A new report has identified the U.S. states where businesses face the greatest cybersecurity risks, highlighting weak security measures, insufficient funding, and a lack of skilled professionals as key concerns. As cyber threats evolve, companies in these states may be more vulnerable to ransomware attacks, data breaches, and operational disruptions, making cybersecurity investment more critical than ever.
States with the Greatest Cybersecurity Risks
The study evaluated factors such as incident response readiness, cyber workforce availability, and state-level policies. The weakest states showed higher rates of cyber incidents, with small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) being the most affected due to limited resources and outdated security protocols.
Key findings include:
- Inconsistent cybersecurity funding, leading to gaps in protective measures.
- A shortage of trained cybersecurity professionals, leaving businesses exposed to threats.
- Lack of comprehensive cybersecurity policies at the state level.
Why Businesses Need to Strengthen Their Defenses
Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated and frequent, targeting businesses of all sizes. Companies operating in high-risk states need to prioritize cybersecurity strategies, including:
- Employee training on phishing and social engineering threats.
- Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) to reduce unauthorized access.
- Regular security audits to identify and fix vulnerabilities.
Ascend Education’s Perspective: Closing the Cybersecurity Skills Gap
One of the biggest challenges businesses in these high-risk states face is the shortage of trained cybersecurity professionals. Without the right expertise, companies struggle to identify, prevent, and respond to cyber threats effectively.
At Ascend Education, we are committed to helping businesses and IT professionals bridge this gap through:
- Hands-on cybersecurity training, including virtual labs and real-world simulations.
- Industry-recognized certification programs, such as Security+ and CISSP, to build expertise.
- Flexible learning options for businesses to upskill their workforce and strengthen security measures.
Taking Action
With cyber threats on the rise, businesses—especially those in high-risk states—must take proactive steps to protect their networks, data, and customers. Investing in cybersecurity training and building a skilled workforce will not only reduce risk but also improve long-term resilience in an increasingly digital world.
