The NH Small Business Development Center (NH SBDC), in collaboration with the NH Tech Alliance (NHTA), is announcing a series of cybersecurity programs aimed at educating and supporting New Hampshire businesses.
According to the “Impact of Cybersecurity on Small Businesses” report, 50% of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are victims of cyberattacks, and more than 60% of attacked businesses go out of business.
It is critical that New Hampshire businesses take steps to protect their organizations from cyberattacks.
NH SBDC and NHTA are excited to continue our three-year partnership to lead the way in educating the business community and providing free resources to support businesses across the state.
This effort includes a Cybersecurity Review Program, education for companies seeking government contracts, a Cybersecurity Summit, and a quarterly newsletter in partnership with NH Business Review.
The goal of this program is to provide companies with up to 500 employees with the tools and resources they need to better protect their business from cyber threats.
Participating companies will receive personalized cybersecurity reviews, education, and one-on-one consulting appointments with cybersecurity experts. Businesses meet with cybersecurity experts to discuss their company's cybersecurity maturity and receive an assessment of actionable steps companies can take to start protecting their business right away.
To participate in the Cybersecurity Review program, companies must apply and sign up to become an NH SBDC client. Clients receive a free high-level cybersecurity assessment. Thanks to funding raised by U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the entire program is free to businesses. “I am thrilled to learn that the federal funding I helped secure will help New Hampshire's small businesses with the tools and resources they need to protect themselves from cyber threats,” said Senator Shaheen. ” “As we work to build the digital resiliency of our economy, this partnership between the New Hampshire Small Business Development Center and the New Hampshire Tech Alliance will help small businesses protect their assets and better identify and respond to cyberattacks. , is critical to helping us better serve the people of the Granite State who depend on them for our services.”
The following New Hampshire-based companies will be consulting with small businesses through the review program: PCGiT, FSST, LLC, and Cyberhoot.
There are several important cybersecurity considerations that companies should understand before moving forward with government contracts. In partnership with Mainstay Technologies, we have created a series of videos for companies to learn more about what is required of government contracts under NIST SP 800-171, including a review of how to complete an initial self-assessment and how to establish a self-assessment. I did. A roadmap for implementing all applicable security requirements.
A limited number of 90-minute consulting sessions will also be offered to eligible companies preparing to access government contracts.
Additionally, on September 25th, NH SBDC and NHTA will host a Cybersecurity Summit at the Rex Theater. The morning session is aimed at small and medium-sized businesses looking to start protecting themselves from cyber-attacks. The afternoon segment is for companies that have already implemented cyber initiatives and need a deeper technical dive.
We've partnered with NH Business Review to provide education and updates on cybersecurity in our quarterly newsletter.
“Cybersecurity is a critical element in building long-term business resilience. Strengthening cyber protection can help small and medium-sized businesses protect themselves from cyberattacks and increase their competitive advantage. , customers and vendors. NH SBDC is pleased to work with the NH Tech Alliance to strengthen and secure NH's small businesses.'' – Liz Gray, NH SBDC State Director.
“Cybersecurity protection is no longer optional. Businesses of all types can be attacked. No one is immune. By continuing our partnership with the NH SBDC and partnering with cybersecurity experts across the state, , can have a lasting impact by raising awareness to protect NH businesses from devastating attacks,” said Julie Demers, Executive Director of NH Tech Alliance.
Information about the program and how to sign up can be found at https://www.nhsbdc.org/programs-services/powered.
NH SBDC is the state's premier resource for business advice and education for small businesses. SBDC's team of certified business advisors provides highly personalized and confidential advice to NH businesses, free of charge. SBDC supported 3,409 businesses through direct advice and training in 2023. The NH SBDC is funded in part by a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and assistance from the State of NH. The NH SBDC is an outreach program of the UNH Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics in partnership with the SBA, NH State (BEA), UNH, and the private sector.
New Hampshire Tech Alliance is a statewide technology association that supports companies at all stages of growth and development, from startups to established leaders in the global economy. The Alliance is committed to fostering a vibrant technology ecosystem by building partnerships, advancing knowledge, and shaping public policy.
JoAnn Hodgdon is vice president and co-founder, along with her husband, David, of Portsmouth Computer Group (PCGiT). PCG provides comprehensive managed IT services, business continuity, security, cloud computing, and virtual CIO services to its clients. She can be reached at JoAnn@pcgit.com or at:www.pcgit.com.
