Markets Wired

Today, the Federal Trade Commission, along with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Small Business Administration (SBA), launched a national education campaign to help small business owners understand common cyber threats and how they can help protect their businesses.

The campaign grew out of a series of roundtable discussions that the FTC held with small business owners last year to discuss cybersecurity challenges they face. The new campaign materials include fact sheets, videos, and quizzes covering a dozen topics, including:

• Cybersecurity Basics;
• Understanding the NIST Cybersecurity Framework;
• Physical Security;
• Ransomware;
• Phishing;
• Business Email Imposters;
• Tech Support Scams;
• Vendor Security;
• Cyber Insurance;
• Email Authentication;
• Hiring a Web Host; and
• Secure Remote Access.

Andrew Smith, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, is announcing the new resources today during a 2 pm ET interview with the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) as part of the group’s efforts to mark National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The event will be livestreamed at Facebook.com/FederalTradeCommission and at Facebook.com/staysafeonline.

In addition, FTC staff are also participating in a webinar hosted by NCSA today from 3-4 pm ET to outline how small businesses can use the FTC’s new tools to improve cybersecurity. The webinar is free and open to anyone, but registration is required.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and file a consumer complaint online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357). Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.