Small & Medium Sized Businesses

Controlling Access & Authentication Digital Currency Users Email & Other Communications Financial Internet Connection Operational Reputational Risks & Threats Security Awareness Security Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines Sensitive Data Social Media Systems, Devices, Applications, and Services Website Apache - SpamAssassin Blueprint for Ransomware Defense - Institute for Security and Technology BrainStation - Cybersecurity Tools Center for Internet Security - CIS CSAT - A Free Tool for Assessing Implementation of CIS Critical Security Controls Cyber Leader Program - Cyber Readiness Institute Cyber Readiness Guides - Cyber Readiness Institute Cyber Readiness Institute - Cyber Readiness Guides Cyber Readiness Institute - Incident Response Plan Cyber Readiness Institute - Ransomware Playbook Cyber Readiness Program - Cyber Readiness Institute Cyber Threat Alliance - Threat Intelligence Sharing CyberSecure My Business - National Cybersecurity Alliance Cybersecurity - Cybersecurity for Non-Profits Cybersecurity Toolkit for Small Business - Global Cyber Alliance Dashboard - Shadowserver Dashlane - Get Free Dashlane Access Digital Transformation Hub - Achieving Intermediate Cyber Security Digital Transformation Hub - Cyber Security Digital Transformation Hub - Cyber Security Training Executive and Board Leadership Security and Privacy Program - SecureTheVillage Fightcybercrime.org - Cybercrime Support Network Financial Industry Regulatory Authority - Non-FINRA Cybersecurity Resources Forcepoint - Secure Web Gateway Forcepoint - Zero Trust CDR Forescout - Asset Inventory Global Cyber Alliance - Creating a Strong Password Global Cyber Alliance - Cybersecurity Toolkit for Small Business Global Cyber Alliance - DMARC Setup Guide & Resources Global Cyber Alliance - Encrypt Your Data Heimdal - Email Security Heimdal - Endpoint Detection and Response Heimdal - Extended Detection - Response - XDR Heimdal - Managed Extended Detection and Response - MXDR Heimdal - Next-Gen Antivirus - Firewall - MDM Heimdal - Ransomware Encryption Protection Heimdal - Threat-Hunting & Action Center Incident Response Plan - Cyber Readiness Institute Nagios - Nagios Core Nagios - Nagios Fusion Nagios - Nagios XI Nagios - The Nagios IT Management Software Suite National Cyber-Forensics and Training Alliance - Internet Fraud Alert - IFA Open Cybersecurity Alliance - STIX Shifter OPSWAT - Free Cybersecurity Tools Ransomware Playbook - Cyber Readiness Institute Scarlett Scarlett - Cybersecurity - Cybersecurity for Non-Profits SecureTheVillage - IT Security Management Program Shadowserver - Scanning Project SonicWall - Advanced Threat Protection Cloud SonicWall - Endpoint Detection & Response SonicWall - Hosted Email Security SonicWall - Network Security Management SonicWall - Network Security Services SonicWall - Network Switch SonicWall - Next-Generation Firewall SonicWall - SonicWall SonicWall - Zero-Trust Network Access Wipfli - Cybersecurity Services Wipfli - Do you know your Microsoft Secure Score Wipfli - Five Easy - and free or low-cost - Ways to Increase Cybersecurity Wipfli - How to Prepare for your First IT Audit

Introduction In today's digital age, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have unique cybersecurity needs and concerns that require attention to ensure online safety. As companies operate online, SMBs must proactively protect themselves and their valuable assets. By understanding and implementing cybersecurity measures, they can reduce the risks of disruptions and negative impacts on their online activities, creating a secure and resilient digital environment. Needs and Concerns To ensure the cybersecurity well-being of SMBs, let's focus on the following needs and concerns: Safeguarding sensitive information: SMBs must protect their sensitive information, including customer data, financial records, and intellectual property. They should establish strong access controls, use encryption for data transmission, and regularly back up their critical data. By keeping sensitive information confidential and implementing secure data management practices, SMBs can minimize the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access. Ensuring secure online transactions: When conducting online transactions, such as processing payments or sharing sensitive financial information, SMBs need to establish security practices. They should use trusted payment gateways, implement Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption on their websites, and educate their employees about verifying transaction details. By prioritizing secure online transactions, SMBs can protect themselves and their customers from financial fraud and unauthorized activities. Protecting against malware and cyber threats: SMBs should be familiar with common cyber threats like malware, phishing attacks, and ransomware. In addition, they should implement robust antivirus software, regularly update their software and systems, and educate their employees about the dangers of suspicious emails or links. By maintaining a strong defense against cyber threats, SMBs can minimize the risk of data loss, system disruptions, and financial damages. Securing remote work environments: With the rise of remote work, SMBs need to ensure the security of their remote work environments. For example, they should implement secure virtual private networks (VPNs) for remote access, enforce strong password policies, and provide training on secure remote work practices. By securing remote work environments, SMBs can protect sensitive data and maintain business continuity, even in a distributed work environment. Promoting cybersecurity awareness and training: SMBs should prioritize cybersecurity awareness and employee training. They should educate their staff about best practices, such as identifying phishing attempts, using strong passwords, and reporting security incidents promptly. By fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, SMBs can empower their employees to become the first line of defense against cyber threats. Conclusion By addressing these cybersecurity needs and concerns, SMBs can create a safer and more resilient online presence for their businesses. Therefore, it is essential for SMBs to stay informed about the evolving cyber landscape and to continue learning about cybersecurity best practices. By doing so, SMBs can confidently navigate the digital world, protect their assets, and safeguard their customers' trust.