SPOKANE, Wash.—The Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC), in partnership with local organizations and industry experts, is presenting two no-cost workshops focused on cybersecurity basics for small businesses.
“These workshops are designed to help small business owners understand simple steps they can take right away to better protect their business,” said Kayla Miller, cybersecurity coordinator at the Washington SBDC. “Cybersecurity can feel overwhelming, but even small changes can make a big difference.”
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.
Whether you are new to cybersecurity or have already started implementing protections, these workshops will provide practical information you can use immediately to strengthen your business security. Attendees will learn about topics including password protection, multi-factor authentication, Wi-Fi and device security, employee access controls, phishing scams, and the importance of written cybersecurity policies and procedures. Banking professionals will also share tips on protecting business finances and securing online banking accounts.
The workshops will also feature Michael Wallace from OLS Technology, a managed IT support and cybersecurity services company serving small and mid-sized businesses in Oregon and Washington. In Longview, Katie Kelley from Columbia Bank will join the discussion, and in Vancouver, Amy Price from Washington Trust Bank will present.
The two Small Business Cybersecurity Essentials workshops have been scheduled for the following days and times:
- Thursday, May 21, 1 – 3 p.m., at Longview City Hall. Hosted in partnership with the City of Longview, OLS Technology, Columbia Bank, and the Cowlitz Economic Development Council. Register here.
- Friday, May 22, 9 – 11 a.m., at Vancouver City Hall. Hosted in partnership with the City of Vancouver, Washington Trust Bank, and OLS Technology. Register here.
The Washington SBDC is a network of more than 35 business advisors who work in communities across the state to assist entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to start, grow, or buy/sell a business. The Washington SBDC network is hosted by Washington State University (WSU) and is administered through a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and WSU. Approximately half of the SBDC budget is funded by the SBA, with the remaining support provided by state and local funding partners.
For more about the Washington SBDC, go to www.wsbdc.org.
