5 Must-Read Cybersecurity White Papers for Small Businesses
Cybersecurity is an important concern for businesses of all sizes. As a small business owner, you may feel that you’re not a likely target for cyberattacks, given that larger companies tend to be more attractive to hackers. However, this is not true. Small businesses face the same risks as larger companies when it comes to cybersecurity, and often have less resources to protect themselves.
One way for small businesses to stay informed and up-to-date on cybersecurity threats and best practices is by reading cybersecurity white papers. White papers are authoritative documents that explain complex topics in a way that is easy to understand. They are written by experts in the field and are a great resource for businesses looking to protect themselves.
Here are five cybersecurity white papers that a small business owner should read:
1. The NIST Cybersecurity Framework
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) developed the Cybersecurity Framework to provide a set of guidelines for businesses to manage and reduce their cybersecurity risks. The framework includes five core functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. This white paper provides a great overview of the framework and how it can be applied to small businesses.
2. The 2020 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report
This white paper provides an in-depth analysis of data breaches that occurred in 2019. It includes key insights into the tactics that hackers used, the industries that were targeted, and what types of data were stolen. Reading this report can help small business owners understand the evolving tactics of cyber criminals and how to protect their own businesses.
3. The Identity Theft Resource Center’s 2020 Data Breach Report
The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) is a nonprofit organization that provides support to victims of identity theft. In addition to their support services, they also publish an annual Data Breach Report. This report provides an overview of data breaches that occurred in the previous year, including the industries that were targeted, the types of data that were stolen and the tactics used. Small business owners can use this report to stay informed about data breaches and learn from the experiences of others.
4. The Cisco 2020 Annual Cybersecurity Report
The Cisco Annual Cybersecurity Report is a comprehensive review of the cybersecurity landscape, including emerging threats and trends. This report includes insights from security experts and provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of cybersecurity. Small business owners can use this report to stay informed about emerging threats and to learn about best practices for protecting their businesses.
5. The Small Business Administration’s Cybersecurity Resource Guide
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has a dedicated website that provides resources and guidance on cybersecurity for small businesses. Their Cybersecurity Resource Guide includes information on how to assess your business’s cybersecurity risks, how to protect your business from cybercrime, and how to respond to a cybersecurity incident. Small business owners can use this guide as a toolkit for protecting their businesses from cyber attacks.
In conclusion, cybersecurity is an important concern for small businesses, and reading cybersecurity white papers is an effective way for small business owners to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest threats and best practices. The five white papers listed above provide valuable insights and guidance for small business owners looking to protect their businesses from cyber attacks.
