(Columbus) – Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, in partnership with the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, announced the “Are You Cyber Safe?” initiative focused on arming small businesses with the resources they need to protect themselves from the growing threat of cybercrime.
“Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Ohio, and they are under attack – sometimes without even knowing it,” said Secretary LaRose. “This initiative is just the latest of many steps we’ve taken to make sure Ohio is the most business-friendly state in the nation by helping small businesses owners protect themselves against the growing threat of cyberattacks.”
“Secretary LaRose and I know all too well that a soldier going into battle without the proper equipment is a recipe for disaster,” said Ohio Chamber of Commerce CEO Steve Stivers. “The Ohio Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with the Ohio Secretary of State’s office in this important initiative to arm small businesses with the resources they need to fend off cyberattacks.”
The Growing Threat of Cybercrime Targeting Small Businesses:
- The global estimated cost of cybercrime by 2025 is $10.5 trillion.
- 61% of small businesses report at least one cyberattack in the past year.
- 43% of cyber attacks target small and medium sized businesses.
Sources: cybersecurityventures.com, blackfrog.com, sba.gov
What The Ohio Secretary of State’s office is doing to help:
The Ohio Secretary of State’s office, as the front door for new business, is working to arm small businesses with the resources they need to become cybersafe through the following:
- A Cybersecurity Workbook distributed through state and local partners which provides cybersecurity basics for small businesses.
- Regional cybersecurity workshops which include experts in the field, informative presentations, and hands-on tabletop exercises.
- Web based resources including videos, webinars and other resources published on our website and distributed through partners.