Following our Maryland-based BBB’s celebration of 100 years of service on Sept. 19, we’re partnering with the Cybersecurity Association of Maryland Inc. (CAMI) on the Maryland Cyber Day Marketplace. This free, half-day event is slated for Tuesday, Oct. 10, in Baltimore.

Don’t be fooled: If you don’t have a plan in place for dealing with a cyberattack, you need to attend this event. It is estimated that by 2019 cyberattacks will cost more than $2 trillion U.S. dollars globally; based on historical data, they’re more likely to happen to a small business.
While attacks like the now famous HBO hack, which came to light via leaks about its crown-jewel series, “Game of Thrones,” are widely publicized, 60% of all breaches are perpetrated against small businesses. This alarming statistic, along with the revelation that 70% of small businesses failed to have a plan in place for dealing with a cyberattack, were findings reported in Better Business Bureau’s “The State of Cybersecurity Among Small Businesses in North America,” October 2016.

I’ve talked about the five myths of cybersecurity before, but let me remind you that the cost of dealing with the average attack rose from $8,699 in 2013 to $20,752 in 2015.

In contrast, by setting aside a portion of your day to attend this free event, you’ll gain face-to-face access to Maryland’s cybersecurity product and services providers, technology demos, “Ask an Expert” information booths, one-on-one mini educational sessions, networking and an information-packed keynote that will make sense to non-technical business representatives across industry sectors, including commercial, government and nonprofit.

For more information on the Maryland Cyber Day Marketplace, to be held from 8 a.m.–1:15 p.m. at the Columbus Center, 700 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, call 410-400-4BBB or visit mdcyber.com.

Angie Barnett is president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland. She can be reached at 410-347-3990 and [email protected]