In light of everything that has been going on with the recent break-in at the Dallas County Courthouse, a few local cybersecurity companies have decided to join up and educate the public about the work they do.

Black Hills Information Security is spearheading the conference, which will be held from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20th at the Adel Public Library. The event will focus on raising the public’s awareness of penetration testing like what was executed at the courthouse on September 11th. Representatives from BHIS, including their owner John Strand, as well as those from a few other cybersecurity companies will lead panels throughout the day, and attendees can stay for as many of the speakers as they would like. Each will go over the importance and effectiveness of penetration testing, and will also discuss important things for the public to know.

The organizers emphasize that the mood of the event is meant to be positive and educational, and protesting and negativity won’t be tolerated. The conference is in response to the ongoing controversy of two penetration testers employed by Colorado-based cybersecurity company Coalfire, who were arrested by the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office after they were hired to break into the Courthouse by the State Court Administration. The event is free to attend, though RSVPs are recommended. You can register by reaching out to Velda Lempka with BHIS, either by phone at 402-988-8156 or by email at velda@blackhillsinfosec.com.