MANCHESTER, NH – New Hampshire businesses can learn more about protecting themselves from cyber threats in a variety of free programs being offered by the NH Small Business Development Center and NH Tech Alliance.
The initiative, for businesses ranging from sole proprietor to 500 employees, includes cybersecurity basics and review and information for companies that want to contract with the government. Businesses can also learn more, no matter where they are in their protection journey, at the 2024 Cybersecurity Summit in September.
Business size doesn’t matter when it comes to cybersecurity threats. Small businesses are three times more likely to be targeted by cyber criminals than large ones, according to the SBDC. Some 50% of small to medium-sized businesses have come under some type of cyber attack, and out of those, more than 50% go out of business.
With 74% of cyber breaches involving a human element, according to the 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report, as cited by the SBDC on its website, the more businesses know about cyber security, the more able the are to protect themselves.
The 2024 Cybersecurity Summit is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 25, at the Rex Theater, 23 Amherst St. The morning session is for businesses that are new, or fairly new, to cybersecurity, and is an overview of the basics. The afternoon session will be for businesses with cybersecurity initiatives already in place, and have a deeper, more technical focus.
In the meantime, businesses can learn more about cybersecurity through the free programs that are offered by SBDC and NH Tech Alliance:
Introductory Cybersecurity for Small Businesses eCourse. includes an overview of cybersecurity essentials available for viewing. The first video, Managing a Business, is online on demand until March 31. To register and view, visit ic.nhsbdc.org/workshops.
Personalized Cybersecurity Reviews. One-on-one sessions with a cybersecurity expert. New and existing SBDC clients receive a detailed action plan on how to take steps to fortify your business against potential threats. To apply, visit nhsbdc.org/cybersecurity-reviews.
Follow-up Cybersecurity Consultations. Participants of the 2022 Cybersecurity Review program can schedule a follow-up session with a cybersecurity expert to discuss additional steps they can take to safeguard their businesses. to apply, visit nhsbdc.org/cybersecurity-reviews.
Specialized Programming for Government Contractors. Additional programming focused on critical required cybersecurity considerations for businesses that are exploring government contracting. This includes a six-part video eCourse series on what businesses need to know about NIST SP 800-171, the recommended requirements for government contracts. It includes a guided self-assessment process, and establishes a roadmap for implementing security requirements. It will be available soon, according to SBDC.
Qualified businesses gearing up for government contracts can book a 90-minute consulting session with Mainstay Technologies. There are a limited number of appointments available. For information on applying, visit nhsbdc.org/cybersecurity-reviews.