Cybersecurity to Be Stressed at PSA-TEC ’15

For the first time, the conference will feature a Cybersecurity Track designed to provide practical solutions and applications for physical security integrators.

WESTMINSTER, Colo. – The 2015 PSA-TEC, produced by the PSA Security Network, will return this year with an expanded offering of educational coursework tailored to help executives, managers and technicians keep pace with industry trends and the fast-evolving physical security marketplace. Now in its 36th year, the event will be held at the Westin resort hotel in Westminster, Colo., May 4-8. Security Sales & Integration  will once again serve as the official Elite Media Sponsor.

If you missed the PSA Cybersecurity Congress in January and its slate of educational offerings, which stressed the rising threats from cyber espionage, you are in luck. PSA-TEC will reprise the same Cyber 101 coursework from the first annual event. The classes, which are geared specifically for installing security contractors, include such titles as “Cyber Insurance: Are You Prepared?”; “Revenue Opportunities in Physical/Cyber Convergence”; and, “Physical Security Design Modeling: Best Practices.”

“For the first time PSA-TEC will also feature an all-new Cybersecurity Track designed to provide practical solutions and applications for physical security integrators who want to become more risk-responsible solutions providers,” says PSA Security President and CEO Bill Bozeman.

The cybersecurity learning path will include an array of first-ever Cyber 201 courses, focusing on such themes as “Practical Basics of Securing the IT Infrastructure in Physical Security Installations”; “10 Cybersecurity Best Practices for Internet-Connected Security Devices”; and, “How Security Integrators Can Ride the Cloud Tidal Wave to Make Money.”

PSA-TEC has long been considered one of the industry’s premier training and educational events for its sheer breadth of coursework. In all, more than 400 course hours will be held during the weeklong conference. Integrator company owners and executives are being encouraged to bring their extended teams to attend curriculum tracks geared for their particular position and special training requirements.

Several scheduled roundtables will provide a forum to delve into and deliberate current industry trends. In one such example, the PSA Technical Committee will take part in “An Industry Synopsis of Physical Security Technology.” Here, participants will provide insights into key technologies driving the industry today and the potential impact these technologies will have on physical security in the future.

Once again this year, PSA Security Network is authorizing the event’s exhibit hall and training sessions to be open to all electronic security practitioners, not just members of the more than 200-strong co-operative. The extensive technology and services exhibition space will be open May 6 from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Included will be a full slate of courses to earn continuing education credits (CEUs). TEC – training, education and conference – classes are tailored to sup-port continuing educational goals and recertification requirements for organizations such as ASIS, BICSI, ESA/NTS and NICET. Participants generally need to submit documentation showing they attended the training classes for which they seek continuing education credit. In addition, prep workshops will be offered for those who are striving to attain designations to become a Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Physical Security Professional (PSP) or a SIA Certified Security Project Manager (CSPM).

What’s on Tap When Class Is Out?

To encourage networking and taking part in social activities, there are a host of opportunities for attendees to mix and mingle.

The options include the Welcome Reception, held 5:30-7 p.m. May 4; PSA Vendor Appreciation Awards, May 5; Platinum and Gold Sponsors’ Hospitality Suites, May 5; and the legendary (well, for regular attendees maybe) PSA-TEC Jam Session, May 6, highlighting live music performed, in part, by musically inclined members of PSA among others in attendance. There’s also a hotly contested bowling tournament scheduled for the evening of May 7.

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About the Author

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Although Bosch’s name is quite familiar to those in the security industry, his previous experience has been in daily newspaper journalism. Prior to joining SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION in 2006, he spent 15 years with the Los Angeles Times, where he performed a wide assortment of editorial responsibilities, including feature and metro department assignments as well as content producing for latimes.com. Bosch is a graduate of California State University, Fresno with a degree in Mass Communication & Journalism. In 2007, he successfully completed the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association’s National Training School coursework to become a Certified Level I Alarm Technician.

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