Cybersecurity for Small Businesses: Empowering Your Digital Defense
This training event designed to equip the small businesses with the essential concepts and principles of cybersecurity and how they are part of the ITGCs need by any business.
In today's digital landscape, it is imperative for small businesses to prioritize their digital defense against ever-evolving cyber threats. This training event will provide you with the knowledge and tools necessary to safeguard your business and customer data, minimize risks, and foster a secure online environment.
Here are the major concepts and principles that will be covered in this training.
- Understanding Cybersecurity Risks: In this segment, we will explore the various risks that small businesses face in the realm of cybersecurity. We'll discuss common cyber threats such as phishing, malware, ransomware, and social engineering. By understanding these risks, you will be better prepared to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities in your business's digital infrastructure.
- Establishing a Strong Security Culture: Building a culture of cybersecurity within your organization is crucial. We will focus on the significance of creating a security-conscious mindset among your employees. Topics will include password management, secure data handling, employee awareness training, and the importance of regular software updates. Cultivating a strong security culture will empower every member of your team to actively contribute to your business's cybersecurity efforts.
- Protecting Data and Information Assets: In this section, we will delve into strategies for protecting your valuable data and information assets. We will discuss the importance of data classification, encryption, and secure backup procedures. Additionally, we will touch upon best practices for securing physical devices such as computers, servers, and mobile devices. Ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your data is paramount in safeguarding your small business.
- Implementing Robust Network Security Measures: Securing your network is critical to prevent unauthorized access and protect sensitive information. We will cover topics such as firewall configurations, network segmentation, secure Wi-Fi practices, and virtual private networks (VPNs). By implementing these robust network security measures, you can create layers of defense that significantly reduce the risk of cyber breaches.
- Incident Response and Recovery: Even with preventive measures in place, it's essential to have an effective incident response plan. We will explore the key components of an incident response strategy, including detection, containment, eradication, and recovery. Understanding how to respond promptly and efficiently to a cybersecurity incident will minimize its impact on your small business.
- Partnering with Cybersecurity Experts: Lastly, we will discuss the importance of collaborating with cybersecurity professionals who can provide guidance and support. We'll explore the benefits of engaging with external experts, such as managed security service providers (MSSPs) or consultants, to augment your in-house capabilities. Partnering with the right experts will ensure that you have access to the necessary expertise and resources to enhance your cybersecurity posture.
By understanding and applying the major concepts and principles covered in this training event, you, the small business owner, will be well-prepared to bolster your small business's cybersecurity defenses.
Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing effort that requires continuous monitoring, education, and adaptation. By investing in the security of your business, you are safeguarding its future growth and success. Let's embark on this journey together and empower your small business to thrive securely in the digital realm.
This internal control training course will provide each attendee with 2 CPE Event Hours (YB). A certificate of completion will be provided.
Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding of cybersecurity risks and their mitigation with effective ITGCs. Register now to gain valuable insights and techniques that will elevate your effectiveness in risk management.
Details on Event Presentation
Being offered on Fridays every six weeks at 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Central Time.
CPE Event Highlights
- Understand the various risks that small businesses face in cybersecurity: Participants will gain an understanding of the diverse range of cyber threats targeting small businesses.
- Establish a strong security culture within the organization: Building a security-conscious mindset is crucial for every member of the organization as part of your ITGCs.
- Protect valuable data and information assets: Participants will explore effective measures to safeguard their business's most precious assets—data and information.
- Implement robust network security measures: A secure network is the backbone of a small business's cybersecurity defenses with the framework of ITGCs.
- Develop an effective incident response and recovery plan: In the event of a cybersecurity incident, preparedness is key.
- Partner with cybersecurity experts to enhance cybersecurity posture: Collaboration with cybersecurity professionals can provide valuable guidance and support.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the various risks that small businesses face in cybersecurity: Participants will gain an understanding of the diverse range of cyber threats targeting small businesses. By exploring common risks such as phishing, malware, ransomware, and social engineering, participants will be equipped to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
- Establish a strong security culture within the organization: Building a security-conscious mindset is crucial for every member of the organization. Participants will learn strategies to promote a culture of cybersecurity awareness, including best practices for password management, secure data handling, and the importance of regular employee training concerning the ITGC control framework.
- Protect valuable data and information assets: Participants will explore effective measures to safeguard their business's most precious assets—data and information. Topics covered will include data classification, encryption, secure backup procedures, and physical device security. By implementing these safeguards, participants can ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their data.
- Implement robust network security measures: A secure network is the backbone of a small business's cybersecurity defenses. Participants will gain insights into configuring firewalls, implementing network segmentation, securing Wi-Fi networks, and utilizing virtual private networks (VPNs). These measures will strengthen the overall security posture of their network infrastructure.
- Develop an effective incident response and recovery plan: In the event of a cybersecurity incident, preparedness is key. Participants will learn how to develop an incident response plan encompassing detection, containment, eradication, and recovery. This proactive approach will minimize the impact of incidents and aid in swift recovery.
- Partner with cybersecurity experts to enhance cybersecurity posture: Collaboration with cybersecurity professionals can provide valuable guidance and support. Participants will understand the benefits of engaging with external experts, such as managed security service providers (MSSPs) or consultants. These partnerships can help bolster their small business's cybersecurity posture.
Key Issues on the Agenda
Introductions and Administrative Items
Section 1 - Understanding Cybersecurity Risks
Section 2 - Establishing a Strong Security Culture
Section 3 - Protecting Data and Information Assets
Section 4 - Implementing Robust Network Security Measures
Section 5 - Incident Response and Recovery
Section 6 - Partnering with Cybersecurity Experts
Section 3 - Going Forward
NASBA Program Disclosure
Program Level of Understanding: Basic
Prerequisites: None
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Format: Group Internet Based
NASBA Field(s) of Study: Auditing
CPE Credits: 2, based on 50 minutes of instruction per hourSummary of the Subject Matter
This CPE training event focuses on equipping small businesses with essential cybersecurity concepts and principles. The objective is to help businesses protect their valuable data, minimize risks, and create a secure online environment.
The event covers several key topics, including understanding cybersecurity risks such as phishing, malware, ransomware, and social engineering. It also emphasizes the importance of establishing a strong security culture within the organization through employee training on password management, secure data handling, and overall awareness.
Participants will learn strategies for protecting data and information assets, including data classification, encryption, secure backup procedures, and securing physical devices. The event also delves into implementing robust network security measures such as configuring firewalls, network segmentation, secure Wi-Fi practices, and utilizing virtual private networks (VPNs).
Additionally, participants will gain insights into developing an effective incident response plan that includes detection, containment, eradication, and recovery. The importance of partnering with cybersecurity experts, such as managed security service providers (MSSPs) or consultants, to enhance their cybersecurity posture is also highlighted.