San Juan County Economic Development Council Schedules Cybersecurity Workshops for Island Businesses
Business owners, nonprofits, and community organizations on Orcas Island can attend two free cybersecurity workshops scheduled for November. The San Juan County Economic Development Council organized the sessions to address digital safety, privacy, and scam prevention for local operators.
The first session, titled “Passcodes & Privacy – Preventive Best Practices,” takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 11 a.m. to noon. Attendees will learn to create strong passwords, choose secure web browsers, spot common security pitfalls, and apply the “3-2-1 Rule” for digital backups. The second workshop, “Scams, Bots, and Phishing Tactics – Best Practices to Avoid Trouble,” is set for Thursday, Nov. 19, during the same hours.
Attend workshops in person or virtually
Both workshops will be held physically at the Creative Space on Orcas Island, with virtual attendance options available for participants unable to join in person. The training addresses practical aspects of digital safety, including identifying vulnerabilities and adopting the “trust but verify” philosophy to counter modern phishing tactics.
Tycho Pendraig, founder and principal consultant of Pendraig PNW, serves as the instructor for both events. Pendraig brings a background in mechatronics, over a decade of experience with Agile project management, and regional experience providing virtual Chief Information Officer services across the San Juan Islands and the Seattle metropolitan area.
Register online for free program access
Registration is free of charge and requires pre-registration at https://sanjuansedc.org/tech/. For more information, contact the Economic Development Council at 360-378-2906 or info@sanjuansedc.org.
Local funding partners supporting the Economic Development Council program include San Juan County, the Town of Friday Harbor, Washington Commerce, the Ports of Friday Harbor and Lopez, the Orcas Island and San Juan Island community foundations, and individual and foundation donors.
Common Questions About the Orcas Island Digital Safety Sessions
Who should attend the November workshops?
The sessions are open to businesses, nonprofits and community organizations on Orcas Island and surrounding areas who want to improve their digital security hygiene.
Is there any cost to participate in the training?
No, both workshops are entirely free of charge, though pre-registration is required through the Economic Development Council.
Can attendees join the sessions remotely?
Yes, virtual attendance options are available alongside the in-person gatherings at the Creative Space on Orcas Island.
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