Last month, we had the privilege of presenting to a business and government delegation from a rural Central Asian country. Our focus? Cybersecurity for small and midsize businesses (SMBs)—a topic that resonates deeply with us at Information Systems of Montana (ISM).

At first glance, Montana and Central Asia may seem worlds apart. But we quickly discovered a shared foundation: both regions are largely rural, community-driven, and powered by SMBs. These businesses are the lifeblood of our economies—and they face remarkably similar cybersecurity challenges.

From limited IT resources and remote operations to increasingly targeted cyber threats, the obstacles are real. During our session, we shared practical strategies that have helped Montana’s SMBs stay secure, redundant, and resilient. In return, we learned how businesses in rural Central Asia are tackling similar risks with ingenuity and grit.

This exchange reminded us that cybersecurity is not just a technical issue—it’s a global, human one. It was an honor to connect across cultures and continents, united by a shared commitment to protecting our communities from digital threats.

To the visiting delegation: thank you for your time, your insights, and your dedication to building a safer digital future.

At ISM, we believe in doing whatever it takes to help businesses thrive. Whether in Montana or halfway around the world, we’re proud to be part of a global movement to secure the backbone of our economies—our small businesses. If you have any questions about your IT environment, please contact us directly: https://www.infosysmt.com/contact-us/