Cybersecurity – Cyber Attacks Can be Devastating to Small Manufacturers
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- Cybersecurity – Cyber Attacks Can be Devastating to Small Manufacturers
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Let us help you be more cyber aware so you can be safe online. We can help you achieve accountability in your business operations and take proactive steps to enhance your company’s cybersecurity methods. Contact us today at (802) 728-1432 or [email protected]
The risks are enormous and potentially devastating! 55% of small and mid-sized businesses have experienced a data breach or cyberattack. 43% of spear-phishing attacks are targeted at small businesses. 60% of impacted businesses are left severely impacted.
As a result of increased concerns about cyber-attacks, manufacturers with contracts from the Department of Defense (DoD), General Services Administration (GSA) or NASA must be compliant with defined cybersecurity requirements to protect Controlled Unclassified Information per NIST SP 800-171 or risk losing contracts. Small manufacturers in other supply chains such as automotive, medical, and energy can also expect cybersecurity contract requirements.
Companies should not wait for customer-imposed requirements to identify IT security vulnerabilities and protect their businesses. All manufacturers should take positive steps now to implement and maintain appropriate IT security controls, and know what to do if a breach does occur.
Check out this IT/ Cybersecurity recording from our summer 2021 Noontime Knowledge series.
VMEC can provide resources and assistance to help manufacturers take action to protect their business. These include:
- 2 page document on Cybersecurity
- Access to NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership and MEP National Network cybersecurity experts.
- Professional Services for Assessment, remediation, and security monitoring with local and national cybersecurity experts and service providers.
- Connection to State of Vermont partner resources such as the Vermont PTAC (Procurement Technical Assistance Center) and the VT Attorney General CAP (Consumer Assistance Program) and Small Business Initiative.
Additional resources include:
- Project Spectrum Cybersecurity Compliance assistance
- Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) webinar recording (August 27, 2020)
- Cybersecurity Resiliency for Defense Contractors presentation (February 13, 2020)
- NIST Special Publication 800-171
- Manufacturers Guide to Cybersecurity – For Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturers
- Cybersecurity Resources for Manufacturers
- Industry Info Day “Unclassified” DoD presentation
- NIST MEP Cybersecurity Self-Assessment Handbook for Assessing NIST SP 800-171 Security Requirements
- July 11, 2017 presentation given by Pat Toth, NIST Cybersecurity Program Manager
- VMEC and NIST combined file, highlighting cyber risks and compliance, as well as service provider, rbTechnologies
- Free on-line (DoD and US Government) resources for cybersecurity training – Dod Cyber Exchange Public and Security Awareness Hub
VMEC is offering IT Security Services with local IT service providers:
Vermont is an increasingly cyber-aware state with many businesses offering or requesting support. VMEC has made a point to partner with the best Vermont and New England Regional cybersecurity providers to ensure quality service for our clients. Upon understanding your business’s needs, we will introduce one (or several) of our partners and offer projects that have been tried and found valuable.
VMEC & Partners offer Vermont manufacturers, including defense contractors, the following services:
- Quick IT Security Assessment (4-6 hours) including walk-through and discussion of SP 800-171 requirements.
- Full IT Security Assessment that identifies and documents gaps and vulnerabilities, and a remediation plan outline.
- Customized remediation projects.
- Continuous proactive security monitoring and assessment follow-ups.