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The Importance of Cybersecurity for Small Businesses

America’s 28 million small businesses are especially at risk. According to a report published earlier this year, almost half of cyber-attacks worldwide are against businesses with less than 250 workers. Every time a small business owner connects to ...

Oct. 31, 2016

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, a nationwide effort to educate and engage government and private sector stakeholders and the American public on cybersecurity issues through a variety of outreach and events held across the country.

From the SBA Small Business Blog.

President Obama has made combating cyber threats a priority throughout his Administration, that’s why earlier this year he put forward the Cybersecurity National Action Plan to address the challenges our country faces when it comes to cybersecurity.  

America’s 28 million small businesses are especially at risk.  According to a report published earlier this year, almost half of cyber-attacks worldwide are against businesses with less than 250 workers. Every time a small business owner connects to the Internet they are making decisions that affect their business’ cyber defenses.

That’s why SBA launched a page to share cybersecurity resources for small businesses: http://www.sba.gov/cybersecurity. It has information for entrepreneurs to learn about online courses, training opportunities, and best practices to protect their businesses and customer information against cyber threats.

As part of our efforts to keep businesses informed about technology that can keep their businesses secure, SBA has co-sponsored events with our Small Business Tech Coalition partners, including Thursday’s webcast on protecting small businesses from cybercrime (you can find a video of that presentation here). 

Additionally, later this year SBA will make available over $200,000 in technical assistance to provide cybersecurity training services to small businesses in SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program.

Protecting Americans against cyber attack is a shared responsibility. Here are five simple steps every American can take to keep themselves and their information safe online:

  • Lock Down Your Login by enabling strong two factor authentication (https://www.lockdownyourlogin.com) and setting strong passwrods
  • Keep your operating system, browser, and other critical software up to date by installing updates regularly
  • Maintain an open dialogue with family friends and community about Internet safety
  • Limit the amount of personal information you share online and use privacy settings to avoid sharing information widely
  • Avoid phishing attacks by verifying unknown links, attachments, or emails before opening

For more information on how you can protect your business and stay #cyberaware year round, visit: http://www.sba.gov/cybersecurity and http://www.dhs.gov/national-cyber-security-awareness-month