Press Releases
NFIB and Visa Partner to Help Local Small Businesses Enhance Data Security and Prevent Fraud
State Government Officials, Law Enforcement and Security Experts Convene in Sacramento to Offer Small Businesses Tips on How to Avoid Being a Victim of HackersSAN FRANCISCO, October 2, 2007
As criminals increasingly focus their data heists on small businesses, owners are ill equipped to safeguard sensitive financial information. In response, the National Federation of Independent Business and Visa
While the overwhelming majority of small-business owners recognize the importance of protecting their customers' data, many are unfamiliar with data security best practices, making their operations vulnerable. In fact, 39 percent of small businesses say they rely on common sense to keep data safe, and 61 percent have never sought out information about how to properly handle and store customer information, according to a recent survey commissioned by NFIB and Visa.
"Few small-business owners have the time or resources necessary to become security experts. We're pleased to partner with Visa to help small businesses understand the threats facing them and provide best practices, tools and resources to protect their business and customers from the negative impact caused by a data breach," said John Kabateck, executive director,
Sacramento-area small-business owners and entrepreneurs, as well as representatives from local small-business organizations, are invited to "Identity Theft, Fraud and Data Security: The tools you need to protect your customers and reputation." During the event, a panel of experts will share their experiences and practical steps to help attendees protect sensitive financial information.
Speakers and panelists include:
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Opening remarks: Marty Keller, Small Business Advocate, Governor's Office of Planning and Research
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Keynote address: Carrie Lopez, Director, California State Department of Consumer Affairs
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Panel Moderator: Kelly Brothers, financial advisor and local radio and TV host
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Panelists: Brian Korbs, Senior Special Agent, U.S. Secret Service; Griselda Barajas, CEO/Owner, Griselda's Ventures, Inc. and Chairman of the Board, Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Joseph Finizio, Executive Director, Retail Solutions Providers Association; and Jennifer Fischer, Director, Payment System Risk and Compliance, Visa USA.
"Small merchants represent 99 percent of the total Visa merchant population, and even though they may have limited access to sophisticated security analysis, even small changes can dramatically improve security for them, their customers and the overall payment system," Fischer said. "Working with
Attendees of the
"Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned with data security," Fischer said. "Protecting customer information is vital to maintaining relationships and trust, and we think that by giving business owners resources to do this, Visa and
"Maintaining their customers' trust is a key priority for small-business owners, and many are increasingly realizing the role that data security plays in the relationship between a business owner and their customers," Kabateck said. "We're pleased that our partnership with Visa allows us to provide our local business community with tools to protect their business and customers from fraud."
About NFIB
NFIB is the nation's leading small-business advocacy association, with offices in
CONTACT
For Visa Inc.
Elizabeth Owen
510.847.5941
elizabeth.owen@fleishman.com
Jay Hopkins
For Visa Inc.
703.927.8334
jhopkins@crcpublicrelations.com
Michelle Orrock
For NFIB
916.448.9904
michelle.horrock@nfib.org