TV personality to discuss ways to keep safe from cyber criminals

MALVERN » Immaculata University alumna Theresa Major Payton ’89 will return to campus on Wednesday, May 2, at 6 p.m. in the Green Room to present “The Evolving Nature of Cybercrime: How to Protect Your Company & Your Family.” Payton, a renowned expert on cybersecurity and CEO/cofounder of the cybersecurity firm Fortalice, will share her real-world insights and practical steps the public can take to tackle the perils of the cyber underworld.

“I am thrilled to return to my alma mater, Immaculata University, to discuss how cybersecurity and privacy impacts every person, business, and nation today. With the rise of the Internet of Things and the increasingly interconnected nature of the world around us, it’s incredibly important to understand how to keep ourselves safe online,” said Payton.

As the star of the CBS reality TV series “Hunted” and the first woman to serve as the White House chief information officer, Payton is one of America’s most respected authorities on internet security, data breaches and fraud mitigation. Participants will explore the new kinds of threats that can lead to tomorrow’s breaches and the insider risks that persists in today’s uber-connected world. She will delve into the impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) and how to secure big data.

Payton serves on the advisory board for Immaculata University’s undergraduate major/minor in Cybersecurity which prepares students to pursue a career in the fast-growing field of cybersecurity. She is the author of “Privacy in the Age of Big Data: Recognizing Threats, Defending Your Rights” and “Protecting Your Family and Protecting Your Internet Identity: Are You Naked Online?”

In addition, she has appeared on countless TV and radio news shows on various topics concerning cybersecurity and cybercrime. Recently she was recognized by the FBI with the 2018 Director’s Community Leadership Award.

“We’re pleased to welcome Theresa Payton back to Immaculata University to share her insights into the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity,” said Kate Kearney, dean for the College of Adult Professional Studies. “With cyberattacks making the news almost daily, Ms. Payton’s expertise and real-world experiences in combatting cybercrime will help us to better understand and protect ourselves and our communities against these threats.”

The event is free and open to the public.