‍Cybersafe Hawai’i offers a free, self-paced, 8-week program specifically designed to help Hawai'i’s small businesses enhance their cybersecurity.

There is NO COST to participate, but space is limited. So apply today and ensure that your systems are properly tested and your staff is trained to handle potential threats.

For more information, eligibility requirements and to apply, please visit the Cybersafe Hawai'i program website. If you have any questions, feel free to reach Cybersafe Hawai'i at dbedt.cybersafe@hawaii.gov.  

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Cyberattacks are escalating in frequency and sophistication, targeting businesses of all sizes and industries. Alarmingly, a cyberattack occurs every 39 seconds, leaving companies vulnerable to financial, operational and reputational damage. For small businesses in Hawai'i, the stakes are high — that’s why the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) created Cybersafe Hawai'i, a free program designed to empower local businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to protect themselves and thrive in an increasingly digital world.

How Cybersafe Hawai'i can help

Cybersafe Hawai'i is a program designed to protect Hawai'i’s small businesses from cyber threats. Led by the State of Hawai'i Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) in collaboration with community partners, the program offers a comprehensive suite of services:

1. Technical assessment. Identify gaps in your IT systems that could be exploited by cybercriminals. These assessments provide actionable recommendations to enhance your security.
2. Cyber awareness training. After completing a technical assessment, businesses can enroll in training for employees and employers. This training focuses on common cyber threats and teaches practical strategies for maintaining good cyber hygiene.
3. Penetration testing. To ensure vulnerabilities have been addressed, penetration testing simulates real-world attacks to validate your IT network's security. Upon completion, you will receive a report and debrief that includes recommendations for remediation
4. Ongoing business security. Based on the insights gained from the program, Cybersafe Hawai'i provides businesses with access to local and national resources that can implement cybersecurity measures. These resources can be retained by your business to upgrade your defenses or aid in recovery from a cyberattack.

Who can benefit?

Cybersafe Hawai'i supports local small businesses that meet these eligibility criteria:

• Be a Hawai'i-based business with 50 or fewer employees
• Be generating revenue or operating as a nonprofit
• Commit to enrolling as a client of a small business resource partner, if not already registered

How it works and program benefits

Cybersafe Hawai'i offers a free, self-paced, eight-week program specifically designed to enhance the cybersecurity of Hawai'i’s small businesses. Services and training are provided at no cost, but space is limited, so businesses are encouraged to take action promptly.

Take action today

Cybersecurity is no longer optional; it’s a necessity for businesses of all sizes. With Cybersafe Hawai'i, small businesses can take the proactive steps needed to secure their operations, protect customer data and build a stronger future.

For more information and eligibility requirements, visit the Cybersafe Hawai'i website at cybersafehawaii.org.

Cybersafe Hawai'i is a collaborative initiative led by DBEDT and funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The program underscores the importance of cybersecurity and equips small businesses with the tools needed to safeguard their operations against emerging threats.

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Why cybersecurity matters

In today’s interconnected business environment, digital systems store sensitive customer data, manage financial transactions and support operational efficiency. However, these systems are prime targets for cybercriminals. Without proper defenses, businesses risk exposure to:

1. Phishing attacks. Deceptive emails or messages trick employees into revealing sensitive information such as passwords or financial details.
2. Ransomware. Malicious software encrypts company data, forcing businesses to pay a ransom to regain access. This often results in significant financial loss and downtime.
3. Data breaches. Unauthorized access to sensitive company databases exposes confidential information, damaging customer trust and potentially leading to costly lawsuits.
4. Denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. These attacks overwhelm servers, rendering them unusable and disrupting operations.

The risks of inaction

Neglecting cybersecurity can have severe consequences:

1. Financial loss. The average cost of a data breach in the U.S. is $4.88 million, a sum that can cripple small businesses. Beyond ransom payments, additional expenses include system repairs, legal fees and revenue loss from downtime.
2. Reputational damage. A breach can erode customer trust and tarnish a brand’s reputation. In a competitive market, losing customer confidence can have lasting repercussions.
3. Regulatory penalties. Industries with strict data protection regulations may face heavy fines and legal action for noncompliance.
4. Loss of intellectual property. Trade secrets, product designs and proprietary business information can be stolen, giving competitors an unfair advantage.
5. Operational disruption. Cyberattacks can halt business operations, delay projects, disrupt supply chains and create inefficiencies.

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As seen in Pacific Business News, view the article here.