IT Insight: Complimentary cybersecurity programs for NH Businesses
NH Small Business Development Center (NH SBDC) in conjunction with NH Tech Alliance (NHTA) announce a suite of cybersecurity programs designed to educate and support businesses in New Hampshire.
According to The Impact of Cybersecurity on Small Business report, 50% of small to medium-sized businesses (SMB) have been the victims of cyber-attack and over 60% of those attacked go out of business.
It is crucial that businesses in New Hampshire take steps to protect their organizations from cyber-attacks.
The NH SBDC and NHTA are thrilled to continue their three-year partnership and to lead the charge to educate the business community as well as provide free resources to support the companies in our state.
The initiative includes a cybersecurity review program, education for companies who wish to contract with the government, a cybersecurity summit, and a quarterly newsletter in partnership with the NH Business Review.
The goal of this program is to provide businesses with up to 500 employees with the tools and resources they need to better protect their business from cyber threats.
Participating businesses will receive individualized cybersecurity reviews, education, and a one-on-one consulting appointment with a cybersecurity expert. Businesses will meet with a cybersecurity expert to discuss their cybersecurity maturity and receive an evaluation with actionable steps businesses can take to start protecting their business immediately.
To participate in the Cybersecurity Review program, businesses need to apply and sign up to become an NH SBDC client. Clients receive a high-level cybersecurity assessment at no cost. This entire program is free for businesses due to funding procured by U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen. “I’m thrilled to see that the federal funds I helped secure will support New Hampshire’s small businesses by providing them with the tools and resources they need to better protect themselves from cyber threats,”said Senator Shaheen. “As we work to build digital resilience in our economy, this partnership between the New Hampshire Small Business Development Center and New Hampshire Tech Alliance is crucial to helping small businesses protect their assets, better identify and respond to cyber-attacks, and better serve the Granite Staters who depend on them for services.”
The following New Hampshire-based companies will be consulting with small businesses through the review program: PCGiT, FSST, LLC, and Cyberhoot.
There are some critical cybersecurity considerations that businesses should understand before pursuing government contracts. In partnership with Mainstay Technologies, a series of videos for businesses have been created to learn more about what is required of government contracting under NIST SP 800-171, including a review of how to complete an initial self-assessment, and how to establish a roadmap to implementing all applicable security requirements.
There are also a limited number of 90-minute consulting sessions for qualified businesses preparing to access government contracts.
Additionally, on Sept. 25, the NH SBDC and NHTA will host a cybersecurity summit at the Rex Theater. The morning session will be geared towards small businesses looking to begin protecting themselves against cyber-attacks. The afternoon portion will be for businesses who already have cyber initiatives in place and need a deeper, more technical dive.
In partnership with the NH Business Review, a quarterly newsletter will provide education and up to date information about cybersecurity.
“Cybersecurity is a critical piece to building a business’ long-term resiliency. By enhancing cyber protections, small businesses can safeguard themselves from cyber-attacks, increasing their competitive advantage and protecting their customers and vendors. Together with the NH Tech Alliance, NH SBDC is pleased to be working to strengthen and secure NH’s small businesses.” - Liz Gray, State Director, NH SBDC.
“Cybersecurity protection is no longer optional. Every type of business is prone to attack. No one is immune. By continuing our partnership with the NH SBDC and partnering with cybersecurity experts from around the state we will raise awareness and make a lasting impact in protecting NH businesses from a catastrophic attack,” Julie Demers, Executive Director, NH Tech Alliance.
Information about the program and how to sign up is available at: https://www.nhsbdc.org/programs-services/powered
NH SBDC is the state’s leading resource for business advising and education for small businesses. SBDC’s team of certified business advisors provides highly individualized, confidential advising, at no charge to NH enterprises. SBDC supported 3,409 businesses in 2023 through direct advising and training. NH SBDC is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and through assistance provided by the State of NH. NH SBDC is an outreach program of the UNH Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics in conjunction with SBA, the State of NH (BEA), UNH and the private sector.
The New Hampshire Tech Alliance is a statewide technology association supporting companies at every stage of growth and development from start-ups to established leaders in the global economy. The Alliance is committed to nurturing a vibrant tech ecosystem by building partnerships, enhancing knowledge, and shaping public policy.
JoAnn Hodgdon is Vice President and co-founder of Portsmouth Computer Group (PCGiT) with her husband David. PCG provides comprehensive managed IT services, business continuity, security, cloud computing and Virtual CIO services to their clients. You may reach her at JoAnn@pcgit.com or at www.pcgit.com.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: IT Insight: Complimentary cybersecurity programs for NH Businesses
