The NH Small Business Development Center (NH SBDC) and NH Tech Alliance (NHTA) are launching a suite of cybersecurity programs designed to educate and support businesses in New Hampshire, including:
Cybersecurity Review program
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 also sign up to become an NH SBDC client.
Clients receive a high-level cybersecurity assessment at no cost.
This program is free for businesses as a result of funding procured by U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen. New Hampshire-based companies that will be consulting with small businesses through the review program include PCGiT, FSST, LLC and Cyberhoot.
Government contracting
There are some critical cybersecurity considerations that businesses should understand before pursuing government contracts. In partnership with Mainstay Technologies, NHTA is creating a series of videos for businesses to learn more about what is required of them under NIST SP 800-171, review how to complete an initial self-assessment, and discuss how to establish a road map 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.
Cybersecurity summit
The NH SBDC and NHTA will host a cybersecurity summit Sept. 25 at the Rex Theater. The morning session will be geared toward small businesses looking to begin protecting themselves against cyberattacks. The afternoon portion will be for businesses who already have cyber initiatives in place and need a deeper, more technical dive.
Quarterly cybersecurity newsletter
In partnership with the NH Business Review, a quarterly newsletter will provide education and up-to-date information about cybersecurity. To sign up for the newsletter, visit nhbr.com and click on the newsletter signup button.
“By enhancing cyber protections, small businesses can safeguard themselves from cyberattacks, increasing their competitive advantage and protecting their customers and vendors,” said Liz Gray, state director of the NH SBDC.
No business is immune, said Julie Demers, executive director of the NH Tech Alliance.
“By continuing our partnership with the NH SBDC and cybersecurity experts, we will raise awareness and make a lasting impact in protecting NH businesses from a catastrophic attack, Demers said.”
Information about the program and how to sign up is available at nhsbdc.org/cybersecurity/reviews.
