Cybersecurity

Secure Your Future: Cybersecurity Guidance for Small Businesses

In today’s digital world, cybersecurity isn’t just an IT problem—it’s a core business risk. Small businesses are increasingly targeted because they often lack the resources of larger companies. A single cyber incident can be devastating, leading to lost revenue, reputational damage, and even closure. Your SBDC is here to provide the awareness, tools, and one-on-one advising you need to build digital resilience and protect your vital business assets.

Why Cybersecurity and Data Protection Matters Now

• Growing Target: More than 40% of cyberattacks are aimed at small businesses.

• High Stakes: Over 60% of small businesses that are victims of a cyberattack go out of business within six months.

• What’s at Risk: Customer data (PII), financial records, intellectual property, and your business’s reputation.

SBDC Cybersecurity Services: Guided by a National Standard

The VI SBDC provides standards-based guidance to help you protect your business, whether you are a government contractor or simply want to safeguard customer information.

Introducing the North Star CMM

The North Star CMM (Cybersecurity Maturity Model) is an awareness and guidance tool used by SBDCs nationwide. It is based on the Department of Defense’s official Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework, but is repurposed for broader use by all small businesses.

This model provides a structured, tiered approach to:

→Understand your current level of cyber protection.

→Identify simple, actionable steps to improve your security.

→Protect your confidential and sensitive information.

Whether you are seeking a government contract or just need to protect your private data, the North Star CMM gives you a vetted, industry-best roadmap.