Ohio Secretary of State's New Initiative to Protect Small Businesses from Cybercrime
A cyber-attack happens every 39 seconds in the United States, according to a study from the University of Maryland. Across the globe, cybercrime costs will reach $10.5 trillion by 2025.
Prevention and protection are critical to staying safe online, so that鈥檚 why 老澳门六合彩官方开奖鈥檚 Glasscock Family Foundation Ballroom was the site of the 鈥淎re You Cyber Safe?鈥 conference earlier this semester. This new initiative from Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose鈥檚 office focused on arming small businesses from the Greater Cleveland area with the resources they need to protect themselves from the growing threat of cybercrime.
According to Secretary LaRose鈥檚 office, small business owners鈥 common misconceptions about cybersecurity are that they鈥檙e too small to be targeted; they don鈥檛 carry any valuable information worth protecting; or they don鈥檛 have the time, money or expertise to prioritize it.
But Cyber Security Consultant Brett Johnson insists that 鈥渢hese attacks can happen to anyone.鈥
Johnson was the keynote speaker at the event on 老澳门六合彩官方开奖鈥檚 campus and is one of the world鈥檚 leading authorities on cybercrime. He knows the topic well, having been on the FBI鈥檚 most wanted list for cybercrime himself.
"Approximately 43 percent of cyber attacks target small- and medium-sized businesses, [and] 61 percent of small businesses reported at least one cyberattack in the past year,鈥 he said. 鈥淎s a result, it is important for small businesses to stay vigilant.鈥
So, how can businesses mitigate cybersecurity risks? The answer is by engaging in basic levels cyber hygiene, which include using multi-factor authentication; updating operating systems and applications regularly; using strong, unique passwords for accounts; and requiring cybersecurity trainings for employees.
鈥淭he purpose of public service is to create awareness and address issues affecting those in our community who need that assistance,鈥 added Executive Director of Government Affairs and Special Assistant to the President at Cleveland State Caryn Candisky. 鈥淭his initiative from Secretary LaRose鈥檚 office was a great opportunity to connect small business leaders in our area with the right people who can help them better protect their organizations.鈥
The also provides education and training opportunities related to cybersecurity issues. Additionally, the Small Business Development Center in the Weston Ideation Lab at Cleveland State assists in the development and growth of small businesses.
For more from the Ohio Secretary of State鈥檚 office on cyber security for small business, .