Earlier this spring, the Office of the Ohio Secretary of State (SOS), in partnership with the Ohio Chamber of Commerce announced an initiative to assist Ohio small businesses with protecting themselves from becoming victims of cyber threats and data breaches.

As part of this initiative a Cybersecurity for Small Business booklet has been made available as one of several measures to inform Ohio business owners and dispel the myth that a business may be immune to attack due to its small size or particular nature.

The booklet not only provides action steps towards preventing attacks but also provides strategies for implementing security measures to protect software and devices and discusses plans for disaster recovery should a business become a victim of a cyberattack.  Highlights include:

• Information to foster a basic understanding of cybersecurity (i.e., the measures taken to protect a computer system from unauthorized access),
• A thorough summary and explanation of the five core components for thinking through risk and protective action steps: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover,
• Resources for training employees to understand cybersecurity protocols and policies, and
• Information on how to prevent business identity theft.

The Ohio Chamber of Commerce will also periodically host regional workshops presented by experts in the field and provide additional web-based resources to Ohio’s small business entrepreneurs.

Helpful information can also be found on the Federal Trade Commission’s website where business owners can find guidance on cybersecurity basics and best practices.

(This blog, prepared by Campanella Law Office, is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to convey specific legal advice, nor is it intended to create or constitute an attorney-client relationship.)