In recognition of Small Business Week May 1-5, and the cyber security risks small businesses face, the Idaho Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is launching new cyber security tools for small businesses.
Visit IdahoSBDC.org/cyber to learn about preventative measures businesses can take to protect from a cyber attack, as well as how to respond if an attack does occur.
According to Symantec’s 2016 Internet Security Threat Report, 43 percent of all cyber attacks target small businesses, up from 18 percent in 2011. The Idaho SBDC recognizes that the first crucial, and often difficult, step is to shed light on these statistics for small business owners who wear many hats each day.
“We keep going back to the statistic that 60 percent of small businesses are unable to survive six months after a cyber attack,” said Katie Sewell, SBDC state director. “We want our businesses to be as prepared as possible.”
The SBDC site will feature regular updates to improve cybersecurity. It also will feature related legislation and other pertinent tips and news that could affect small business owners, as well as an Idaho SBDC-produced cyber security awareness video designed to emphasize the direct threat that cyber attacks have on the small business community.
“In our experience, small business owners are busy running their day-to-day operations and only focus on cybersecurity after an attack,” said Laura Mathews, SBDC project manager. “Our tools are designed to first raise awareness and then simplify the seemingly daunting task of being cyber secure.”
The Idaho SBDC is a statewide network offering no-cost, confidential consulting and affordable training programs to help small businesses and entrepreneurs. The organization has played a pivotal role in empowering business success since its founding in 1986. In addition to assistance in areas critical to the daily success of Idaho’s small businesses such as business planning, workforce development, access to capital, marketing, leadership and cybersecurity, the Idaho SBDC offers a host of specialty services including exporting, government contracting and technology commercialization.
The Idaho SBDC’s state and southwest Idaho region offices are house in the College of Business and Economics at Boise State University.
To learn more about the Idaho SBDC, visit IdahoSBDC.org.