News Summary
A new nonprofit, SecureAZ, aims to enhance cybersecurity for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Arizona. The initiative focuses on providing enterprise-grade cybersecurity solutions tailored to the needs of SMBs, who often struggle with limited resources and expertise. With Arizona facing significant financial losses from cybercrime, SecureAZ seeks to reduce vulnerabilities and promote awareness about effective cybersecurity measures among the state’s businesses.
Arizona—A new nonprofit organization, SecureAZ, has been established to enhance cybersecurity measures for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across the state. The initiative aims to provide enterprise-level cybersecurity solutions specifically tailored to the needs of smaller enterprises, which often lack the resources and expertise to combat rising cyber threats.
SecureAZ’s mission focuses on improving cybersecurity preparedness among Arizona’s SMBs, reducing their vulnerabilities to cyberattacks, and removing obstacles to obtaining cyber insurance. This initiative comes in response to alarming statistics highlighting that Arizona ranks 9th nationally for financial losses related to cybercrime, which amounted to $392 million in 2024, largely attributed to phishing, business email compromise, and various online scams.
Approximately 50% of small businesses do not have adequate cybersecurity measures in place, putting them at significant risk. Moreover, nearly 60% of small businesses fail following a ransomware attack, underscoring the urgent need for improved cybersecurity. This concern is further intensified by the fact that 85% of Arizona businesses employ fewer than 20 people, indicating that many SMBs form the backbone of the state’s economy and supply chain.
The Need for SecureAZ
The creation of SecureAZ addresses the challenges faced by SMBs in accessing enterprise-grade cybersecurity tools and comprehensive insurance. Many smaller businesses struggle to protect their interests despite being aware of the potential threats due to a lack of financial means and skilled cybersecurity professionals. The organization aims to bridge the gap between the complex cybersecurity requirements of SMBs and the practical realities that these businesses face daily.
Chuck Matthews, the board chairman of SecureAZ and CEO of PacketWatch, highlights the interconnected nature of cybersecurity. He emphasizes that enhancing cybersecurity within large businesses is closely linked to the measures taken by smaller entities in their supply chains. Jason Bredimus, board treasurer of SecureAZ and CISO of Shamrock Foods Company, mentions that cybersecurity should be regarded as a collaborative responsibility among business partners to enhance overall security.
Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives
SecureAZ is distinguished as a first-of-its-kind initiative in Arizona, aiming to deliver practical cybersecurity tools and training for local businesses. It plans to establish partnerships with local cybersecurity experts, insurance professionals, and educational institutions to create effective and accessible cybersecurity solutions.
The organization’s efforts will include securing licensing for enterprise-grade software solutions, as well as providing enhanced security monitoring and hands-on cybersecurity employment experiences in collaboration with educational programs. Evan Daniels, board vice-chair of SecureAZ, notes the importance of fostering collaboration among business, government, and educational sectors to create a less appealing target for cybercriminals.
Many SMBs struggle with limited resources and expertise, making them more susceptible to cyberattacks. Cybercriminals frequently exploit outdated technology and weak system configurations, leading to increased vulnerabilities within the SMB community. SecureAZ’s approach will specifically target these unique challenges, focusing on the high costs associated with deploying security measures and the critical shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals.
Long-Term Goals and Awareness
Effective cybersecurity is crucial for protecting sensitive data and ensuring business continuity and customer trust. Therefore, SecureAZ aims to improve awareness among SMBs regarding the necessity of strong cybersecurity measures. This initiative encourages businesses to view these measures as essential investments to prevent costly data breaches and maintain the confidence of their clients.
The formation of SecureAZ represents a proactive response to the escalating cyber threats facing small and medium-sized businesses in Arizona. As digital transformation evolves and remote work becomes more prevalent, the demand for robust cybersecurity solutions continues to grow, making initiatives like SecureAZ essential for safeguarding the future of Arizona’s vibrant business community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Chamber Business News: New Nonprofit Forms to Secure Arizona’s Digital Future
- eCommerce Times: SMBs Face Costly, Complex Barriers to Cybersecurity
- Channel Futures: 5 Mistakes and Hurdles in Selling Cybersecurity to SMBs
- GlobeNewswire: CISO Global Brings AI to Insurance Market with Cyber Assurance Group
- AWS Blog: How to Do a Cloud Cybersecurity Checkup for Your SMB in 2024
- Wikipedia: Cybersecurity
- Google Search: Cybersecurity for SMBs
- Google Scholar: Cyber Security Statistics 2024
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cybersecurity
- Google News: Cybersecurity Arizona
