Cybersecurity resources to help businesses and consumers

BBB’s Cybersecurity HQ is a resource created to provide consumers and businesses with valuable tools, tips, and content to manage data security and cyber risks, and learn about cybersecurity best practices.

Why is cybersecurity important for businesses?

Today’s cybercriminals pose more significant threats to the economy than ever before. Safeguards are needed to protect businesses, both small and large.

Businesses are better able to manage cyberattacks and learn from industry best practices by:

• Implementing robust security policies
• Exploring the real and perceived risks of cyberattacks
• Offering education and awareness training to employees
• Building public trust in businesses’ cybersecurity standards
• Investing in advanced cybersecurity tools
• Collaborating with industry peers
• Developing a response plan for cyberattacks

Why is cybersecurity important for consumers?

If a consumer does not implement basic cybersecurity measures, cybercriminals can easily access personal and financial information, leading to data breaches and potential identity theft.

Consumers can protect themselves from cyberattacks by:

• Practicing smart and strong password hygiene
• Safeguarding all passwords in a secure place, like a password manager
• Use multi-factor authentication for your logins
• Update your software on all of your devices, including apps and web browsers
• Securing and encrypting your home router and WiFi
• Stay aware of data breaches being reported in the news

What is the impact on businesses?

Cybersecurity is not only about adding layers of security technology. It starts with an understanding of managing cybersecurity risks. The Better Business Cybersecurity 5-Step Approach helps business owners do just that. This model helps business owners: 

• Understand how best to identify and protect vital data and technology assets
• Learn to detect and respond to cybersecurity threats
• Strengthen defenses to uncover and mitigate security threats
• Establish protocols to identity, protect, and recover vital business assets
• Recover from a cybersecurity incident

Where can I find more cybersecurity resources?

Setting out to create a culture of cybersecurity is a rigorous process. Here is a list of useful resources that can help you get started:

For your business: View great resources from the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and leading technology companies e.g. Google, Facebook and Microsoft.

For your home: With the rise in connected devices, protecting your home has never been more critical. Read BBB’s tips for securing your home.

What if I am a victim of cybercrime?

You can report your experience to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). IC3 is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). IC3's mission is to serve as a vehicle to receive, develop, and refer criminal complaints regarding the rapidly expanding arena of cyber crime. 

For cybercrime and identity theft recovery, BBB has resources to help.