SBA to Host Third Annual Small Business Cyber Summit During Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Press release 24-68

Summit Aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration's Cybersecurity Strategy, Will Rally Cyber Nerds and Business Moguls to Protect Entrepreneurs from Escalating Attacks

Published on August 21, 2024

WASHINGTON - Today, theU.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that it will host its leading Small Business Cyber Summit on October 16 and 23. The free cybersecurity series builds on theBiden-Harris Administration's National Cybersecurity Strategytoequip America's 34 million small businesses with the tools and resources they need to bolster their cybersecurity infrastructure. In collaboration with multiple federal agencies, the SBA's Small Business Cyber Summit will offer hands-on advice, interactive forensic assessments, and cyber-expert panelists discussing local and federal resources that are readily available to entrepreneurs across America.

"The rapidly changing landscape of the digital world poses new and evolving risks for small businesses. Fortunately, the SBA is poised to assist small businesses in preparing robust defenses to overcome these challenges and avoid costly disruptions," said Acting Associate Administrator for SBA's Office of Entrepreneurial Development Aditi Dussault. "The SBA's Small Business Cyber Summit is designed to provide entrepreneurs with the expertise and resources necessary to ensure they are fully equipped to face these vexatious threats. During the summit, we will feature a wide range of tools, resources, and programming from SBA's network of trusted experts, federal and state government partners, and other innovators across multiple industrial sectors."

Registration for the event is open to all and is free. Sign up at https://bit.ly/SBACyberSummit2024.

About the SBA's 3rd Annual Small Business Cyber Summit

Comprised of digestible and compactable segments, attendees will have the opportunity to network and access practical tips, problem-solving strategies, industry trends, threat avoidance, and small business testimonials to learn how to help small business owners defend themselves against cyberattacks.

Cyberattacks are a growing threat to small businesses and the U.S. economy. According to the FBI's Internet Crime Report, the cost of cybercrimes against the small business community reached $4.57 billion in 2023-a 38% increase from the previous year.

Small businesses are attractive targets because they have information that cybercriminals want, and they typically lack the security infrastructure of larger businesses.

Surveys have shown that many small business owners feel their businesses are vulnerable to a cyberattack. Yet many businesses cannot afford professional IT solutions, have limited time to devote to cybersecurity, or do not know where to begin. The 3rd Annual SBA Cyber Summit will address these formidable challenges with turnkey solutions.

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About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.