North Star Cybersecurity Program
Cybersecurity Certificate Training Program
Nationwide Cybersecurity Education
The North Star Cybersecurity Certification Program, created by Delaware SBDC, is designed to educate staff at any entity that has a current cooperative agreement or grant with SBA including, but not limited to: SBDCs, WBCs, SCORE, VBOCs, Cyber Grantees, and STEP, ensuring advisors across the country gain a working level knowledge of cybersecurity as it pertains to small business. North Star Certified advisors are well-prepared to incorporate cybersecurity into regular business practices, advising sessions, conversations and everyday interactions with technology.
Who Can Participate?
North Star Certification Program is available to SBA resource partner staff and advisors/mentors, including:
- Small Business Development Center
- Women’s Business Centers
- SCORE Members
- Veteran Business Outreach Centers
- Other entities that have cooperative agreements or grants with SBA
No-Cost Training for Small Business Advisors
Train at your own pace, at no cost. Asynchronous training modules and activities make learning accessible.
Working Knowledge of Cybersecurity Principles
Explore basic cybersecurity principles, including phishing, password security, malware, software updates, data security and privacy, standards and frameworks, cyber insurance, cyber advising and much more.
By Resource Partners, For Resource Partners
The North Star Certification Program is run by the Delaware Small Business Development Center and has been utilized nationwide by America’s SBDC.
Training the Trainer
America’s small businesses need help and guidance to protect their data and assets from bad actors – ensure you and your team are equipped to support entrepreneurs in your area.
External Resources
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a government agency that provides assistance to small businesses in the form of loans, grants, and counseling services. It also helps to navigate the federal contracting process and provides disaster relief assistance. The SBA's mission is to help small businesses start, grow, and succeed in today's competitive marketplace.
The National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) is a non-profit organization that aims to promote cybersecurity awareness and education. Collaborates with various stakeholders across government, industry, and civil society to create and implement cybersecurity education and awareness programs. These programs empower users at home, work, and school with the information they need to keep themselves, their organizations, their systems, and their sensitive information safe and secure online.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is a federal agency that enforces antitrust laws and protects consumers from unfair and deceptive conduct by businesses. The agency has the authority to investigate and prosecute companies that engage in unfair or deceptive practices, such as false advertising, pyramid schemes, and identity theft. The agency provides a variety of resources for consumers, including information on how to avoid scams, file complaints, and protect their privacy online.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal executive department of the United States government. It was established in 2002, in response to the September 11 attacks, with the primary mission of preventing terrorist attacks within the United States and reducing the vulnerability of the United States to terrorism. The DHS is responsible for a wide range of activities, including border security, immigration enforcement, cybersecurity, disaster preparedness and response, and counterterrorism.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a non-regulatory federal agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce. Their mission is to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by enhancing economic security and improving our quality of life. NIST’s work ranges from supporting the smallest of technologies to the largest and most complex of human-made creations. They provide a portfolio of services for measurements, standards, and legal metrology that ensure measurement traceability, enable quality assurance, and harmonize documentary standards and regulatory practices.
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