September 26, 2002

National Program Helps Small Businesses Protect Electronic Information

WHAT: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in partnership with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation through their role in the National Infrastructure Protection Center (NIPC), is hosting a computer security workshop for small businesses that store confidential and proprietary information on computers.

"We are very excited to help small businesses learn how to protect themselves from unwanted incursions into their vital
electronic information systems. Smaller companies have become increasingly sophisticated in their use of information
technology. As a result, they must be prepared for those who may want to do them harm," said Judith Roussel, SBA's Illinois
District Director.

WHO: NIST Experts, through a day long workshop, will provide an overview of the following topics: computer/information
security; common practices to secure e-mail, payroll, customer data, and internet systems; and mechanisms and technologies to
protect against viruses, hackers, software bugs, disgruntled employees, cyber criminals and human error.

WHEN: Thursday, September 26, 2002

WHERE: John Marshall Law School Center for Information Technology and Privacy Law located 315 South Plymouth Court, Chicago, IL 60604.

WHY: Small business owners across the nation are increasing their understanding about computer related issues and the
vulnerabilities a small business concern can experience. This work shop is designed to help them understand some of the more sophisticated issues to hopefully eliminate their chances of being victimized.

How: You can attend this day long workshop as well as develop opportunities to network with other small business concerns
that are facing the same challenges. For those who cannot attend this very important workshop, the U.S. Small Business
Administration will sponsor a simultaneous web cast through the Illinois Small Business Development Association at
http://www.isbda.org/

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