2025 Cybersecurity Outcomes: Stronger & Safer Microbusinesses
CyberWyoming has released the 2025 outcomes of its Made Safe Cyber Training Program, showing measurable improvements in cybersecurity readiness for microbusinesses across the nation.
“Since 2018, our program has adapted and grown to meet the needs of small rural business communities. For instance, after the 2023 Cybersecurity Competition for Small Businesses, we tried to find a cyber risk score that reflected the needs of microbusinesses and we couldn’t find one, so we spent 6 months developing it ourselves,” said Laura Baker, Executive Director of CyberWyoming.
Defined as companies with fewer than 10 computers, no servers, cloud-based operations, and employees who juggle multiple roles, microbusinesses face unique challenges in managing cyber risk.
“Now in use for 2 years, participants in the program have reduced their average cyber risk score by 71%,” said Baker.
According to program data, 90% met their security goals during the training. Confidence in managing the company’s tech and cyber risks also grew substantially: while 62% of participants began the program feeling neutral or less confident about cybersecurity, by the end, 100% of participants reported feeling at least a little confident, with many very confident.
The sense of isolation also shifted. At the start, 58% felt neutral or alone in handling cybersecurity, but by the program’s end, 98% said they had people or networks they could call upon. Other reported benefits included:
- 96% believed they had an improved product or service for customers.
- 93% felt capable of maintaining a future cybersecurity schedule.
- 93% felt supported by their newly defined cybersecurity team.
- 100% built relationships to sustain ongoing security efforts.
“In 2025, we worked with a few out-of-state economic development agencies to provide the program to their clients but in 2026 we are offering the cybersecurity competition for small businesses to any microbusiness in the nation. It isn’t as much about competing as being recognized for your efforts,” said Baker.
Since 2018, the cybersecurity competition program has only been open to Wyoming businesses.
Now a national program, the Made Safe program is a seven-month, one-on-one, on-the-job training grounded in social work theories of behavior change. It is the foundation of the Cybersecurity Competition for Small Businesses, which provides the added benefit of winners presenting at a prominent conference or webinar. It helps small companies find the gap between their security goals and their current situation, building practical systems such as employee manuals with updated security policies, incident response playbooks, and ongoing maintenance plans.
“If a registrant has a fear of public speaking, they don’t have to compete. We will forget to send in their judging report. The competition is just a fun way to celebrate with your peers,” said Baker.
Wyoming’s 2025 Cybersecurity Competition for Small Businesses winners will be announced at Cyber Cheyenne on October 3, hosted by Laramie County Community College.
