Cyber Con 2025 Highlights Cybersecurity Readiness for Small Businesses

Southwest Tennessee Community College was among the organizations included Sept. 18 in the Greater Memphis Information Technology Council’s 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 response—ensuring 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 Southwest effectively during our cyber incident,” Boyd said. “Small businesses must prepare not for if a cyber incident will occur, but for when it does.”

Southwest’s 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 Southwest’s business and technology programs. Fifteen students from those programs attended, gaining valuable exposure to industry trends and professional networking.

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