In conjunction with National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the U.S. Small Business Administration has launched a website for small businesses that addresses issues associated with cyber threats, security, and safety.

The website, www.sba.gov/cybersecurity, is a compendium of online resources and tools that, according to SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet, “…will help employers identify information security vulnerabilities that put their companies at risk.”

Citing a 2013 National Small Business Association study, in which almost half of all small businesses reported being victimized by cyberattacks, Ms Contreras-Sweet said “Cybersecurity is one of our nation’s most pressing national security priorities … [and] small employers are quickly becoming a larger target for criminals looking to access sensitive data because small businesses typically have limited resources for information systems security…”

Because small businesses have access not only to sensitive data such as bank, employee, and customer/client information, but also serve as gateways to those businesses that are part of the supply chain, they are especially inviting targets in this new era of cybercrime. On this new cybersecurity site, business owners will find information in a variety of formats as well as links to online training resources for:

  • Protecting against viruses, spyware and other malicious code;
  • Employee education programs concerning cyberthreats;
  • Best practices for safeguarding Internet connections; and
  • Employing the latest technology to better secure credit card payments.

In addition to these and other vital topics, small business owners will also find detailed information on the steps to take if they suffer a cybersecurity attack including links to the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Small business owners are urged to visit the SBA website at www.sba.gov/cybersecurity for complete details and information.

Reference:

“SBA Empowers Small Businesses to Be Cyber Safe” U. S. Small Business Administration, October 5, 2015.