First Steps to Becoming Cyber Secure

Event description

According to the U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, small businesses are three times more likely to be targeted by cybercriminals than larger companies, and the total cost of cybercrimes to small businesses reached $2.4 billion in 2021. Nearly 60 percent of small businesses that experience a cyberattack go out of business within six months. 

Join the Washington SBDC for an in-person, no-cost, hands-on workshop to learn simple steps every small business owner can take to significantly reduce the likelihood that they will be targeted for a cyberattack. 

This workshop will cover:

• Principles of cyber security
• Secure banking practices
• Storing sensitive information
• Creating policy and procedure documents

 Agenda:   

• Tonya Zimmerer, a VP with Banner Bank, will discuss online banking security.
• Anton Nikitin, who has been working in data security for more than 20 years and is owner of Menavita, a technology services company, will present on using the cloud and safe storage of sensitive data.
• Kayla Miller, the cybersecurity coordinator at the Washington SBDC, will introduce the Cybersecurity Maturity Model, which is a nationally recognized framework for protection of sensitive unclassified information created by the U.S. Department of Defense.
• Rob Ruder, owner of the IT and cybersecurity services company IDIC Designs and Gonzaga adjunct professor, will discuss small business policies, procedures, and evidence for cybersecurity protection. His presentation will be virtual. 
• Hands-on policy writing activity with Kayla Miller and Anton Nikitin.
• Celeste Race, a business engagement specialist with Workforce Snohomish, will share information about Snohomish County small business cyber internships.