Windham Region Chamber of Commerce

DianeN

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DONT HAVE AN IT GUY? HERE ARE SOME THINGS TO DO TO PROTECT YOUR COMPANY

Cyber attacks are a growing threat for small businesses, and a recent U.S. Small Business Administration survey estimates that an astonishing 88% of small business owners are concerned about being vulnerable to cyber attacks. Many entrepreneurs don’t have the capability to afford IT professionals or don’t know where to start, but it’s important to learn about common threats, understand where your business might be vulnerable, and take concrete steps to improve your cybersecurity.

Below you will find some tips and best practices to protect your small business from cyber attacks.
Be smart about passwords

To improve your cybersecurity, use strong passwords that are unique to your various accounts. While it might be challenging to remember them, being diligent about your passwords will pay off in the long run.

The National Cybersecurity Society has developed a short guide to creating secure passwords for small businesses.
Stay alert

Whether you or your employees are entering data into your systems, sharing information with other partners or just ringing up a sale, it’s critical to be aware of possible phishing attacks. Phishing is a type of cyber attack that uses email or is a malicious website that can infect your computer with viruses to collect your sensitive information.

Phishing emails appear as though they’ve been sent from a legitimate organization or known individual, and these emails often entice users to click on a link or open an attachment containing malicious code. Check out this cheat sheet to keep yourself and your employees aware of possible phishing attacks.
Use antivirus software

Equip your business’ computers and systems with antivirus and antispyware software. You can find an array of programs readily available that fit your small business needs, so make sure to choose a vendor that will configure automatic updates to correct security problems and improve functionality.
Protect your payment processors

Work with your financial institution or payment processor to ensure you have a complex payment system. To help you identify the best system for your business and how to protect it, check out this guide to data security essentials for small merchants.
Set up multi-factor authentication

Whenever appropriate and available, set up multi-factor authentication for your accounts. This process requires small business owners and their employees to provide additional information to add a second layer of security to log in and access sensitive information. Some companies automatically give you the option to set up multi-factor authentication to log into their accounts, so check with your financial institution and other vendors to see if they offer this feature.
Evaluate your business’ cybersecurity preparedness

We encourage you to take the NCSS online survey to assess your business’ vulnerability to cyber attacks and how you may improve your cybersecurity.

For additional how-to guides and frequently asked questions about how to protect your small business from cyber-attacks, visit the National Cybersecurity Society.

Reference:  Venturize

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FREEDOM FEST CONCERT & MOTORCYCLE RIDE

On July 31 at the Shaboo Stage in Willimantic, the Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a concert featuring the Whiskey Treaty Roadshow, an Americana, Rock and Folk band that has opened for James Taylor.  The concert is a fundraiser for the new Eastern CT Veterans Community Center located at 1320 Main St, Suite 27, Willimantic.  The Community Center is a safe and happy space for veterans, active military and their families where they can meet, learn and grow.  We host many events there, have a weekly Veterans Coffee House and provide access to a variety of veterans services and information ranging from starting your own business to VA benefits assistance.  The Community Center opened on June 10, 2021 and since then we have had hundreds of veterans of all ages visit and take advantage of our programs.  Please help us continue these amazing opportunities for those who have GIVEN ALL in the service of our country and in the name of freedom.  Even if you cannot attend the event you can become a sponsor or make a donation.

The concert will be at the Shaboo Stage, Main St, Willimantic

Gates Open with music and entertainment:  2:00 PM

Concert:  3:00-5:00 PM

VIP Meet & Greet:  5:15 PM at the Windham Historical Society

Motorcycle Registration:  Meet 10:00 AM at the Veterans Community Center, 1320 Main St, Suite 27, Willimantic

Motorcycle Ride begins:  Noon -1:30

Motorcycle lunch & concert:  1:30 at Jillson/Shaboo

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NEW COVID RULES AS OF MAY 19

The following rules apply to all Connecticut businesses and organizations and are effective March 19, 2021. Please keep in mind that it is the cumulative effects gained from social distancing, hand washing, and mask-wearing that will continue to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Businesses should take these rules as the minimum baseline of precautions needed to protect public health in Connecticut and refer to the recommended guidance by sector listed at the bottom of this page for best practices. Individual establishments should also take additional measures as recommended by industry experts or by common sense applied to their particular situation.

General Recommendations

Businesses/organizations should continue to support local public health contact tracing efforts, such as maintaining a log of employees on-premises over time.

Employers should continue to encourage employees to stay home when sick and encourage working from home when possible. In the event of a positive COVID-19 case, employees shall inform their employers and follow state testing and contact tracing protocols.

Businesses have the right to refuse service from customers not wearing masks.

Social distance markers, signage, and one-way traffic are still encouraged.

In terms of ventilation, facilities should work to increase the percentage of outdoor air that circulates into the system where possible, or use window units.

Businesses are still encouraged to post clear signage that includes the state hotline (211) for employees and customers to report potential violations of these rules. For additional information, please see Safe Workplace Recommendations for Employers.

Effective Friday, March 19, 2021

All Businesses/Organizations

Capacity limits are now up to 100%, subject to social distancing requirements (unless otherwise noted). However, it is the right of the operator/owner if they choose to operate below 100% capacity.

6 ft. spacing and social distancing continues to be required where possible (unless otherwise noted).

Masks continue to be required in all public settings where social distancing is not possible.

All establishments must follow CDC Cleaning and Disinfecting guidelines.

Performers and musical vocalists at restaurants, outdoor and indoor events, and performing arts venues are allowed, subject to the following:

  • 12 ft. spacing or more from the nearest person dining or working (for example, workstations or walking paths used by employees must be included in the 12 ft. distancing).
  • To maximize the protection of their patrons and employees, businesses/organizations are strongly encouraged to require performers to obtain a negative COVID-19 test (PCR) within 72 hours prior to performing.

Sports and Gyms/Fitness Centers

All sports will be allowed to practice and compete, and all sports tournaments will be allowed, subject to Department of Public Health guidance.

Indoor and outdoor pools should limit the total number of patrons in the pool area and pool to the number of people/households that can safely fit on the pool deck area while maintaining 6 ft. of distance, including 3 ft. wide walking paths. “Free swim,” where individuals are not engaged in lap swimming, swim lessons, water aerobics, or other similar organized water activities, is discouraged prior to April 20. Youth and amateur swimming teams are subject to DPH guidance.

Road race organizers are encouraged to follow the guidance contained in the Outdoor Events Reopen Recommendations below.

6 ft. spacing is still required between gym/fitness center customers, as are masks.

Restaurants & Indoor Recreation

6 ft. spacing or non-porous barrier continue to be required between tables, with an 8-person maximum table capacity.

Food Service continues to be required with alcohol service– bars that only serve beverages must remain closed. No standing bar services is allowed outside of private events.

All restaurants and indoor recreation continue to be subject to an 11:00 PM closing time.

Movie Theaters and Performing Arts Venues

Capacity limit is still up to 50%.

6 ft. spacing is required between parties.

All movie theaters and performing arts venues continue to be subject to an 11:00 PM closing time.