Small Business Development Center Launches Cyber Training Program

In 2023, more than 40% of all cybersecurity attacks targeted businesses with less than 1,000 employees. And more than 60% of small businesses that are victims of a cyberattack are out of business within six months.

Made Safe in Mississippi is a cybersecurity training program designed to equip business advisers with tools to help Mississippi's small businesses manage online threats effectively.

"Helping small businesses enhance their cybersecurity is about more than just keeping hackers out; it's about building lasting digital resilience," said April Williams, business counselor and cybersecurity lead for the RISE Center.

"Through behavior-based solutions tailored to each business, I work to make cybersecurity challenges manageable and support smooth, sustainable growth. Together, we can future-proof these businesses, empowering them with resilience as a distinct competitive advantage."

Congress made changes to the Small Business Act in December 2022. The changes mandate that Small Business Development Centers nationwide meet cybersecurity certification requirements.

To meet these new standards, community-based cybersecurity solutions business CyberWyoming introduced a Department of Labor-registered Cybersecurity Business Counselor apprenticeship. This program prepares participants through real-world training, producing advisers who are equipped to help small businesses navigate cybersecurity challenges.

CyberWyoming's curriculum allows other states to adapt and implement similar programs tailored to local needs.

"The Made Safe in Mississippi program provides an additional pathway in the RISE Cybersecurity division by not only offering standard business counseling for cyber hygiene and protection, but going many steps beyond," said Chip Templeton, director of the RISE Center. "Through this partnership, we're offering businesses a practical and reliable resource for mastering cybersecurity fundamentals and implementing effective risk management strategies."

Participating advisers reported a significant confidence boost, with ratings increasing from 1.8 before training to 4.1 post-training on a five-point confidence scale.

"Having run the Made Safe in Wyoming Program for the past seven years, CyberWyoming is excited to partner with the Mississippi SBDC Network as they launch the Made Safe in Mississippi program," said Laura Baker, the company's executive director.

"Their dedicated and confident team of expert advisers joined our training program to achieve cybersecurity excellence, empowering Mississippi businesses to safeguard their operations."

Made Safe in Mississippi represents a step forward in Mississippi's efforts to support the cyber safety of small businesses, said Sharon Nichols, Mississippi SBDC Network state director.

"The RISE Center and CyberWyoming share a vision to provide our small business community with real solutions to modern threats," she said. "By combining our efforts, we are able to offer cybersecurity training of the highest standard, providing Mississippi businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to strengthen their defenses and operate with confidence in today's digital economy."

For more information about the Made Safe in Mississippi program or to learn how your business can benefit, contact the RISE Center at Ole Miss.

Top: The Mississippi Small Business Development Center Network’s RISE Center at Ole Miss has partnered with CyberWyoming to help Mississippi small businesses prevent such cyberattacks. Submitted graphic