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Embrace the Digital Future: Future-Proofing Your Small Business by Being Cyber-Safe

March 20, 2024

By Jacob Blacksten, America’s SBDC Cybersecurity Taskforce

This SBDC Day, the spotlight is on the importance of cybersecurity in the digital transformation journey of small businesses (SMBs). As SMBs navigate the complexities of the digital world, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been more critical. The recent emphasis on digital transformation has brought about unprecedented opportunities for growth, innovation, and efficiency. However, it has also introduced a myriad of cybersecurity challenges that can jeopardize the very essence of a business.

Best Password Managers for Small Businesses: The Password Manager Revolution

October 17, 2023

In today’s digital age, where security is critical, small business owners often find themselves managing multiple accounts and passwords to safeguard their business data. However, keeping track of these passwords can quickly become a daunting task. Most of us understand the need for unique passwords for all our accounts, but the challenge lies in remembering them without compromising security. Many of us resort to writing them down on sticky notes, saving them in phone notes, Excel documents, or even just appending numbers to common passwords. This is where password managers step in, becoming a lifesaver for small businesses.

Protecting Small Businesses from Fraud and Scams – Trends for 2024

October 3, 2023

By Earl Gregorich, CBA – South Carolina Small Business Development Center, Greenville

It’s a crazy world out there and small businesses are being targeted by scammers, fraudsters, hackers, thieves, and bad actors. So how do we run a business and keep our cash, data, employees, and clients safe? Let’s take a look at some of the upcoming trends in cybersecurity that might help small business owners create a defensive strategy:

Attacks Will Continue – More Frequently and with Greater Sophistication

OK, this prediction certainly isn’t a surprise but it certainly sets the stage for why it is important to establish a defense against these attacks. Ransomware and phishing attacks have been around for a while now but the days of just scanning for poor grammar to stay safe are over. (Thanks AI!) Hackers can now take more sophisticated approaches, using traditional email with more effective narratives, graphics, and fake email addresses. Attacks will also become more widespread with improved voice dubbing for phone and audio attacks and more powerful computers to drive the hacking.

5 Useful Data Security Tips for Small Businesses: How to Keep Your Remote Staff Secure

December 29, 2022

It’s no secret that cybersecurity should be a top priority for any business, big or small. But if your business has remote workers or if you have a small staff working from multiple locations, you may be wondering — why does my small business need to worry about data security?

More than half of all cyberattacks are committed against small to midsize businesses. And cyberattacks on remote workers rose 238% during the pandemic. Despite this, 47% do not have a cybersecurity defense plan in place.

Arm your small business against all-too-common breaches by implementing the following security measures we’re listing below.

Make your holiday shopping list, and check it twice… look for safe and secure ways to prevent scams while making online purchases.

December 16, 2022

By Jacob Blacksten

With the holiday season in full swing, there is a lot on our plates, both literally and figuratively. You are likely buying presents online, making travel arrangements to see family and friends, and setting up the inevitable “smart” devices you will be giving or receiving as gifts. Being diligent and secure while online tends to fall to the wayside, especially when searching for the best deals or quickest instructions.

While your guard naturally drops during the holiday season, cybercrimes spike. Scams increasingly pop up all over. So, before buying that gift from a site you have never heard of with a payment method you have never used before, read through our tips below to ensure you are protecting your personal data. This will help keep the Grinch from stealing your Christmas (or identity) this holiday season.

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