The Problem

Businesses lack the tools to protect themselves

How might we make the user less susceptible to phishing scams while implementing simple ways to execute cyber hygiene?

For small businesses throughout the Peninsula and Hampton Roads, owners are more than likely to not have a dedicated IT department, assume it's too costly to have digital security, just aren't trained on the subject or don't know where to start. All of these issues lead to lack of security measures that puts their business at risk against hackers and other cyber criminals.

A Cyber Criminals Easy Target

With the constant acceleration in technology, small and local businesses are susceptible to cyberattacks more than ever. These businesses are vulnerable to phishing scams, identity theft, and unauthorized network intrusions that can result in data loss, bankruptcy, and a diminished reputation. Cyber criminals are utilizing different techniques to scam business owners and their employees to giving them their personal information or sensitive customer data.

In order for local business owners to protect themselves from the stress and risks, providing the right tools and education can give them a greater understanding how important cyber hygiene is for their business.

The Design Thinking Process

The design thinking mindset revolves around the idea on creating and building solutions while keeping our client as the main priority.

We made sure when we did our design thinking that considered all of the mindsets and the two that made an impact was Know Your Why, because our mission is to "educate small businesses on ways to protect themselves such as phishing and streamlining cyber awareness". The second mindset that was very important to us was, Empathetic and Human-Centered, we wanted to make sure we focused on the people and what would best benefit them. We focused our idea on simplicity; helping our clients build a path to better understand and implement computer security.

Building Empathy

As a team of professionals, we understand the importance of protecting computer network systems and the consequences from lax security measures. The interviews resulted in the realization that the user is the most vulnerable and make the best exploits.

When we conducted the interview process we personalized it to assure we understood the underlying issue. We accepted and welcomed all thoughts during that process ensuring that we understood the underlying and most common issue.

"In fact, 60 percent of small companies go out of business within six months of falling victim to a data breach or cyber attack." -2020 Cybersecurity Ventures

Our Findings

Through this process, we've realized that small businesses lack the knowledge on cyber hygiene and cyber's best practices. Because of this, the impact technology has on businesses demonstrates the need for digital security.

Opinions from our stakeholders:

"Everything is working with computers. The key is to keep yourself protected, especially if you have a business."

"Ransomware and identity theft is on the rise. Vishing, phishing, and spear phishing to exploit employees can yield better results for the hackers than trying to exploit security devices. You're only as secure as your weakest link employee depending on their level of access of how gullible/helpful they are on the phone."

Small businesses fighting the unseen

Many small businesses never realize they've been hacked by silent intruders and by the time they do, cyber criminals have already created a significant amount of damage. Businesses are not prepared enough to handle a cyber attack that can cause financial loss and grief.

Page updated

Report abuse