YOGA STRENGTH ACADEMY with Heather Monthie

8 Cybersecurity Resources for Small Businesses and Schools


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School and Small Business Security Starts with You!



A few weeks ago, I spoke on a Cybersecurity panel here in Arizona. The Q&A session was filled with questions from people with varying security backgrounds on steps that small businesses and schools can take to secure their data and protect assets. So, here are 8 cybersecurity resources for small businesses and schools that you can use to get started.



The majority of these resources are geared specifically to small businesses. At a high level, I think that some smaller schools can be included in this category since some of the same issues pop up in both types of organizations: a lack of resources and qualified cybersecurity professionals. So while the word “business” is used throughout these, if you’re an IT professional working in a small school without a cyber team, these will be great for you too



1. SBA.gov | Cybersecurity for Small Business



The US Small Business Administration has created a 30-minute self-paced course you can complete to get the basics of cybersecurity for small business. Topics include a definition of cybersecurity, learning the importance of cybersecurity best practices, identifying threats, and risk management. This overview course is a great starting point for you even if you’re not a technical person. 



2. U.S. Chamber of Commerce | Internet Security Essentials for Business 2.0



The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has created a free e-book you can download to read up on cybersecurity for small business. Topics include an overview of the different types of common threats to small businesses, cybercrime, the fundamental steps you can take to secure your assets. Some of these steps are a bit more technical in nature. 



3. Stop. Think. Connect | Technology Checklist for Businesses



Stop. Think. Connect. Is a cybersecurity awareness initiative through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. There are many different types of downloads, checklist, etc for online shopping, talking to teens about internet safety, and there’s also a comprehensive technology checklist for businesses for you to download. I suggest printing it off and going through each item line by line. Not all will apply to you based on your business or school’s IT infrastructure. 



4. FCC.gov | Cyberplanner



The FCC.gov Cyberplanner is a fantastic way for you to create a customized plan based on your business or school’s needs. You can select the different categories that apply to your specific environment and the planner will generate a customized plan for you. They do suggest that you go through this with a trained cybersecurity professional. There is quite a bit of information in here and a trained professional can help you sort through it as it applies to your needs. 



5. FTC.gov | Cybersecurity for Small Business



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YOGA STRENGTH ACADEMY with Heather MonthieBy Heather Monthie, PhD