Two free events will be held Thursday in Saline High School's auditorium as part of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Washtenaw County Commissioner Kristin Judge said.

The first is scheduled from 3-5 p.m., focusing on cybersecurity issues for local businesses and government offices.

The other event will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. and will give people tips on how to protect their families and personal information online.

Peter Fonash, the acting director of the Department of Homeland Security's National Cybersecurity Division is scheduled to speak at the events.

There have been recent incidents in Pittsfield Township in which teenagers have met people online, then arranged to meet them in person.

For instance, in July, a 16-year-old boy met a 34-year-old man on a social networking site, then traveled to Minnesota with him.

"As a parent of a teenager, it's really, really scary," said Judge. "It's something we have to be aware of. Every day, you have to be monitoring your kids."

The events did not cost taxpayers anything, Judge said.

Judge, Sheriff Jerry Clayton, Pittsfield Township police and the Washtenaw Intermediate School District organized the events.

Derrick Jackson, the sheriff department's director of community engagement, is encouraging people to attend.

"With all of the advantages technology has given us we also have to be prepared for its dangers," Jackson said in a statement. "Every day more of us make purchases online, pay our bills through e-banking and our kids are growing up in a world where the norm is posting your everyday actions for the world and strangers to read."