The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced it will host its third annual Small Business Cyber Summit on October 16 and 23. This free cybersecurity series aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Cybersecurity Strategy, aiming to provide America's 34 million small businesses with essential tools and resources to enhance their cybersecurity infrastructure. The summit, in collaboration with multiple federal agencies, will feature hands-on advice, interactive forensic assessments, and panels discussing available local and federal resources.
“The rapidly changing landscape of the digital world poses new and evolving risks for small businesses. Fortunately, the SBA is poised to assist small businesses in preparing robust defenses to overcome these challenges and avoid costly disruptions,” said Acting Associate Administrator for SBA’s Office of Entrepreneurial Development Aditi Dussault. “The SBA’s Small Business Cyber Summit is designed to provide entrepreneurs with the expertise and resources necessary to ensure they are fully equipped to face these vexatious threats. During the summit, we will feature a wide range of tools, resources, and programming from SBA's network of trusted experts, federal and state government partners, and other innovators across multiple industrial sectors.”
Registration for the event is open to all at no cost. Interested participants can sign up at https://bit.ly/SBACyberSummit2024.
The summit will offer compact segments allowing attendees to network and access practical tips, problem-solving strategies, industry trends, threat avoidance techniques, and testimonials from small business owners on defending against cyberattacks.
Cyberattacks represent a growing threat to small businesses and the U.S. economy. According to the FBI's Internet Crime Report, cybercrimes against small businesses amounted to $4.57 billion in 2023—a 38% increase from the previous year.
Small businesses are often targeted due to their valuable information coupled with generally weaker security infrastructures compared to larger companies. Surveys indicate many small business owners feel vulnerable to cyberattacks but lack professional IT solutions or time for cybersecurity measures. The summit aims to address these challenges with practical solutions.