Cyber security for small businesses

Nearly everyone has dealt with credit card fraud or identity theft, either personally or through knowing a friend who has suffered. For a small business, these difficulties are just a small part of cybersecurity concerns.

How can a small business suffer from a digital thief? A company can lose its data, resulting in loss of years of financial records. Customers’ data can be stolen, exposing the business to expensive liability or to industry sanctions. With ransomware, a company can be forced to pay or be put out of business while its records are held hostage.

Thieves can convince staff members to make payments to non-existent vendors or transfer money to accounts that then disappear. Employee theft can occur in the cyber world, as well as from a cash drawer.

Small businesses are increasingly being targeted for cyber theft because they do not have sophisticated IT resources to protect their assets. What can small business owners do to protect their companies?

The Louisiana Small Business Development Center at McNeese State University invites business owners and managers to learn about cybersecurity protection from an expert. Brandon Reeves, founder and CEO of Ballast Cybersecurity & Technical Services (www.bctc.com) in Baton Rouge, will present a two-hour program on the topic of Small Biz, Big Threat: Cybersecurity for Small Businesses. The event, sponsored by IberiaBank, will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 25, in the Willis Noland Conference Center at the SEED Center. Lunch will be included in the program, with admission of $30 per person.

Small businesses face tremendous threats to their digital information and systems from hackers, disgruntled employees, and thieves. From protection of customers’ credit card information to backing up critical data, the world of cybersecurity holds unparalleled risks. Specific topics will include information about physical security for computer systems and networks, facts about business continuity and backup of data and systems, compliance with specific industry requirements and tips for managing the human factor.

Don’t miss your chance to learn from experts. Register now to attend this valuable workshop to learn how to protect your company from cyber threats. Go to www.lsbdc.org/msu and click on training or call 337-475-5529.

Let the consultants at the LSBDC at McNeese work with you to make your business more successful. For over 30 years, the LSBDC at McNeese has assisted entrepreneurs and business owners who are looking to start or grow their small business. The LSBDC at McNeese also enjoys support from Sasol and the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance. Visit www.lsbdc.org/msu to learn more about us. For no-cost assistance with your business, call 337-475-5529.

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Donna Little is the director of the Louisiana Small Business Development Center at McNeese State University. Contact her at 475-5945 or dlittle@lsbdc.org.

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Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and Louisiana Department of Economic Development.