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IT’S TIME TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT CYBERSECURITY

CRITICAL RESOURCES TO KEEP SMALL BUSINESSES IN SOUTH CAROLINA SAFE ONLINE



Most small businesses do not realize how vulnerable their company is to cyber threats until the business has been compromised.

We have heard it all – from ransomware, to phishing emails, to security breaches. Unfortunately, most small businesses are not prepared to manage the downtime or cost involved.

In fact, a recent survey by Insureon showed that only 18 percent of small business owners believe they are at risk for a cyber attack, in part because they don’t think they have anything worth stealing. The reality is that access to employee lists, customer lists, and credit cards are very much worth stealing.



SMALL BUSINESS HELP

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Throughout the year CyberSC provides online education and events that support real time information on your small business security needs.

Some of the topics we address include the following:

CREATING A CYBERSECURITY PLAN

According to the National Cyber Security Alliance a comprehensive cybersecurity plan needs to focus on three key areas:

  1. Prevention: Solutions, policies and procedures need to be identified to reduce the risk of attacks.
  2. Resolution: In the event of a computer security breach, plans and procedures need to be in place to determine the resources that will be used to remedy a threat.
  3. Restitution: Companies need to be prepared to address the repercussions of a security threat with their employees and customers to ensure that any loss of trust or business is minimal and short-lived.

MANAGING PHISHING EMAILS

According to Wikipedia phishing is the attempt to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details often for malicious reasons, by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. Learn how to prevent email and messaging threat such as phishing and spam and keep your business safe.

HANDLING RANSOMWARE

Ransomware has been more prominent over the years. In 2015, the FBI logged more than 2,400 reports of ransomware attacks resulting in losses more than $24 million. Ransomware is a malicious code that a hacker places on a computer device or network. Once the code is in place it will lock the device or network out of their own data and demand money in the form of a ransom to unlock the malicious code.


One of the largest threats currently facing small businesses is cybersecurity. Small to medium size businesses are particularly at risk because they are viewed by hackers as easier targets due to their general lack of awareness and resources. Furthermore, federal, state and industry regulators have decided that the threats posed by malicious actors in cyberspace must be addressed.

 

Small businesses can no longer afford to remain unaware of the threats or remain complacent with inadequate technology. They have to take action to enhance their systems, processes and staffing in order to remain viable in today’s online economy.  You are not alone, however. The South Carolina Small Business Development Center network (SC SBDC) is here to help.

Security does not have to mean reduced productivity and increased operational costs. In fact, it can mean quite the opposite. Having a strong security system and policies in place can allow your employees to be far more productive, increasing efficiency and saving on IT costs.


Work with the SC SBDC experts to plan ahead and become "cyber aware." Find an expert near you and access all of our cybersecurity materials. Our consulting services are offered at no fee.


 

SBDC Cybersecurity Consultants

Earl Gregorich - Team Lead
Greenville Area Manager

egrego5@clemson.edu
 

Brent Hoover
Aiken Business Consultant

brentho@usca.edu
 

Scott Bellows

Midlands Procurement Consultant

shbellows@sc.edu
 

Beth Smith

Columbia Business Consultant

smithem6@mailbox.sc.edu
 

Sherry Pittinger

Greenville Procurement Consultant

spittin@clemson.edu

John Blomberg
Rock Hill Area Manager

blombergj@winthrop.edu  

Other Information:

Cybersecurity Services, Team

Small Business Cyber Security Guide & Training Workbook

 

Small Business Cybersecurity Self Assessment

 

Glossary of Cybersecurity Terms

Federal Trade Commission

 

Cybersecurity Video Library

FAQ - Cybersecurity Questions



The SC Cyber Association , a 501(c)(6) non-profit that provides professional development and connection opportunities in the Palmetto State.


The SC Cyber Foundation , a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides funding for cyber education in the Palmetto State.


CyberSC is a member affiliate of CyberUSA

CONTACT US

802 Creekleaf Court

Columbia, SC 29212

(877) 627 - 7117

© 2023 CYBERSC