Think your business isn’t likely to become a victim of a cybersecurity attack? Think again.
When it comes to cybersecurity threats, the size of your company doesn’t matter. In fact, according to The Impact of Cybersecurity on Small Business report, 50% of small to medium-sized businesses have been victims of a cybersecurity attack. Of those businesses, more than 60% of those attacked go out of business. Additionally, small businesses are three times more likely to be victims of cybersecurity attacks.
Because October is cybersecurity month, it’s a great time to raise awareness of the importance of cybersecurity for businesses of all sizes. Additionally, with the new privacy law coming into effect on January 1, 2025, and cybersecurity attacks on the rise, ignorance is no longer an option. The best way to protect your business from a cybersecurity attack is to be aware of the risks and prepared to mitigate them when needed.
In response to the rise in critical cybersecurity issues, the New Hampshire Small Business Development Center (NHSBDC) in collaboration with the New Hampshire Tech Alliance (NHTA), have curated a comprehensive suite of resources to empower small and medium-sized businesses in New Hampshire to enhance their cybersecurity posture. Together, these organizations hope to prevent as many cybersecurity attacks as possible by arming businesses with the knowledge and tools they need, free of charge.
Here’s everything you need to know to minimize and address cybersecurity risks for your business.
Why is cybersecurity a problem?
Cybersecurity is a growing concern for businesses of all sizes, and as a New Hampshire-based business owner, it’s important to address it head-on for several reasons. As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, no business is too small to be a target. Small to medium-sized businesses, including many in New Hampshire, are at a higher risk due to the lack of robust security measures.
As a business owner, you likely collect sensitive information about your customers, such as payment information, addresses, and other personal information, to process sales. Data breaches can compromise this information, leading to identity theft, fraud, and a loss of trust. Like many other U.S. states, New Hampshire has data protection laws, and failure to secure sensitive customer information can lead to hefty fines and penalties.
In addition to legal consequences, a cyberattack can disrupt your business operations and lead to a significant loss of revenue. While a day’s worth of revenue lost may not be a concern for large corporations, this can be detrimental to many smaller businesses. Investing in cybersecurity protection may seem like a large expense for smaller businesses, but the costs associated with undoing the damage caused by a cyberattack can be much higher. The average cost of a data breach is hundreds of thousands of dollars, not to mention long-term damage to your brand’s reputation.
Free cybersecurity reviews
In addition to the comprehensive resources listed above, the NHSBDC and NHTA have also teamed up to offer free cybersecurity reviews to businesses with up to 500 employees.
During your free cybersecurity review, you’ll meet with a cybersecurity expert and receive a detailed action plan outlining the steps to take to protect your business against cyber threats. Eligible clients will receive up to three hours of consulting time, including an initial one-hour meeting, an hour for your consultant to develop your report and corresponding action plan, and one follow-up hour for your consultant to present the action plan and simple steps to follow.
Specialized programming for government contractors
Businesses exploring government contracting can access additional programming, including a six-part video eCourse and a 90-minute consulting session with Mainstay Technologies. This programming focuses on critical cybersecurity considerations. This six-part course educates businesses on NIST SP 800-171 and Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), guides participants through a self-assessment process, and helps them establish a roadmap for implementing government security requirements. Those interested may apply for a 90-minute consultation with Mainstay Technologies here.
Free Cybersecurity Resources
Knowing the potential consequences of a cybersecurity attack on your business is the first step; next, it’s important to understand how to protect your business from attacks. Wondering how to begin educating yourself on better preparing to handle cybersecurity attacks? The expansive library of free resources compiled by the NHSBDC and NHTA is an excellent place to start.
These resources range from online courses and webinars to downloadable checklists and more, which make it easier to protect your business daily. Here are a few to get you started:
Digital Courses and Webinars
Cybersecurity for Small Businesses eCourse: This e-course provides an overview of how small businesses can better prepare for cybersecurity attacks. It also includes tips for mitigating the risk of attack and handling remote working concerns, all at no cost to you.
Ways to Detect Cyber Threats to Better Protect Your Business: This webinar and additional cyber webinars offered by the NHSBDC share real stories and solutions from those involved in cybersecurity events. To register for future webinars, click here.
Digital Checklists and Downloadable Resources
Cybersecurity Checklist: The North Star “Cybersecurity Checklist” helps businesses evaluate the strength of their cybersecurity protocols by identifying weaknesses and developing task lists to enhance internal readiness.
Cyber Resources: This downloadable list of cyber resources was created with the help of SBDC networks in Delaware, Michigan, and South Carolina.
Cybersecurity Do’s & Don’ts: Download and print this list to hang throughout your offices and remind employees of how they can actively participate in your organization’s cyber protection.
View the full list of free cybersecurity resources here.
Don’t wait to protect your business against cybersecurity attacks
With cyberattacks on the rise, there’s no better time to be proactive in your cybersecurity preparedness. The free resources and expert consultations outlined above are designed to help small and medium-sized businesses strengthen their cybersecurity defense and avoid potentially devastating cyberattacks. Don’t wait until a data breach occurs to take action; take advantage of these opportunities to secure your business, safeguard customer data, and comply with local regulations.
