Little Rock, “this is a great opportunity for the region's colleges and universities to provide students with opportunities to rapidly synthesize the skills they learn in the classroom. The majority of businesses lack resources they need to hold off increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks, and educating students to immediately apply their skills fits a vital need for society.”

“If you feel you’re a victim of a cyber attack, or even if you feel like you're especially vulnerable to an attack, we invite you to call this number,” said Watson. “The service is free, and we’ll make sure you receive access to best practice resources.”

According to Watson, the ACDC service serves a benefit beyond just helping small businesses cope with potentially devastating cyber attacks. “We’re all part of a digital community, and we’re stronger when we collaborate. When you reach out to the cyber defense community, you add to the collective intelligence.”

Adding to the collective intelligence may prove critical to preventing a cyberattack that targets critical infrastructure. But for now, ACDC is focused on protecting the interests of organizations who need a guiding hand. 

“Everyone needs to protect their sensitive data,” said Watson. “We have an incredible roster of expertise at Forge Institute. Please do not hesitate to give us a call.”

You can contact ACDC at 501-239-9599 or visit www.forge.institute.

Key Facts

• The Arkansas Cyber Defense Center (ACDC) is a dedicated hotline that connects small and mid-sized businesses directly in contact with a Forge Institute volunteer. 

• ACDC will capture cyber incident information and provide basic cyber hygiene best practices.

• Individuals can reach the ACDC at 501-239-9599 or by visiting www.forge.institute.