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Posted on December 1st, 2011 in Current News, Internet Safety by Simply Security | Be the first to comment | Tags: Vulnerabilities

The FCC has introduced a new program to help SMBs develop stronger cybersecurity strategies.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) introduced a new service to help small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) safeguard their digital assets as well as sensitive and mission-critical data.

The new service, called Small Biz Cyber Planner, is an online resource intended to help SMBs develop their own cybersecurity strategies. Many SMBs do not give enough attention to data security practices, lacking the funds to devote to such measures or subscribing to the misguided belief that cybercriminals are not interested in them.

Among those SMBs that acknowledge the importance of cybersecurity, many still do not have strategies in place. Under the Small Biz Cyber Planner program, the FCC aims to change this.

The tool, which is available on the FCC's website, asks users a series of questions in order to determine what cybersecurity measures are needed. It then creates a customized document that outlines how an SMB can protect its digital assets and data in the most effective way possible.

The introduction of the Small Biz Cyber Planner follows the FCC's publication of cybersecurity tips for small businesses. Included among these tips are several practical ways that SMBs can protect their IT networks without breaking the bank. For example, the FCC stressed the importance of training employees in security principles and ensuring they are aware of any data protection policies the company has in place. Additionally, the commission highlighted the importance of antivirus software, firewall and regular password changes as necessary steps to ensuring basic security.

The FCC is just one government body that is putting a greater emphasis on data security. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has also stressed the importance for both businesses and individuals to protect their digital information with its Stop. Think. Connect. Campaign, which launched in October 2010.

As part of the campaign, the DHS has established partnerships with several public and private organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club and the YWCA, in an effort to teach individuals about safe web-browsing practices.

For SMBs, knowledge of cybersecurity is of particular importance. According to an August 2011 study conducted by the Ponemon Institute and sponsored by Hewlett-Packard, businesses take an average of 18 days to recover from cyberattacks, spending an average of $416,000. Large institutions may be able to absorb such losses, but smaller companies will generally have a more difficult time coping. Therefore, it is not only beneficial for an SMB to have a more detailed data security plan in place, it may prove to be crucial to the company's survival.

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