The Goodman School of Business at Brock University has formed an industry partnership with Supply Chain Canada, Ontario Institute to produce professional development seminars on cybersecurity.

Goodman Group, the business school’s community focused learning and development services provider, will design and deliver up to five cybersecurity seminars for members of Supply Chain Canada, Ontario Institute. The general public is also invited to register for the seminars, the first of which is scheduled to take place in January.

Supply Chain Canada provides leadership to the Canadian supply chain community, representing and serving more than 7,500 professionals across the country.

“The partnership is not only mutually beneficial for the School and Supply Chain Canada, but also the community at large,” says Abdul Rahimi, Goodman Group Director. “We continually strive to create synergies between industry and academia, and I am pleased to see this multi-faceted partnership come to fruition. I see this one-year agreement as the start of a long-term relationship between the association and Goodman. I also see this as an example of potential collaborative opportunities between Goodman and partners.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a growing number of cybersecurity threats and it is becoming increasingly important for businesses and institutions to protect their digital infrastructure. Several industries have experienced cyberattacks via malicious email messages and malware scams referencing the virus, as well as targeted attacks on critical vulnerabilities through housebound employees connecting to virtual private networks.

“Cyberattacks continue to be an evolving risk for supply chain networks and organizations,” says Himani Dureja, Vice-President, Education and Professional Development of Supply Chain Canada, Ontario Institute. “With more reliance on automation, Internet of Things and other technologies, supply chain professionals must be prepared to manage both risks and opportunities that modern technology present. I’m glad that with this partnership we’re able to provide our members with world-class training that will help them and the broader supply chain community build actionable strategies that encourage innovation.”

Although seminars will be delivered primarily for members of Supply Chain Canada, anyone interested in learning more about cybersecurity is welcome to register. Non-members who register for any of the seminars offered through the partnership will receive a complimentary one-year membership to Supply Chain Canada, Ontario Institute  a $410 value. Members of Supply Chain Canada have access to excellence in supply chain education, networking events, leadership and recognition opportunities, a mentorship program and a knowledge network of more than 7,500 members.

“Our partnership provides better opportunities for students and professionals interested in the Certified Supply Chain Management Professional Designation,” Rahimi says. “The Goodman School of Business offers a variety of courses related to supply chain management and offers pathways for other professions, such as consulting and accounting. By partnering with Supply Chain Canada — the only organization in Canada to offer a designation in supply chain management — professionals and students can earn professional development hours they can apply to the experience they need for the designation.”

The first cybersecurity seminar of the series will take place Tuesday, Jan. 26 and Wednesday, Jan. 27  from 1 to 4 p.m. Among other topics, participants will learn how to identify flaws in computer systems and networks, safeguard sensitive information and productivity, and implement risk management processes.

The seminar will be led by Tejaswini Herath, an Associate Professor with the Goodman School of Business who teaches courses in quantitative methods, information systems and information assurance, and whose research interests include information security and privacy, diffusion of information assurance practices, and security management.