SBA Sponsors Free Computer Security Workshop for Small Organizations

SAN DIEGO, Calif. –  The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, assisted by the National Cyber Security Alliance and Multi-State Information Sharing Council, will present the workshop “Computer Security for Small Organizations” to promote awareness of the importance and need for information technology security and also to promote an understanding of IT security vulnerabilities and corrective measures.

The workshop will be presented twice on Oct. 18: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and again from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The training will be held at the PacBell Building in Mission Valley at 2375 Northside Drive, San Diego, Calif.

The interactive discussion will focus on those information security risks facing all small organizations and how those risks can be identified and managed. Topics will include:

• How your data is vulnerable
• What you can lose through an information security breach
• Practical steps to protect your operations
• How to use information security vendors and consultants
• How to evaluate tools and techniques based on your needs

The free educational program is intended for managers and staff of small organizations, especially those with limited in-house resources, who need to understand and implement IT security. City, county and state government entities, as well as small business owners and managers, are encouraged to attend. Pre-registration is required. Contact Rosa Rodarte of SBA at 619/557- 7250 ext. 1126 or via e-mail at rosa.rodarte@sba.gov.

For more information about SBA's programs for small businesses, call the SBA Answer Desk at 800-U-ASK-SBA or visit SBA's Web site at www.sba.gov/ca/sandiego. The SBA, in co-sponsorship with Staples, has introduced an online newsletter SBA Solutions. For a free subscription, go to http://web.sba.gov/list and select New SBA Solutions Newsletter.