Charles IT, in collaboration with Smith Brothers Insurance and Mullen Coughlin, will host an exclusive panel discussion on Tuesday, October 14, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the Goodwin Hotel’s Capital Ballroom in Hartford, bringing together industry leaders to address one of the most pressing issues facing organizations today: cybersecurity risk.

The event, designed for business leaders and executives, will examine the rapidly evolving threat landscape and the intersection of IT security, insurance coverage, and regulatory compliance. With 60% of small businesses closing within six months of a cyberattack, the stakes have never been higher.

Attendees will gain actionable insights into today’s cybersecurity challenges, beginning with a real-world look at industry trends and emerging threats across IT operations, insurance, and compliance. The discussion will also explore integrated risk management strategies, highlighting how organizations can better align technical safeguards with insurance and legal frameworks to reduce overall risk. In addition, panelists will provide clarity around regulatory compliance, offering guidance on how evolving regulations directly impact IT decisions and insurance requirements.

Expert Panelists Include:
• Aaron Bandzes, vCIO, Charles IT – With over 15 years of experience guiding organizations in IT risk assessment and operational security strategies.
• Scott Garcia, Cyber Resource Center, Smith Brothers Insurance – Specializing in helping organizations understand the complexities of cyber insurance coverage and industry requirements.
• Gregory Bautista, Partner, Mullen Coughlin – A seasoned cybersecurity attorney with expertise in regulatory compliance, data privacy, and breach response coordination.

“Organizations are under pressure to do more with less in cybersecurity. This roundtable brings legal, insurance, and engineering leaders together to share practical steps teams can use right away,” said Bandzes.

Participants will also receive a customized cybersecurity checklist to evaluate their organization’s preparedness and enjoy a complimentary networking lunch with peers.