The Shepherd University Martinsburg Center, West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC) and Advantage Technology company are partnering on a cybersecurity initiative to train small businesses to defend themselves against the growing risk of cyber threat.
The workshop takes place Tuesday, July 10, 8 a.m. to noon, Shepherd University Martinsburg Center, 261 Aikens Center, Martinsburg. The workshop is free. WV SBDC strongly recommends advance registration as space is limited. To register, visit www.wvsbdc.com, click Training Calendar and choose your location.
“Cyber criminals see the big opportunities in small businesses,” said WV SBDC Director Erika Bailey. “They want access to your employee and customer data, financial records and bank accounts.”
“Technology once within the reach of big or mid-sized businesses only has become an integral part of everyday life for small businesses, and even individuals. As technology spreads, so do the risks,” said Jim Klein, director, Shepherd University Martinsburg Center. “With the demand to be connected and instant ‘swipe to pay,’ we are more susceptible to attack. Creating an environment to mitigate against attack and protecting the information of employees and customers is a daily struggle. It is imperative to learn about and develop standards to outwit and defeat cyber-criminals.”
The July 10 cybersecurity workshop in Martinsburg will be repeated in Charleston July 17 and in Fairmont July 23.
Cyber workshop attendees can enjoy a light breakfast and will have an opportunity to win an encrypted thumb drive. Local WV SBDC business coach Mary Hott will be available to speak with participants about other small business concerns. The breakfast sponsor is First Microloan of West Virginia.
The training session will tie-in with the cybersecurity risk assessment. Click the icon “How protected is your small business” on the www.wvsbdc.comResources web page.
Business owners may also download a free digital booklet from cybersecurity program lead sponsor Advantage Technology. The booklet “Everything You Need to Know About Cybersecurity but Were Afraid to Ask” is available from the company’s website at https://www.advantage.tech/cybersecurity/everything.
Cybersecurity initiative partners include the Berkeley County Economic Development Authority, The State Journal, WVNews, Region 9 Eastern Panhandle Regional Planning & Development Council, Shepherd University Martinsburg Center, Martinsburg Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Martinsburg, Morgan County Economic Development Authority, Jefferson County Economic Development Authority, and the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office.
The WV SBDC has served as the premier resource for small business creation and expansion in West Virginia since 1983. As a key economic driver, the WV SBDC offers a variety of services to entrepreneurs and small businesses to increase their profitability and customer base, enabling continued growth and prosperity for the state’s diversifying economy.
