SBA: Online security assistance available to small business owners

Free courses to help start and grow

Small businesses can help keep their business information safe and protect their online information with free online assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

October as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and SBA has information and resources, designed to provide small businesses with helpful tools and information to identify security threats and guard against cyber-attacks.

“Introduction to Cybersecurity” is one of SBA’s online tools to help business owners take stock of their cybersecurity health, including the importance of securing information through best cybersecurity tips, protection against ransomware, and teaches best cybersecurity practices. Visit the online site at https://www.sba.gov/content/introduction-cybersecurity.

A press release read, “The protection of sensitive data such as business invoices, payroll records, client and employee data and other proprietary information is essential to a company’s success. A computer failure or other system breach could undermine a company’s reputation, expose it to costly recovery expenses, and disrupt the business’ overall operation.”

According to a recent SBA survey, 88% of small business owners felt their business was vulnerable to a cyber-attack. Yet many businesses can’t afford professional IT solutions, they have limited time to devote to cybersecurity, or they don’t know where to begin.

“Cyber-attacks are a growing concern for small business owners and our economy. The SBA encourages all small businesses to start by learning about common cyber threats, understanding where your business is vulnerable, and taking steps to improve your cybersecurity,” SBA District Director Franklin J. Sciortino said.

SBA’s online cybersecurity resources will help small businesses to identify information security vulnerabilities that can put a small business at risk, and the protective tools and techniques used to measure, maintain and guard business information and systems.

The press release noted, “Small business owners will learn the types of information that should be secured, how to protect themselves from intentional attacks or unintentional damage, guard themselves from decreased productivity caused by security breaches and evaluate the needed security tools and techniques. The information provided also gives useful and practical steps to take to protect a business’ operations.”

The SBA Learning Center also has a free online courses covering topics such as social media marketing, financing options, and how to write a business plan. It can be found at http://www.sba.gov/sba-learning-center.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.