Course Details

Security Compliance for Startups and SMEs Training Course

INTRODUCTION

This essential training course provides comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for mastering Security Compliance for Startups and SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises). While often operating with limited resources, startups and SMEs are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals and face growing pressure to demonstrate robust security practices to customers, partners, and regulators. This program equips participants with a systematic understanding of foundational security principles, common compliance requirements (like GDPR, CCPA, and industry-specific mandates), and pragmatic strategies for building an effective security program without excessive complexity or cost. Participants will gain deep insights into conducting basic risk assessments, implementing essential controls, managing privacy obligations, and preparing for initial audits, all crucial for protecting sensitive data, building trust, and enabling sustainable growth.

This course is designed for startup founders, small business owners, IT administrators, compliance managers, and anyone responsible for cybersecurity within an SME or a nascent organization. It demystifies the often-overwhelming landscape of security compliance, providing actionable, scalable solutions tailored to their unique constraints. By focusing on core requirements and practical implementation, this course empowers participants to establish a credible security posture, unlock new business opportunities, and confidently navigate the regulatory demands of today's digital economy.

DURATION

10 days

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is specifically designed for individuals managing or responsible for cybersecurity and compliance within small to medium-sized organizations and startups, including:

• Startup Founders and CEOs.
• Small Business Owners and Managers.
• IT Administrators and Generalists in SMEs.
• Compliance Officers (if applicable).
• Operations Managers in growth-stage companies.

OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the importance of security compliance for startups and SMEs.
• Identify and prioritize relevant data privacy and security regulations.
• Implement foundational cybersecurity controls with limited resources.
• Develop a basic security policy framework and risk management approach.
• Prepare for initial compliance audits and customer security questionnaires.

MODULES

Module 1: Introduction to Security Compliance for Startups & SMEs

• Define security compliance and why it's critical for smaller organizations.
• Understand the unique challenges and resource constraints faced by startups and SMEs.
• Discuss the consequences of non-compliance (e.g., fines, reputational damage, loss of trust).
• Explore the business benefits of good security compliance (e.g., customer trust, market access).
• Examine the concept of "right-sizing" security for smaller organizations.

Module 2: Key Data Privacy Regulations (GDPR, CCPA, etc.)

• Understand the core principles of data privacy regulations (e.g., data minimization, purpose limitation).
• Discuss the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and its applicability to SMEs.
• Explore the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and similar US state laws.
• Examine basic data subject rights (e.g., access, deletion) and how to respond.
• Learn about implementing privacy policies and consent management for websites/apps.

Module 3: Foundational Cybersecurity Controls and Best Practices

• Understand the importance of strong password policies and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
• Discuss implementing basic network security (e.g., firewalls, Wi-Fi security).
• Explore endpoint protection (e.g., antivirus, anti-malware, software updates).
• Examine data backup and recovery strategies.
• Learn about securing cloud services and SaaS applications commonly used by SMEs.

Module 4: Risk Assessment and Management for SMEs

• Understand how to conduct a simplified security risk assessment.
• Discuss identifying key assets, potential threats, and vulnerabilities.
• Explore methods for prioritizing risks based on impact and likelihood.
• Examine basic risk treatment strategies (e.g., mitigation, acceptance).
• Learn about creating and maintaining a simple risk register.

Module 5: Developing Essential Security Policies and Procedures

• Understand the importance of basic security policies for employees.
• Discuss creating policies for acceptable use, remote work, and data handling.
• Explore procedures for onboarding and offboarding employees securely.
• Examine the role of an Incident Response Plan for SMEs.
• Learn about documenting security practices for compliance purposes.

Module 6: Vendor and Third-Party Risk Management for SMEs

• Understand the risks introduced by third-party vendors and service providers.
• Discuss conducting basic due diligence on critical vendors (e.g., cloud providers).
• Explore the importance of security clauses in vendor contracts.
• Examine methods for managing access for third parties to organizational data.
• Learn about minimizing reliance on high-risk vendors.

Module 7: Security Awareness Training for All Employees

• Understand why security awareness is crucial for every employee in an SME.
• Discuss developing simple, engaging, and relevant training content.
• Explore common phishing and social engineering attacks targeting SMEs.
• Examine the importance of regular training refreshers and simulated phishing tests.
• Learn about fostering a security-conscious culture within the organization.

Module 8: Preparing for Audits, Customer Questionnaires, and Continuous Improvement

• Understand what to expect during initial compliance audits (e.g., for SOC 2, ISO 27001 readiness).
• Discuss how to respond to customer security questionnaires.
• Explore maintaining evidence of compliance (e.g., logs, policy documents, training records).
• Examine methods for continuous monitoring and improvement of security posture.
• Learn about leveraging free resources and community support for ongoing security.

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

• Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com