Experts to Speak at Cyber Security Workshops for Vermont Small Businesses
In June, the Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) is bringing in experts to present two free workshops for regional businesses on improving their data security. The events will be held on the following dates and locations:
• Northern Vermont: Thursday, June 4 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., Vermont Tech Williston campus, 201 Lawrence Place, Williston
• Southern Vermont: Thursday, June 11 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., Howard Dean Education Center, 307 South Street, Springfield
For businesses today, managing risks to critical information has become a business priority, not just an IT responsibility. According to a 2014 report by the Center for International Studies, cybercrimes cost the U.S. economy close to $100 billion each year, and that number is expected to rise.
Small businesses are especially at risk. A recent “Data Breach Investigations Study” by Verizon shows that in 855 data breaches they examined, 71 percent occurred in businesses with fewer than 100 employees. The reason? Cybercriminals prey on the easiest targets with the weakest security—often small businesses.
“Businesses today are online with websites, email, and all kinds of electronic storage,” says VtSBDC Advisor Scott Holson. “Our workshop will cover simple things every business can do to reduce its cybersecurity risk.”
Two regional experts in the field will lead the workshop: John Burton from NPI, a Vermont technology management company, and Kerin Stackpole, an employment attorney from Paul, Frank and Collins of Burlington.
This informational event will include a presentation and group discussion. Everyone attending will receive a binder filled with tips and strategies for preventing security breaches.
To register for the workshop, visit vwww.vtsbdc.org or contact Scott Holson at [email protected].
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