TEDx conference tackles topics from cybersecurity to Harrisburg (neighborhood, theatre)

[Airforceguy]

Augusta is fortunate to have an event like this.

There were 14 total speakers. Many were local, but some came from as far as Los Angeles.

The topics varied from Cybersecurity threats to inspiring kids in a tough neighborhood.

Today you'll meet two of those speakers: Mark Baggett and Christopher Shelley.

Mark Baggett says when it comes to a cybersecurity threat, most of us are defenseless.

"If an attacker tries to break into an average person's computer, they are going to be successful," Baggett said.

Baggett is a professional penetration tester. He breaks into companies' sites to expose their weaknesses.

Now, he's bringing his knowledge to the TEDx stage at Augusta's Imperial Theatre.

He hopes after his talk, next time you go through your email inbox, you'll think a little differently.

"Most people assume that none of them are viruses and they go through and open up all the emails and attachments like an elephant running through a field of land mines," he said.

He says what Augusta is doing to put cybersecurity classes in local high schools and colleges is the first step to a solution.

"I think this is the beginning of the conversation to fixing the problem," he said.

Christopher Shelley is working to fix a different kind of problem.

His talk centered around being a father and role model in a tough neighborhood.

"I live in the Harrisburg area. Seeing a lot of young kids in the neighborhood knowing they needed someone positive to be in their life," Shelley said.

That's what he tried to be.

After losing his mom, dad, and brother to prison at age 17, he knew he wanted a different life for himself and the kids around him.

Now, he drives a church van five days a week to pick up youth for mentoring.

He also helps with "Grow Harrisburg," a program that plants healthy food around the neighborhood so kids can eat and do better in school.

Although he was nervous on the TEDx stage, Shelley knew it was a message he needed to spread.

"Hope that message will touch someone out here in this world and put their minds to try and help young kids in their neighborhood," Shelley said.

TEDx conference tackles topics from cybersecurity to Harrisburg