For the second consecutive year, the San Diego Regional Cyber Lab has been recognized for its exceptional work in the field of cybersecurity. The Cyber Lab recently received the Public Sector Innovator of the Year Award from the San Diego Business Journal as part of the publication’s 2024 Cybersecurity Stewardship Awards, specifically for its work with My eCISO – short for Chief Information Security Officer.   

This follows the Cyber Lab's recognition last year as the Cybersecurity Awareness Initiative of the Year for the Public Sector and Academia in the 2023 Cybersecurity Stewardship Awards.  

“Receiving this award is a testament to the City of San Diego’s commitment to using technology and innovation to enhance public service and protect those most vulnerable in our community,” Assistant Deputy Director of Compliance & Digital Equity Ian Brazill said in a statement to the San Diego Business Journal.  

Launched by the City in 2022, the Cyber Lab serves as a cybersecurity resource for small businesses, public agencies and educational institutions across the greater San Diego region. It aims to enhance cybersecurity resilience and offers specialized training with safe environments to simulate and defend against cyberattacks. 

In 2024, the Cyber Lab introduced My eCISO, an artificial intelligence chatbot that assesses organizations’ cybersecurity practices. Through a series of questions, My eCISO gathers information and generates a report card that includes recommendations based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s guidance. 

My eCISO is free and helps organizations that may not have dedicated cybersecurity staff to bolster their defenses against cyberattacks. 

“We are grateful that the San Diego Business Journal appreciates the impact that these efforts can have on our residents’ quality of life,” Brazill said. “We encourage everyone who recognizes the value of tools like My eCISO to help spread the word to those who could benefit from stronger digital security.” 

As part of its efforts to enhance cybersecurity awareness, the City recently sponsored a free webinar for local small business owners. The session, which drew 32 attendees, aimed to help participants better understand the cyber risks they face, what those risks mean and how to address them. According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, 60% of small businesses that experience a cyberattack go out of business within six months, highlighting the critical need for preventive measures and practices.  

The Cyber Lab provides a list of upcoming cybersecurity events in the San Diego region on its website.