Business, Education, Government, Technology

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Cybersecurity Awareness Month

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CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS MONTH
The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The internet has become an invaluable tool for small businesses, opening the door to a wide range of previously unheard-of possibilities. Unfortunately, as e-commerce continues to grow, so does the number of bad actors looking to exploit hard working entrepreneurs. This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, check out the Small Business Administration’s best practices and upcoming events where you can learn how to keep your small business cyber secure.
Cybersecurity Best Practices
Train your employees
  • Employees and their work-related communications are a leading cause of data breaches for small businesses because they are direct pathways into your systems. Training employees on basic internet usage best practices can go a long way in preventing cyberattacks.
Secure your networks
  • Safeguard your internet connection by encrypting information and using a firewall. If you have a Wi-Fi network, make sure it is secure and hidden. To hide your Wi-Fi network, set up your wireless access point or router so it does not broadcast the network name, known as the Service Set Identifier (SSID). Password-protect access to the router. If you have employees working remotely, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to allow them to connect to your network securely from out of the office.
Use antivirus software and keep all software updated
  • Make sure all of your business’s computers are equipped with antivirus software and are updated regularly. Such software can be found online from a variety of different vendors. All software vendors regularly provide patches and updates to their products to correct security problems and improve functionality. It is recommended to configure all software to install updates automatically. In addition to updating antivirus software, it is key to update software associated with operating systems, web browsers and other applications, as this will help secure your entire infrastructure.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a mechanism to verify an individual’s identity by requiring them to provide more than just a typical username and password. MFA commonly requires users to provide two or more of the following: something the user knows (password, phrase, PIN), something the user has (physical token, phone) and/or something that physically represents the user (fingerprint, facial recognition). Check with your vendors to see if they offer MFA for your various types of accounts (e.g., financial, accounting, payroll).
Monitor and manage Cloud Service Provider (CSP) accounts
  • Consider using a CSP to host your organization’s information, applications and collaboration services, especially if you’re utilizing a hybrid work structure. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) providers for email and workplace productivity can help secure data being processed.
To learn more about SBA’s best practices for strengthening your business’ cybersecurity CLICK HERE
Webinars
  • Cybersecurity Panel Discussion: EDC and NAWBO-SB hosted a Cybersecurity Panel Discussion to discuss how to protect your business from a cyber-attack. Learn from Kerry Grimes, Founder of Digital Duchess, and Rita Mounir, Co-Founder of Allthenticate, as they share their professional expertise and best practices to navigate cybercrime resources. CLICK HERE to watch the recorded webinar.
  • Cybersecurity 101 – How to Protect Your Business from Cyber Threats- October 11 at 1:00 pm PST: In this webinar, our the SCORE mentor will teach you the basics of Cybersecurity and what you can do to keep your business and your customers safe from cyber threats. CLICK HERE to register.
  • SBA Cyber Summit- October 26 at 9:00 am PST: Comprised of digestible and compact segments, attendees will have the opportunity to network and access practical tips, problem-solving strategies, industry trends, threat avoidance and small business testimonials in order to learn how to help small business owners defend themselves against cyber-attacks. CLICK HERE to register.
Looking for NO-COST Business Consulting Services?
The EDC SBDC call team and experienced advisors are available to answer questions and help you navigate today’s complex business environment. The Economic Development Collaborative hosts the Small Business Development Center and is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Signing up as a client takes just a few minutes and provides you with lifetime access to all of our no-cost services.
Get started today with no-cost consulting by calling our
Business Assistance Line at 805.409.9159.
Resources and advising are available in English and Spanish.
Stay up-to-date on local, state and federal resources related to the pandemic by visiting our COVID-19 Business Resource page regularly CLICK HERE.
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