Cisco and TELUS Team Up With ISACA Vancouver Chapter to Deliver Dynamic Agenda for BC AWARE CAMPAIGN 2016

VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - Jan 19, 2016) - For the third consecutive year, Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) Vancouver, with sponsors Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) and TELUS, unites technology, IT security, privacy, governance, and risk assurance organizations in British Columbia to create a major privacy and security awareness initiative. The BC AWARE CAMPAIGN will bring the privacy, security and business communities together to raise awareness with a "Calendar of Events" (most of which are free) held in various locations throughout the province from January 25-February 5, 2016.

The two-week campaign kicks off on January 25 with a panel organized by the CIO Association of Canada entitled, 'Cybersecurity - Whose Job Is It Anyway?' The panel is moderated by Frank Schettini, CIO, ISACA International, and includes panellists such as Pam Snively, CPO, TELUS; Jim Attridge, Director, IT Security, BC Hydro; Elisabeth Zornes, VP, Security Strategy and Business Operations, Cisco; and others.

BC AWARE provides professional development for current and aspiring IT and cyber security professionals. By cultivating a forum to discuss concerns and best practices relating to privacy, governance, risk and assurance, BC AWARE connects leaders across Industry, Government and Higher Education with expert resources from various professional associations and related fields.

"This year's campaign promises to deliver an exceptional experience to all involved," said Rob Behrouzian, ISACA Vancouver President. "It represents the momentum built over the past three years, made possible by the hard work of ISACA Vancouver and our affiliates. New this year, ISACA presents BC AWARE Day hosted by TELUS at their fabulous new TELUS Garden facility. This is in addition to 15 other high caliber events featuring world class speakers."

Participating organizations include the ISACA Vancouver Chapter, the CIO Association of Canada, the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), SecSIG Vancouver, (ISC)², Management Information Systems Association -- Simon Fraser University, University of British Columbia, British Columbia Institute of Technology, New York Institute of Technology, the Office of the Information & Privacy Commissioner, Reboot Communications, First West Credit Union, MARS, Thompson Rivers University, and the BC Ministry of Technology, Innovation & Citizens' Services.

The BC AWARE CAMPAIGN seeks to encourage greater cooperation among all levels of government, industry and education as we face today's privacy and security challenges.

"The threat landscape has evolved into an almost untenable business risk. We must do more in all areas, and this includes furthering the education of professionals, as well as engaging young people to enter into the cybersecurity profession. The BC AWARE CAMPAIGN is designed to achieve both of these objectives."

- Christos K. Dimitriadis, International President, ISACA

"It is a top priority to protect our data and networks, and remain proactive in a constantly evolving field. No organization is completely immune to a cyberattack which is why the BC AWARE campaign is a significant movement. It encourages British Columbians to become engaged and armed with the knowledge required to protect their privacy and security online."

- Amrik Virk, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services, Province of British Columbia

"The CIO Association of Canada's BC Chapter is pleased to assume a leading role for this year's BC AWARE Campaign. Our members will gather on Jan 25th for the campaign's kick-off event where a panel of local and internationally recognized information technology and security leaders will examine how CIO's can better communicate with their C-Level peers and Boards of Directors on matters relating to cybersecurity and minimizing organizational risk."

- Alex Buhler, President, CIO Association of Canada, Vancouver chapter

BC AWARE Sponsors
ISACA Vancouver has partnered with industry leaders Cisco (www.cisco.com) and TELUS (telus.com) who are backing this initiative with their collective resources and influence as Title and Platinum Sponsors, respectively. The net proceeds from these and our BC AWARE CAMPAIGN 2016 Gold sponsors (e.g. EY, Box, ICSynergy, Tenable, Lancope Stealth Watch, and Above Security) will be invested in ongoing educational outreach programs to encourage more young people to enter into the privacy and cyber security professions.

"ISACA has a reputation for strong community leadership, which contributes to innovative IT governance and cybersecurity training programs. The BC AWARE Campaign is an example of how government, education and industry drive successful outcomes by raising awareness, opening dialog and stimulating collaboration around privacy and security concerns."

- Elisabeth Zornes, Vice President, Security Strategy and Business Operations, Cisco

"With so many high profile breaches in the news, BC organizations are seeking better methods of securing their data, brand and social license. Campaigns like BC AWARE are essential in educating IT professionals and senior leaders on how to prepare and respond to the risks they will encounter in 2016 and beyond."

- Conn Nicoll, Director, Security Services, TELUS

Media Contacts

Please visit our web-site: www.bcaware.ca

Follow us on Twitter @BCAWARECA

For media and other inquiries, please contact:

BC AWARE CAMPAIGN Chair Justin Malczewski at: bcaware@isaca-vancouver.org