Rockville, Md., Feb. 22, 2023 – As the world continues to grapple with the complexities of securing critical IT systems and infrastructure, Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) and partners are stepping up their collaborative approach to cybersecurity innovation.

The National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) is launching a new Cybersecurity Connections initiative with a special emphasis on small businesses seeking to provide cybersecurity services or that want to connect with companies, government or academic organizations for cybersecurity support. Some of the effort’s goals are: to better address the cybersecurity-related needs of companies and institutions in the state and county, to help the NCCoE better understand the cybersecurity needs of companies and to expand collaborations with firms that can develop practical solutions, and to spur economic development.

“I am looking forward to the launch of the new Cybersecurity Connections program and the ability for the 5,500 high tech businesses in Montgomery County to use NCCoE expertise as they develop new business and health solutions,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. NCCoE was formed in 2012 as a partnership by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Maryland Department of Commerce and Montgomery County.

Business executives and other industry stakeholders can learn more at a networking event on Monday, March 6. The program will feature remarks by Elrich along with Maryland Secretary of Commerce Kevin Anderson and U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and NIST Director Laurie E. Locascio, as well as a panel discussion highlighting opportunities for collaborative approaches to cybersecurity.

The event will be held at the NCCoE, with support from Montgomery County government and MCEDC, and will include a renewal of the NCCoE partnership and the launch of the Cybersecurity Connections initiative.

“We value our partnership with Maryland and Montgomery County, which helps to make the NCCoE such a valuable resource for organizations of all sizes looking to improve their cybersecurity,” said Under Secretary Locascio. “We want to strengthen our engagement with small businesses and give them the opportunity to learn from our experts — and to lend their own expertise to the development of cybersecurity guidance that can help organizations across the country.”

MCEDC will continue coordinating the partnership intermediary agreement in conjunction with the County Executive Office.

“This renewed partnership and launch of the Cybersecurity Connections initiative will be instrumental in connecting companies to the wide range of expertise offered by the unmatched National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence,” said Bill Tompkins, President & CEO of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation. “We want to help cyber companies in Montgomery County, in Maryland, and beyond, draw on the capabilities of the NCCoE to ensure cyber safety and security.”

Event Details

Date: Monday, March 6, 2023

Location: National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, 9700 Great Seneca Highway, Rockville, MD

Agenda:
9:30 a.m. Arrival and Registration
10:00 a.m. Partnership Commemoration
10:45 a.m. Networking Break
11:15 a.m. Panel Discussion: Exploring Opportunities for Collaborative Approaches to Cybersecurity
12:00 p.m. Networking Lunch sponsored by MCEDC
1:15 p.m. Adjourn

The event also will be streamed live to the public. To attend in person, register by March 3. To attend virtually, use this link.

“We are excited to work with Montgomery County and the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence on this new program that not only strengthens our current collaboration, but also gives our small businesses an opportunity to connect with a range of new partners,” said Secretary Anderson. “Maryland continues to lead the way in providing world-class cyber solutions thanks to forward-thinking programs like this one that harnesses the power of our cybersecurity industry.”

“The National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence has worked on some of the most pressing cyber challenges we face as a nation, and their critical efforts happen right here in Montgomery County,” said Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation Board Chair Kevin Beverly. “This partnership will lead to stronger cybersecurity advances and greater economic opportunities for our local cyber companies.”

About MCEDC

Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) is the official public-private economic development organization representing Montgomery County, Maryland. Created in 2016, MCEDC is led by a Board of Directors of business executives. Its mission is to help businesses start, grow and relocate in Montgomery County by helping them gain access to top talent, business and market intelligence and prime locations. For more information, visit https://thinkmoco.com/

Press release link: https://thinkmoco.com/blog/nccoe-cyber-engagement-event