FTC Launches New Website for Small Businesses, Provides Resources to Avoid Scams and Cyberattacks

Privacy/Cyber Risk & Data Security FTC Consumer Education

On May 9, the FTC announced the launch of its new website—ftc.gov/SmallBusiness—designed to provide useful information so small businesses can protect their networks and customer data from scams and cyberattacks. The website offers specific guidance such as the Small Business Computer Security Basics guide, which shares computer security basics to help companies: (i) protect their files and devices; (ii) train employees to think twice before sharing the business’s account information; (iii) keep their wireless networks protected; and (iv) respond to data breaches. Information on other cyber threats such as ransomware and phishing schemes that target small businesses is also provided. According to the FTC, the U.S. Small Business Administration reports that “there are more than 28 million small businesses nationwide” that are at risk, many of which lack the resources larger companies have to spend on cybersecurity. Further, the FTC noted that Symantec Corp. found that “the percentage of spear-phishing attacks targeting small business rose dramatically from 18 percent to 43 percent between 2011 and 2015.”