As Kansas City prepares for the global soccer event 2026, the city is entering a period of rapid growth and transformation. Businesses and organizations across the region are expecting increased visibility, higher transaction volumes, and greater reliance on digital systems to support operations.
While this momentum brings exciting opportunities, it also introduces serious cybersecurity risks during major events. Many small businesses and nonprofits operate without dedicated security teams, making them more vulnerable during high-traffic periods when cyber threats are most active.
To address this challenge, RW2 Career and Technical Education launched Cyber Conversations™—an initiative designed to strengthen small business cybersecurity preparation while creating meaningful, real-world opportunities for students and graduates.
Inside Our First Cybersecurity Workshop
As part of the Kansas City soccer event 2026 preparation efforts, RW2 hosted its first cybersecurity workshop in collaboration with #KC2026 and #KC Game Plan. The event brought together small businesses, nonprofits, and community-based organizations for a hands-on, practical learning experience.
Instead of a lecture-heavy format, the workshop focused on real conversations and real scenarios. Participants explored everyday risks such as phishing attempts, weak passwords, unsecured networks, and outdated systems—common vulnerabilities that can lead to major disruptions if left unaddressed.
What made the workshop different was its approach. RW2 students and graduates aka Cyber Liaisons, took on active roles, helping guide discussions and break down technical concepts into clear, understandable insights. This allowed participants to not only learn but also immediately connect the information to their own operations.
The environment encouraged collaboration. Organizations shared their concerns, asked questions openly, and gained practical strategies they could start using right away. At the same time, the Cyber Liaisons were able to engage directly with real challenges, strengthening their ability to think critically and communicate effectively in professional settings.
Understanding Cybersecurity Risks During Major Events
Large-scale events like the 2026 global soccer event significantly change how businesses operate. Increased foot traffic often leads to higher digital activity—more online payments, more customer data being processed, and more systems being used simultaneously.
These shifts create opportunities for cybercriminals.
During major events, businesses may quickly adopt new tools, hire temporary staff, or expand their digital platforms without fully securing them. This opens the door to threats such as phishing attacks, payment fraud, ransomware, and data breaches.
For small businesses in particular, even a minor security incident can have serious consequences—financial loss, operational disruption, and damage to customer trust.
Cyber Conversations™ focuses on practical, accessible solutions. Instead of overwhelming organizations with technical jargon, the initiative emphasizes simple actions—strengthening passwords, recognizing suspicious activity, securing networks, and understanding basic risk management.
By focusing on awareness and prevention, RW2 is helping organizations build confidence in their ability to operate safely during high-demand periods.
What This Means for RW2 Students and Graduates
For RW2 students and graduates, Cyber Conversations™ offers an experience that goes beyond traditional classroom learning. It places them in real environments where they interact with businesses, analyze situations, and communicate solutions.
This kind of exposure helps bridge the gap between theory and application.
Participants develop the ability to assess real-world challenges, adapt their knowledge to different scenarios, and explain cybersecurity concepts in ways that are clear and actionable. These are critical skills that employers look for—especially in roles that require both technical expertise and client interaction.
Here’s what students and graduates gain:
- ✔️ Practical cybersecurity experience in real environments
- ✔️ Direct interaction with businesses and organizations
- ✔️ Stronger communication and problem-solving skills
- ✔️ Confidence in handling real-world scenarios
- ✔️ Relevant experience that strengthens their resumes
These outcomes position RW2 graduates as more than entry-level candidates—they become professionals who understand both the technical and human side of cybersecurity.
Strengthening the Community Through Action
As Kansas City prepares for the global soccer event 2026, initiatives like Cyber Conversations™ play an important role in building a more resilient community.
Businesses and organizations benefit from increased awareness and practical guidance, allowing them to strengthen their systems before risks become incidents. Rather than reacting to problems, they are equipped to prevent them. A risk assessment, such as the one that Cyber Conversations has created, can help organizations with that awareness and guidance.(Learn more about the assessment in the FAQs below.)
This proactive approach supports long-term stability—not just for individual businesses, but for the broader local economy.
At the same time, the initiative connects education with real community needs. It demonstrates how workforce development can directly contribute to solving real-world challenges, creating a cycle where both students and organizations grow stronger together.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does the risk assessment work?
The assessment has 30 simple questions that look at your cybersecurity practices, who has access to your systems, staff awareness, and basic security measures. You can answer it at your own pace and don’t need to finish it all at once. After completing it, you can book a free consultation where we review your answers, share key insights, and suggest next steps. If you need more support, optional services are available.
What if I need help completing the risk assessment?
You can schedule a free consultation anytime—even before finishing the assessment. We can guide you through the questions and explain anything that may be unclear.
Do I need to pay for services after the assessment?
No. The assessment and consultation are completely optional. You are not required to purchase anything. If you want extra help, there are optional support services available.
How long does the risk assessment take?
Most people complete it in about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also save your progress and come back to it later.
Will you need access to our systems or network?
No. We do not need access to your systems or network for the assessment or consultation. Any access would only happen if you choose additional services and give approval.
Do we need to share sensitive or private information?
No. The assessment is designed to review your security practices without asking for sensitive or confidential information.
What will we get after the consultation?
You will receive a short report with key findings from your assessment, along with simple and practical steps to improve your cybersecurity.
Can you help train our staff on cybersecurity?
Yes. We offer training options such as in-person sessions, virtual training, and video-based learning to help your team understand and prevent cyber threats.
Do your services follow current cybersecurity standards?
Yes. We follow trusted standards like NIST CSF 2.0 and industry best practices to make sure your security approach is up to date.
What does a Cybersecurity Liaison do?
A Cybersecurity Liaison is a trained graduate who helps organizations understand cybersecurity at a basic level, starting with the assessment and feedback. If more advanced help is needed, the work is passed to certified cybersecurity professionals.
Be Part of the Experience
The global soccer event 2026 represents more than a major international moment—it’s a chance to prepare, adapt, and grow in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Cyber Conversations™ offers a unique opportunity to gain relevant experience, build confidence, and contribute to something that creates real impact.
If you’re ready to get education and training in cybersecurity, now is the time.
👉 Join the Cyber Conversations™ experience today:
Because at RW2, it’s not just about learning—it’s about applying your skills where they matter most.
