Celebrating National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day
Strengthening Wyoming’s Small Businesses With Cybersecurity
National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day on March 29th highlights the vital role small businesses play in Wyoming’s economy, where 98% of enterprises have fewer than 20 employees, forming the foundation of communities while driving economic growth and job creation.
“With the increasing reliance on digital tools and online operations, small businesses face unique cybersecurity challenges. Our goal is to empower Wyoming’s entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools they need to secure their businesses from digital threats,” said John H. Keesling, Founder of Wyo Support in Cheyenne.
As Wyoming celebrates National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day on March 29th, it is vital to recognize that small businesses are the backbone of the state’s economy. Nationally, 70% of small businesses are run by a single owner and employ 57% of the private workforce, with states like Wyoming and Montana relying more heavily on them than other regions.
Established by Rick and Margie Segel to honor their parents’ 1939 hat shop, National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day recognizes the dedication and long hours small business owners invest in sustaining their communities and driving local economies.
Small business owners juggle multiple responsibilities, and cybersecurity can often feel overwhelming. However, with the rise in cyber threats targeting small enterprises, it is crucial to integrate proactive security measures into daily business operations. CyberWyoming and its Founding Members, like Wyo Support, provide practical and accessible cybersecurity education tailored specifically for small businesses, helping them protect their assets and customer data.
Here are some key steps small business owners can take to improve their cybersecurity posture:
- Regularly Update Software and Systems: Keeping software up to date reduces vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit
- Train Employees on Cybersecurity Best Practices: Educate staff on recognizing phishing scams and using strong passwords.
- Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adding an extra layer of security makes unauthorized access more difficult.
- Back Up Data Frequently: Having secure, regular backups ensures business continuity in case of an attack.
“We at Wyo Support build strong digital defenses to safeguard your business operations. Just as small businesses are the backbone of our economy, cybersecurity is the foundation of a secure digital future,” said Keesling. “We encourage business owners to take cybersecurity seriously and reach out for expert guidance.”
As a new Founding Member of CyberWyoming, Wyo Support is committed to strengthening Wyoming’s cybersecurity posture. From providing IT support and security assessments to assisting with CyberWyoming programs like Wyoming’s Cybersecurity Competition for Small Businesses, Wyo Support plays an essential role in securing the digital landscape for businesses and individuals alike.
