By Jacob Blacksten, America’s SBDC Cybersecurity Taskforce This SBDC Day, the spotlight is on the importance of cybersecurity in the digital transformation journey of small businesses (SMBs). As SMBs navigate the complexities of the digital world, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been more critical. The recent emphasis on digital transformation has brought about unprecedented opportunities for growth, innovation, and efficiency. However, it has also introduced a myriad of cybersecurity challenges that can jeopardize the very essence of a business. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recently published the Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 (CSF 2.0), which serves as a beacon of guidance for SMBs striving to secure their digital operations. Updated to address the evolving cyber threat landscape, the NIST CSF 2.0 offers a comprehensive and flexible approach to enhancing cybersecurity postures in a manner that is both effective and manageable for businesses of all sizes. The framework serves as one of the backbones to our North Star Cybersecurity Program. It provides a strategic view of the lifecycle of an organization’s management of cybersecurity risk. By adopting the NIST CSF 2.0, SMBs can not only safeguard their assets against cyber threats but also align their cybersecurity practices with their business objectives, thereby ensuring long-term resilience and sustainability. SBDC Day serves as an ideal platform for raising awareness about the significance of cybersecurity in the digital age. It encourages SMBs to assess their current cybersecurity measures, identify gaps, and leverage resources like the NIST CSF 2.0 and North Star program to enhance their defenses. The message is clear: being cyber-safe is not just about protecting your business today; it’s about ensuring its success and longevity in the future. As we celebrate SBDC Day, let us commit to making cybersecurity a top priority in our digital transformation efforts. By doing so, we not only protect our businesses but also contribute to a more secure and prosperous digital ecosystem for all. Let’s future-proof our businesses by being cyber-safe. Embrace being Cyber Safe and embark on a journey towards a secure, resilient, and thriving digital future. About the Author Jacob Blacksten Jake is a University of Delaware graduate and holds three master’s degrees, MBA (2020), MS in Cybersecurity, and an MS in Business Analytics and Technology Management. Returning to Delaware after serving as a Digital Forensic Investigator in the Manhattan, NYC office of Stroz Friedberg. Jacob is skilled in a range of software and hardware platforms and the measures in which to secure them. With expertise in cybersecurity, database management, digital marketing, and finance, Jacob is passionate about technology. He holds two SANS GIAC certifications in both digital forensics and security essentials.
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