The "Made Safe in Mississippi" training program is designed to strengthen the cybersecurity posture of small businesses across key industries in our state. As Mississippi embraces innovation in various sectors, from agriculture to aerospace, cybersecurity has become essential to safeguarding not just data but also business continuity and economic prosperity.

This program provides small businesses with the tools, guidance, and assurance they need to operate securely and stay competitive. The initiative is made possible through a partnership between the Mississippi SBDC Network and Cyber Wyoming, combining local expertise with proven cybersecurity frameworks to deliver impactful training for Mississippi’s small businesses.

Why Does My Industry Need Cybersecurity?

Advanced Manufacturing

  • Mississippi’s advanced manufacturing sector relies heavily on automated systems and robotics, often controlled through traditional Windows-based PCs. However, as technology advances, so do the risks. The "Made Safe in Mississippi" training program helps businesses identify and secure potential vulnerabilities in manufacturing systems, protecting supply chains from disruptions and ensuring your operations remain resilient in the face of cyber threats.

Agriculture

  • Modern agriculture in Mississippi has embraced technology like blockchain for traceability, driverless tractors, and wireless irrigation systems. However, these digital advancements require robust cybersecurity measures to protect against threats. The "Made Safe in Mississippi" training program offers small agricultural businesses the knowledge and practices needed to secure everything from wireless control systems to grain storage facilities, helping Mississippi farmers continue to innovate confidently.

Food & Beverage

  • The food and beverage industry is embracing digital solutions like self-order kiosks, mobile apps, and online ordering systems to stay competitive. Yet, with digital growth comes the need for strong security to protect payment information and customer data. "Made Safe in Mississippi" provides small businesses with the training and certifications to maintain secure digital processes, enhancing customer trust and streamlining operations.

Retail & E-Commerce

  • Mississippi’s retail sector is increasingly relying on digital tools for sales, inventory management, and customer engagement. From small boutique stores to growing e-commerce businesses, securing digital payment systems and customer data is crucial to maintaining trust. The "Made Safe in Mississippi" training program equips retailers with best practices to safeguard online transactions, secure point-of-sale systems, and prevent data breaches. With this certification, small businesses can confidently expand their digital presence and improve customer satisfaction without compromising on security.

Construction & Real Estate

  • The construction and real estate industries in Mississippi are embracing digital tools for project management, blueprint sharing, and property sales. However, these advancements also introduce cybersecurity risks, such as unauthorized access to sensitive project data and client information. The "Made Safe in Mississippi" training program helps construction companies and real estate businesses secure their digital infrastructure, protecting everything from cloud-based project plans to online transaction systems. This enables industry professionals to operate efficiently while safeguarding critical business and client information.

Hospitality Services

  • Mississippi’s thriving hospitality industry, encompassing hotels, restaurants, and event venues, depends heavily on digital booking systems, customer loyalty programs, and guest Wi-Fi networks. These amenities enhance guest experiences but also introduce cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The "Made Safe in Mississippi" training program guides hospitality businesses on securing digital platforms and protecting guest data from breaches. By achieving this certification, hotels and restaurants can enhance customer trust, comply with privacy regulations, and offer secure, seamless experiences to visitors from all over.

Forestry, Energy, & Chemicals

  • The forestry, energy, and chemicals industries form the backbone of Mississippi’s economy, and many rely on critical infrastructure systems like SCADA/ICS. These systems can be vulnerable to cyberattacks, with significant implications. The "Made Safe in Mississippi" training program provides businesses with best practices to protect these essential operations, ensuring secure management of critical resources and blockchain-based documentation systems.

Tourism

  • Tourism in Mississippi is thriving, with digital advancements such as museum podcasts, digital tour guides, and online booking systems enhancing visitor experiences. However, secure point-of-sale systems and digital guides are essential for maintaining trust and safety. The "Made Safe in Mississippi" training program helps tourism businesses secure these platforms, allowing visitors to explore our beautiful state with confidence.

Healthcare

  • Healthcare providers in Mississippi are increasingly adopting electronic health records (EHRs), connected medical devices, and telemedicine platforms. While these innovations enhance patient care and accessibility, they also expose critical patient data to potential cyber threats. The "Made Safe in Mississippi" training program helps small healthcare facilities implement best practices for securing patient information, protecting EHR systems, and maintaining compliance with regulations like HIPAA. By achieving this certification, healthcare providers can ensure patient trust, reduce liability, and safeguard their digital health infrastructure.

Aerospace & Defense

  • Mississippi’s aerospace and defense industry is at the forefront of innovation, but meeting compliance standards like the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) can be complex. "Made Safe in Mississippi" equips businesses with the resources to achieve compliance, avoid penalties, and secure critical systems. This program supports small contractors and suppliers, ensuring their operations align with stringent security regulations.

Education & Research

  • Mississippi’s educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and research centers, rely on digital platforms for remote learning, administrative operations, and storing sensitive data. With the rise of online classes and research collaborations, cybersecurity threats to student information, intellectual property, and digital learning systems have increased. The "Made Safe in Mississippi" training program equips educational institutions with the tools to secure digital platforms, protect student privacy, and defend intellectual assets from breaches and cyberattacks. This ensures a safe and resilient learning environment, empowering the future of education in Mississippi.

Automotive, Distribution, & Logistics

  • Mississippi’s automotive sector is evolving with driverless vehicles, computerized logistics, and fleet management apps. GPS systems, drones, and autonomous trains bring new opportunities but also new risks. The "Made Safe in Mississippi" training program equips businesses in automotive and logistics with the know-how to secure digital infrastructure, protecting assets and maintaining smooth operations.

    Photo is from the Port of Gulfport