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La Crosse Small Businesses Turn to UW-La Crosse for Cyber-Security Support

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  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, November 12th 2025 at 22:38 GMT by News 8000

La Crosse Small Businesses Turn to UW‑La Crosse for Cyber‑Security Support

In the heart of Wisconsin’s mid‑west, a quiet crisis is unfolding. Across the city’s downtown, on Main Street, and in the surrounding suburbs, more than 90 % of the 5,000‑plus small‑business owners who call La Crosse home are grappling with a single, growing concern: cyber‑security. A recent article on news8000.com reports that the University of Wisconsin‑La Crosse (UW‑L) is stepping in to help, offering a suite of tools, workshops, and assessments through its Small Business Center (SBC).

The article centers on the SBC’s new “Cyber‑Protection Initiative,” a partnership that brings university‑level expertise to local entrepreneurs. The initiative launched in early May with a launch event at the SBC’s conference room. Attendees included the SBC Director of Technology, Dr. Maya Rios, local business owners such as Sarah Lee (owner of The La Crosse Bakery), and representatives from the city’s Economic Development Office.

Why the Initiative Matters

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our local economy, but they’re often the most vulnerable to cyber‑attacks,” Dr. Rios explained. “We’re here to bridge the gap between limited resources and the high‑cost world of cyber‑security.” The article cites statistics from the National Cyber Security Alliance, noting that 60 % of small businesses that fall victim to a cyber‑attack shut down within six months. For many La Crosse companies, the financial impact can be devastating.

The SBC’s Cyber‑Protection Initiative is designed to address that threat through three primary offerings:

1. Free Cyber‑Security Assessment – An in‑person or virtual audit that evaluates network infrastructure, software, and employee practices. The assessment culminates in a detailed report with actionable recommendations.
2. Monthly Workshops – These 90‑minute sessions cover topics ranging from “Recognizing Phishing Attacks” to “Implementing Multi‑Factor Authentication.” Sessions are recorded and available on the SBC website for on‑demand viewing.
3. Resource Library – A digital hub featuring templates, checklists, and links to vendor tools such as LastPass for password management and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.

Getting Involved

Business owners can enroll by visiting the SBC’s “Cyber‑Protection” page (link in the article: https://uwl.edu/small-business-center/cyber-protection/). There, the article notes, a short application form captures basic information such as company size, industry, and specific concerns. Once accepted, a dedicated “Cyber‑Protection Liaison”—currently Dr. Rios’s associate, Alex Nguyen—guides the business through the assessment and follows up with a custom plan.

The article emphasizes that the program is completely free for all La Crosse businesses, thanks to grants from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and a sponsorship by local IT firm TechGuard. “We’re investing in the future of our community,” TechGuard’s CEO, Melissa Harper, said. “A cyber‑secure business is a thriving business.”

Real‑World Impact

The piece profiles two early adopters. First, “La Crosse Café,” which experienced a ransomware attack last summer. After completing the SBC assessment, the café installed a robust backup solution and trained staff on phishing recognition. “We’re now a certified ransomware‑prepared business,” the café owner, Tom Hernandez, says.

Second, “Eagle Construction,” a medium‑size contractor, used the workshop series to roll out a company‑wide password policy and enable MFA on all accounts. Their IT audit found that prior to the workshops, only 12 % of employees used MFA, compared to 98 % today.

Both stories illustrate the article’s central thesis: proactive education and assessment can dramatically lower risk.

Additional Resources

The article notes several hyperlinks for readers seeking deeper dives:

• UW‑L Small Business Center Home Page – https://uwl.edu/small-business-center/ (provides a full catalog of services beyond cyber‑security).
• Cyber‑Security Toolkit – A downloadable PDF available at https://uwl.edu/small-business-center/resources/cyber-toolkit.pdf, featuring a 10‑step “Cyber‑Security Quick‑Start” guide.
• Local Business Grant Opportunities – The city of La Crosse’s Office of Economic Development lists available grants at https://www.lacrosestech.com/economic-development/grants.

The article concludes by inviting businesses to register for the next workshop, scheduled for Wednesday, May 29 at 7 pm in the SBC’s meeting room, and reminding readers that cybersecurity isn’t just an IT concern—it’s a strategic business imperative.

In sum, news8000.com offers a comprehensive overview of a community‑driven response to a pressing problem. The UW‑La Crosse Small Business Center’s Cyber‑Protection Initiative represents a proactive, cost‑effective solution tailored to the unique needs of La Crosse’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. By combining free assessments, ongoing education, and a curated resource library, the initiative is positioning local businesses to defend against cyber threats, safeguard sensitive data, and secure their futures.