The Forge Institute, a national leader in advancing cybersecurity capabilities, has recently received a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for the Cybersecurity for Small Business Pilot Program. This funding will allow expansion of the Arkansas Cyber Defense Center (ACDC) and strengthen their services to spread awareness and train small businesses in cyber defense.
“Our team is excited to receive support from the SBA, which will allow us to further develop capabilities in the Arkansas Cyber Defense Center to engage, train and assess cybersecurity risks for Arkansas’ small businesses. Developing cyber resiliency within our small business community is vital to supporting and growing the economic lifeblood of our state,” said Scott A. Anderson, Executive Director of the Forge Institute.
The services provided through the ACDC will include an awareness campaign and training for small businesses on how to develop and use a “Cybersecurity Incident Response Playbook,” how to interact with law enforcement, and provide an overview of legal agreements and privacy statements.They will also conduct 260 cybersecurity assessments of at least 130 businesses.
“Many small businesses are ill-equipped to defend against or thwart cyber-attacks because they do not have access to resources, tools or knowledge. Empowering and preparing small businesses to combat cybersecurity threats during their formative and most vulnerable years is fundamental to mounting an adequate defense to this growing threat. The Forge Institute ACDC will provide small businesses with the necessary resources to create and maintain frontline defenses against attacks,” said Gov. Asa Hutchinson.
The ACDC will also be providing work-based learning opportunities for Arkansas students, hiring up to 8 interns for paid internships at the University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas at Little Rock and University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
These programs will launch this fall. To learn more, call the ACDC at 501-239-9599 or visit the Forge Institute website.
READ ALSO: DJ DIARIES: JENNIFER LIPP, THE VOICE OF THE DELTA ON OLDIES 101.3 PINE BLUFF
