Want to reach more business owner clients? Help them improve their cybersecurity with the Savvy Cybersecurity Business Protection Checklist.

"The BEC (Business Email Compromise) Scam continues to grow, evolve, and target businesses of all sizes. Since January 2015, there has been a 1,300% increase in identified exposed losses. The scam has been reported by victims in all 50 states and in 100 countries."

-FBI Public Service Announcement

Dear Advisor,

One day, a corporate controller at The Scoular Co. of Omaha, Nebraska received an email from his CEO:

"I need you to take care of this. For the last months we have been working, in coordination and under the supervision of the SEC, on acquiring a Chinese company…This is very sensitive so please only communicate with me through this email, in order for us not to infringe SEC regulations."

The CEO then asked him to wire $780,000 to a bank account in China. The next day he was instructed to wire $7 million. Finally, he wired $9.4 million to the account—bringing the total to $17.2 million.

Soon after the final transfer, The Scoular Co. discovered a problem. The emails had not come from the CEO. An imposter had sent the emails. The $17.2 million was gone. The Scoular CO. had been hit with a CEO Scam.

CEO Scam, also called Business Email Compromise, occurs when a scammer spoofs an email from the CEO or another executive to an employee and asks for sensitive information or for them to complete a wire transfer.

Over the past three years, the scam has cost businesses more $2.3 billion according to the FBI. The chance of recovering lost money is only 4%.

No business is safe from this fraud. Victims range from small two-person organizations to large multi-national corporations. 

But most businesses are unprepared. A survey of IT executives conducted by Dimensional Research found that 60% said their company's security could be breached today. Over half of CEOs make decisions with no regard to cybersecurity.

Poor business cybersecurity leads to more than just monetary loss. The most recent Yahoo data breach exposed 1 billion personal records. And 100,000 passwords were disclosed during the massive Dyn DDOS attack, coined "The Day the Internet Broke."

Introducing the Savvy Cybersecurity Business Protection Checklist

In 2014, we launched our Savvy Cybersecurity program designed to protect individuals and businesses from top cybersecurity threats.

We've decided that the threat to businesses is now too great to only be featured in our main presentation, "One Hour to Savvy Cybersecurity: 10 Threats Every Person and Business Faces—and How to Fight Them Now."

That's why we're excited to announce our new reference guide, the Savvy Cybersecurity Business Protection Checklist.

This two-sided, customizable checklist is the perfect resource for your business owner and executive clients. It's designed to guide them through cybersecurity conversations with important business associates such as their IT team and CFO.

The goal of the Savvy Cybersecurity Business Protection Checklist is for business associates to share information, identify problems and strengths, and take action.

The checklist contains 40+ questions covering eight different cybersecurity topics, such as cybersecurity plans, data protection, employee policies, networks, and fraud prevention.

Questions include:

• Do we have a written information security policy?
• How do we control transfer of customer data?
• How restrictive is our firewall for inbound communication and access?
• How do we ensure all devices are running up-to-date software?
• Do any third parties have access to our data?
• Do we have a PIN on our mobile phone accounts?
• How do you protect any personal device that also contains business data and contacts?
• What is our password policy?

The Savvy Cybersecurity Business Protection Checklist also contains a glossary of important cybersecurity business terms.

This two-sided handout will help protect your clients from cyberattacks directed at their businesses.

5 Reasons to Order the Savvy Cybersecurity Business Protection Checklist

1. Because business owners and executives need your help. Years ago life was simpler and cybersecurity could just be left to the IT team. But in today's world, all business executives and employees need to be aware of cybersecurity policies and best practices.
2. Because it reminds clients how much you care. Your clients don't know who to turn to for cybersecurity advice. This handout demonstrates just how much you do for them.
3. Because it's a good "marketing touch." Mail a branded checklist, along with a cover letter, to all your business owner clients. They'll be thankful for your guidance in this area.
4. Because it reinforces your role as a teacher. The Savvy Cybersecurity Business Protection Checklist will open your clients' eyes about cybersecurity and empower them to be smarter, safer, and more confident when it comes to their business security.
5. Because it's a perfect handout. Share with clients and prospects at meetings, workshops and other events where you need or want personalized material to share with others.

4 Ways to Use the Savvy Cybersecurity Business Protection Checklist

1. Send to clients: Personalize the checklist with your information and send to your business owner and executive clients. They'll be reminded of your expertise when they sit down with their associates to go over the checklist.
2. Send to CPAs, COIs, and Attorneys: Want to make connections in your community this year? Send a copy of the checklist to CPAs, COIs, and Attorneys. They need help with their cybersecurity too!
3. Send to business leaders in your community: Introduce yourself to the businesses in your area by sending your personalized checklist. It makes a great first impression.
4. Include in new client kit: You never know who your new clients know! Include a copy in your new client kit for them to share. It also demonstrates your scope as an advisor.

Order Your Copies of the Savvy Cybersecurity Business Protection Checklist Today

The Savvy Cybersecurity Business Protection Checklist is a great, inexpensive hand-out for clients, prospects, and strategic allies.

When you share the Checklist with your business-owner clients, you’ll remind them of your commitment, expertise and professionalism. The Savvy Cybersecurity Business Protection Checklist is the kind of resource that your clients and prospects will share with friends, family, and colleagues as well.