National Cybersecurity Center Holds Inaugural Conference

The new National Cybersecurity Center's first ever cybersecurity conference wrapped up Tuesday at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs.

About 300 people from around the country attended the two-day event.

CEO Ed Rios says the goal of the conference is to share information and create connections among people and resources across the nation.  

"Everyone across the country recognizes that this is growing towards a crisis," Rios says. "We lose a lot of intellectual property, a lot of financial activities are affected by the cybersecurity issues, and every state recognizes that."

Rios says he expects to have at least one conference like this each year in the future, and emphasizes the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to combat hacks.

Other attendees included members of the Colorado Army National Guard, and representatives from the Colorado Technology Association.

Governor John Hickenlooper was also present, and says the NCC is likely to play a crucial role in the nation's future.

"The National Cybersecurity Center here in Colorado Springs has the potential to be one of the most important research and action centers in the country regarding national security," he says.

The governor also emphasized the importance of educating kids and young adults about cybersecurity.