The Small Business Cybersecurity Starter Guide: Essential Steps for Alaska Entrepreneurs

Protect your Alaska small business with practical, cost-effective cybersecurity strategies designed for unique northern challenges.

Understanding the Threat Landscape for Alaska Small Businesses

Small businesses in Alaska face both common cybersecurity threats and challenges unique to the region. Understanding these threats is the first step toward effectively protecting your business.

Common Small Business Cyber Threats

• Phishing attacks: Deceptive emails, messages, or websites that trick employees into revealing sensitive information or installing malware
• Ransomware: Malicious software that encrypts business data and demands payment for its release
• Business email compromise (BEC): Sophisticated scams targeting businesses that regularly perform wire transfers
• Point-of-sale (POS) intrusions: Attacks targeting customer payment data
• Password attacks: Attempts to guess or steal login credentials
• Insider threats: Intentional or accidental security breaches by employees

Alaska-Specific Considerations

• Connectivity vulnerabilities: Limited internet options in many areas may restrict access to security updates and real-time monitoring
• Seasonal workforce: Tourism-dependent businesses face higher risks with rapid employee turnover
• Limited local IT resources: Fewer qualified security professionals available in remote areas
• Weather-related business interruptions: Power outages and connectivity issues that can impact security systems
• Geographic isolation: Physical distance from security services and support

Essential Security Controls on a Budget

Small businesses often operate with limited resources, making it crucial to implement cost-effective security measures that provide maximum protection.

Strengthen Your Authentication

• Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA): Require multiple forms of verification to access sensitive systems, especially for remote access.
• Create a strong password policy: Require complex passwords that are regularly updated, or ideally, use passphrases.
• Use password managers: Secure applications that generate and store complex passwords, many with offline capabilities suitable for Alaska's connectivity challenges.
• Implement account lockouts: Automatically lock accounts after multiple failed login attempts.

Keep Systems Updated

• Enable automatic updates: Set software to update automatically when connections are available.
• Create an update schedule: For systems that can't update automatically, establish a regular schedule for manual updates during periods of reliable connectivity.
• Maintain an inventory: Keep a record of all hardware and software to ensure nothing misses critical updates.
• Consider local caching: Implement update caching to reduce download requirements in bandwidth-limited areas.

Implement Basic Endpoint Protection

• Install reputable antivirus/anti-malware: Choose solutions that support offline updates.
• Enable disk encryption: Protect sensitive data on laptops and portable devices.
• Use host-based firewalls: Configure local firewalls on all devices.

Addressing Alaska's Connectivity Challenges

Limited or intermittent internet connectivity is a reality for many Alaskan businesses, especially outside major population centers. Security solutions must be resilient to these conditions.

• Choose security tools that support offline modes and delayed synchronization.
• Implement local logging and monitoring that can forward data when connectivity is restored.
• Schedule updates during windows of stable connectivity.
• Use satellite or backup connections for critical systems where possible.

Developing a Basic Incident Response Plan

1. Define roles and responsibilities: Know who does what during an incident.
2. Document critical contacts: Include local IT support, law enforcement, and cyber insurance providers.
3. Create communication templates: Prepare drafts for customer notifications and internal updates.
4. Practice tabletop exercises: Run quick drills to ensure your team knows the steps.

Security Considerations for Seasonal Businesses

• Rapid onboarding/offboarding: enforce immediate access changes at season start/end.
• Temporary devices: ensure borrowed/seasonal hardware is wiped and re-imaged between seasons.
• Physical security: add controls for pop-up or mobile locations.

Compliance Considerations for Alaska Small Businesses

• PCI DSS: For businesses handling credit card payments.
• HIPAA: For healthcare-related services or employee health information.
• State privacy laws: Align with Alaska data breach notification requirements.

Alaska-Specific Cybersecurity Resources

• Alaska Cybersecurity Center initiatives and regional workshops
• Local ISAC/ISAO programs for sector-specific threat sharing
• Small Business Administration (SBA) cybersecurity resources
• FEMA and DHS guidance for remote/harsh environment resilience

How Borealis Security Can Help

We specialize in practical, right-sized security programs for Alaska businesses:

• Risk assessments tailored to regional threats and connectivity constraints
• Security program design with seasonal staffing in mind
• Incident response planning and tabletop exercises
• Training programs for frontline staff and seasonal workers

Conclusion

With focused controls and a simple plan, Alaska small businesses can dramatically reduce risk without breaking the budget. Start with authentication, updates, and incident response basics, then layer in monitoring and training that fit your operating reality.