“The Goat Ladies,” also known as J&J Second Chance Small Holdings and an animal rescue in Rock River captured first place in Wyoming’s 2024 Cybersecurity Competition for Small Businesses in the “No IT Help” category, the first animal rescue organization to ever compete in the 7 years of the program.

Overview of Wyoming’s Cybersecurity Competition and The Goat Ladies’ Achievements

Developed in 2018, Wyoming’s Cybersecurity Competition for Small Business is an annual event based on a home-grown program called Made Safe in Wyoming and run by the nonprofit CyberWyoming. It encourages small organizations and businesses across the state to enhance their cybersecurity practices through a guided series of steps, with the aim of making Wyoming’s businesses safer and more resilient in the face of growing cyber threats.

“Protecting your business in the digital age—cybersecurity is not just an option, but a vital shield safeguarding your success and reputation,” said Jennifer Clark, CEO and Head Goat Lady.

In the final report to the judges, the Goat Ladies discussed their largest accomplishments including securing their business operations, with an emphasis in physical security, volunteer privacy policies, remote work when traveling with the livestock, and protecting their strong social media presence, especially when children visit the farm and their pictures are taken.

Despite being in an extremely remote location with minimal IT and connectivity resources, Clark managed to complete over 80% of the organization’s security goals and meet 100% of the initial recommendations.

Support, Collaboration, and Unique Challenges Faced by The Goat Ladies

Assisted by CyberWyoming and the Wyoming SBDC, Clark finished the program in 5 months, spending an average of 4-6 hours per month researching questions and implementing solutions.

“Working with Jennifer was a productive and collaborative experience that included the Goat Ladies’ SBDC Business Advisor Jim Drever,” said Mary Keane, Cybersecurity Business Counselor for CyberWyoming. “The Goat Ladies completed a very low-cost program that primarily involved setting up the right processes, procedures, and training for their employees and volunteers. This approach is common among our clients, as we focus on the human element of cybersecurity, which is best addressed through policy and training.” In 2023, the Wyoming SBDC and CyberWyoming collaborated to win the Small Business Administration’s Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Pilot Grant. While the two organizations often worked together before, this grant has increased the frequency of helping mutual clients.

Not only did the Goat Ladies win in their category, but due to a spring freeze, they had to pen baby goats in the office and ensure they didn’t eat the draft security policies and plans. This was a first for both CyberWyoming and Drever, not usually considering livestock eating paperwork in physical security discussions.

Recognition, Upcoming Engagements, and Sponsors of the Competition

The award will be accepted at Connect2 Women on September 13, Cyber Cheyenne on October 4, and Wyoming’s Virtual Cybersecurity Conference on October 23, where Clark will discuss her security journey and speak about her experience in the program. Other winners of other categories will also speak at some or all of the conferences including Shantel Anderson of High Point CPAs as the winner of the contracted IT help category and Joseph Whiteplume of High Plains Power as the winner of the IT help on staff category.

Wyoming’s Cybersecurity Competition for Small Businesses has gained national and international attention being the only of its kind and in February of 2022, winning a Gula Tech Foundation Award to expand its program in 2023. In 2024, all Wyoming businesses won again when the Wyoming SBDC (Small Business Development Center) received a Small Business Administration grant to offer cybersecurity business counseling services based on the Made Safe in Wyoming train-the-trainer model by CyberWyoming.

Wyoming’s 2024 Cybersecurity Competition for Small Businesses was free to Wyoming companies because of sponsors from across the state including Campbell County Health, Capitol Communications, Casper College’s Cybersecurity Program, CPU/307 Tech Pros, DigeTekS, EvnTec, Factory IT, First Federal Bank & Trust, First National Bank of Gillette, Gannett Peak Technical Services, HUB International, IECA, K2 Technologies, Language I/O, Wyoming Manufacturing Works, the National Cybersecurity Society, PDS, Sweetwater Technology Services, and Team Networks.

For more information about the 2024 winners, register for the 2025 competition, or to learn more about the competition sponsors, visit https://cyberwyoming.org/competition.

About “The Goat Ladies”, formerly known as J&J Second Chance Small Holdings: The Goat Ladies are a family-run farm and animal rescue located in the heart of Wyoming. Known for their innovative approach to animal care and community service, the organization combines compassion with a strong commitment to cybersecurity. The CEO adds, “Guiding those who need it most to rediscover happiness—our compassionate goats and caring team bring healing and hope to every heart they touch.” Learn more: https://www.thegoatladies.com/

About CyberWyoming & Made Safe in Wyoming®: CyberWyoming is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating cyber leaders within small businesses across Wyoming through the Made Safe in Wyoming® Program. The organization facilitates training and educational opportunities for Wyoming’s cyber workforce and fosters a cyber community to increase awareness among citizens throughout the state. For more information about the Made Safe in Wyoming® Program, contact info@cyberwyoming.org. Learn more about CyberWyoming: https://cyberwyoming.org/about/