What: On November 2, 2026, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released a document titled, Small Business Cybersecurity: Non-Employer Firms (NIST Cybersecurity White Paper 50). The guide provides practical cybersecurity steps for businesses with no paid employees other than their owners, including freelancers, sole proprietors, and independent contractors.
Why: Solo business owners often manage cybersecurity without dedicated technical staff. Written in plain language and requiring no prior cybersecurity knowledge, the guide helps owners prioritize actions from the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 to reduce risks to their businesses.
The guide explains how to get started with practices such as backing up data, updating software, and replacing default device passwords. It also includes worksheets to inventory assets and track cybersecurity actions, along with examples involving a lawyer, an artisan, and a business consultant.
Action: The guide and its worksheets can be used to identify and prioritize cybersecurity steps for small businesses. NIST describes the guide as a starting point, not a comprehensive solution for every business.
Is your small business or entity being impacted by a proposed rule? If yes, write a comment letter to the proposing agency.
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