Available next month, the Small Biz Cyber Planner will enable small businesses to create a customized guide tailored to their information security needs by answering a few basic questions. By using this tool and implementing the planning guide, businesses can protect themselves, their information, and their customers from cyberthreats, the FCC explained.
“Small businesses that don't take protective measures are particularly vulnerable targets for cybercriminals. With larger companies increasing their protections, small businesses are now the low-hanging fruit for cyber criminals”, said FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski in announcing the planner.
"This tool will be of particular value for businesses that lack the resources to hire a dedicated staff member to protect themselves from cyberthreats. Even a business with one computer or one credit card swiper can benefit from this important guidance", the chairman added.
The tool was developed by the FCC, the Department of Homeland Security, the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), the US Chamber of Commerce, Symantec, Sophos, Visa, the Identity Theft Council, and others.
According to a Symantec/NCSA study released in conjunction with the FCC announcement, only 52% of small businesses have an information security plan or strategic approach, 77% do not have written formal internet policies, and 49% do not even have informal policies.
Around 40% of companies do not have a plan if their business suffers a data breach or leak, such as loss of customer or employee information, credit or debit card information, or loss of intellectual property, according to the study.