Press Release: Long Island Association Small and Mid-Sized Business Committee Holds Event on Cybersecurity

Press Release
 

Date: January 30, 2024
Contact: Stacey Sikes
Vice President of Government Affairs & Communications
Long Island Association
ssikes@longislandassociation.org

Long Island Association Small and Mid-Sized Business Committee Holds Event on Cybersecurity
 
Click here for pictures from the event
 

Melville, NY – Today, the Long Island Association (LIA)’s Small and Mid-Sized Business Committee hosted an event for small companies focused on cybersecurity resilience. The attendees received a presentation from experts from SVAM International, a global information technology services provider that is represented on the LIA Board of Directors, headquartered in Great Neck, and has been in operation since 1994.
 
Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly common, and small businesses are particularly vulnerable. The discussion, led by SVAM International professionals Kiran Bhujle, Cybersecurity Leader, and Matthew Lang, Cybersecurity Director, focused on the different digital access points for small enterprises and how they can secure their assets from malware, unauthorized access, data leakage, human error, and external threats like hackers by having a cyber incidence response plan in place.
 
Matt Cohen, LIA President & CEO said, “Cyberattacks could have devastating financial and operational impacts for small businesses, and in this digital world the information we heard today is critically important. I thank the LIA’s Small and Mid-Sized Business Committee and SVAM International for hosting this discussion.”
 
Katherine Heaviside, LIA Board Member, Committee Co-Chair, and President of Epoch 5 Public Relations said, “Small businesses are so busy in the daily operations of their companies that it is difficult to devote time and resources to cybersecurity. We heard from SVAM International that if businesses identify what digital assets are critical and protect those assets, they would be prepared for the worst-case scenario.”
 
Ernie Canadeo, LIA Board Member, Committee Co-Chair, and President & CEO of EGC Group, said, “By taking practical steps, small companies can be better prepared for cyber risks and have an action plan in case there is a breach that impacts their operations, limiting any adverse consequences.”
 
Crisler Quick, LIA Board Member, Committee Co-Vice Chair, and President of the Finance Department, said, “Education about how businesses can protect themselves, and what to do in the event of a cyber-attack, is key to helping small businesses manage and respond to threats to save time and money in the long run.”
 
Luis Vazquez, LIA Board Member, Committee Co-Vice Chair, and President of the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said, “Cybersecurity education is essential for minority small businesses to protect themselves from cyber threats, comply with regulations, maintain customer trust, access opportunities, and contribute to the resilience of their communities. By investing in cybersecurity education, these businesses can strengthen their defenses and thrive in an increasingly digital world."
 
SVAM International offered a 30-minute complimentary consultation to LIA members at the end of the event.
 
The LIA’s Small and Mid-Sized Business Committee holds regular roundtable discussions to provide information important to the growth of Long Island’s small business community and a forum for them to network and develop relationships. In 2022, the LIA launched a Small Business Support Program in collaboration with the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce to support the expansion of Long Island’s small enterprises, which comprise the majority of businesses on Long Island.

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