The Link Between Cyber Security and Infrastructure: A Global Perspective

As military conflict has mounted between Ukraine and Russia, so have fears of unprecedented cyberwar. Russia was behind a large-scale attack on Ukraine’s power grid in 2015 during its annexation of Crimea. Most recently, Russia is believed to have hacked US satellite communications provider Viasat on the days of its invasion in Ukraine, affecting military and government communications in Ukraine. Yesterday, it was also reported that Ukrainian internet provider Ukrtelecom was down following what is being described as the most severe cyberattack since the start of Russia’s invasion into Ukraine.

Last year, Colonial Pipeline suffered a ransomware cyber-attack that resulted in the shutdown of its services for five days, causing supplies to tighten across the United States. The company reportedly paid nearly $5 million in ransom following the incident to regain access to their networks and data. The Colonial Pipeline hack is believed to be the largest publicly disclosed cyber attack against critical infrastructure in the U.S.

What can governments and businesses around the world do to protect their infrastructure from cyber security risks?

Please join the World Affairs Council of Charlotte as we host Chuck Harrington, Executive Chairman and former CEO of Parsons (2008-2021) on Thursday, April 28 as part of WACC’s CEO Series. He will offer his perspective on the importance of critical cybersecurity policies for governments and companies and the implementation of global cybersecurity measures to combat foreign actors. Harrington will also touch on the role of public-private partnerships to ensure that infrastructure, data, and networks are upgraded to fight these new technological threats from authoritarian governments and non-state entities.

Program Information: 

Date:
Thursday, April 28, 2022
VIP Reception:
11:30 – 12:00 PM ET
Lunch & Presentation: 
12:00 – 1:30 PM E.T.
Location:
Hilton Charlotte Uptown Directions
Cost:
$50 (WACC Member Rate)
$70 (Non-Member Rate)
$35 (WACC Student Member / Teacher Member / YPWACC Member Rate)

  • Please call 704-687-7762 for credit card payments over the phone.
  • Checks can be mailed to “World Affairs Council of Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., CHHS 227, Charlotte, NC 28223.”

 

 

 

Biography: 

Chuck Harrington is the Executive Chair of Parsons Corporation (NYSE: PSN), a technology solutions provider driving the future of the defense, intelligence, and critical infrastructure markets, with annual revenues exceeding $4 billion. Chuck was appointed CEO in May 2008, Chair of the Parsons’ Board of Directors later that year and President in 2009. Before his appointment in 2006 to the position of CFO and Treasurer of Parsons, Mr. Harrington was the founding President of one of Parsons’ operating companies that grew from $5 million in revenues to over $1 billion in 4 years providing technology solutions to the telecommunications and biotechnology markets.

In addition to his responsibilities at Parsons, Mr. Harrington serves on the boards of the J.G. Boswell Company (OTCMKTS: BWEL – chairs Compensation Committee) and serves as the Vice Chair of the California Polytechnic San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO) Foundation Board of Directors. Chuck has also served on the boards of AES Corporation (NYSE: AES, chaired Finance & Audit Committee), Business-Higher Education Forum, California Science Center Foundation Board of Trustees, UCLA Anderson School of Management Board of Advisors, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center Board of Trustees, Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, Los Angeles Sports Council, Duke University Pratt School of Engineering Board of Visitors, Charlotte Regional Partnership, and Chaired Cal Poly SLO President’s Council of Advisors.

He has been recognized with the WASH100 Award, New York Building Congress Industry Recognition Award, Charlotte Business Journal Most Admired CEOs, and elected to the National Academy of Construction and is a member of the Aerospace Industry Association. Chuck holds a BS degree in Engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, MBA in Finance and Marketing from UCLA, and attended Duke University’s Advanced Management Program. He holds an honorary doctorate degree in Engineering from Cal Poly SLO.