One of the biggest hurdles to becoming cybersecure, many manufacturers say, is the expense. This is especially true for small businesses under extreme pressure from supply chain and workforce disruptions.
But with the number of cyberattacks and their price tag growing, the pressure is also on organizations to solidify their defenses against cyberattacks.
Manufacturers in this tough spot have options beyond opening their wallets. No-cost or low-cost resources are available from a variety of sources.
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) announced last year that it had created a list of free cybersecurity tools and services. The list includes open-source tools and free resources from government organizations and private companies. The agency says it will update the list, which was created to help organizations “reduce cybersecurity risk and strengthen resiliency.”
Ahead of digging into the free resources on the list, however, CISA is urging organizations to take basic cybersecurity steps including implementing multifactor authentication.
Other tasks on the agency’s recommended to-do list include fixing known security flaws in software; taking steps to halt bad practices; signing up for its Cyber Hygiene Vulnerability Scanning service; and reducing attack surfaces through the agency’s “Stuff Off Search (S.O.S.).”
CISA also provides free guidance specifically for small businesses, as does:
- The Cyber Readiness Institute, which offers tips and resources, including a link to a cybersecurity toolkit for small businesses.
- The Federal Trade Commission, which provides basic cybersecurity guidance in partnership with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the Department of Homeland Security.
- NIST, whose Small Business Cybersecurity Corner lists training resources like case studies and videos.
- NIST’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program (MEP), which has centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, also offers cybersecurity resources for manufacturers.
- The National Cyber Security Alliance, which has resources including webinars through its CyberSecure My Business, a national program for small and medium-size businesses.
Visit MxD’s Cyber Resource Hub to keep up on all cyber news, events, and resources.
