September 17, 2025
In Maryland, a group called the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE), part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is helping businesses like yours stay safe from cyber threats. Based in Rockville, the NCCoE works with experts from companies, universities, and the government to create easy-to-follow cybersecurity plans. One of their key focuses is Identity and Access Management (IAM), which is all about making sure only the right people can access your business’s sensitive information. At Sectech Solutions, we’re here to help you use these ideas to protect your business and build a strong cybersecurity team.
Think of IAM as a digital gatekeeper for your business. It’s about controlling who can access your systems, data, or apps—like ensuring only trusted employees can enter certain parts of your company’s digital “building.” The NCCoE provides practical tips to make this easier, even for small businesses or startups in the D.C. area.
For example, they suggest using multifactor authentication (MFA), which is like adding an extra lock to your digital doors. Instead of just a password, MFA might ask for a code sent to your phone, making it much harder for hackers to break in. They also recommend zero-trust architectures, a fancy way of saying “don’t trust anyone automatically” as every user must prove they’re authorized, every time. These steps are crucial because, in 2025, over 60% of data breaches happen when someone steals login details.
By following these guidelines, businesses can cut the risk of unauthorized access by up to 60%. That’s a big deal for protecting customer information, financial records, or trade secrets, whether you’re a healthcare startup in Bethesda or a financial firm in D.C.
Cyberattacks are becoming more common, with phishing scams and account takeovers have jumped by 50% this year. For businesses in the D.C. metro area, where many work with government agencies or need to meet strict rules like the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), strong cybersecurity is a must. Using the NCCoE’s advice can save you money too—businesses that follow their MFA tips can avoid breach costs averaging $1.76 million. That’s money you can use to grow your business instead.
The NCCoE’s guidance is designed for all kinds of businesses, from small startups to large companies in Arlington. Their plans are flexible, so you can use them whether you’re running a retail shop or a tech company.
The NCCoE is helping businesses find and train people to keep their systems safe. Cybersecurity jobs are in high demand, with 85% of U.S. businesses struggling to find skilled workers. The NCCoE works with local universities and training programs to teach people about IAM, spotting cyber threats, and even using new tools like AI to protect identities.
For businesses in Maryland and D.C., this means you can hire local talent who already know how to use the NCCoE’s strategies. These professionals can help you set up secure systems, like cloud storage or zero-trust models, to keep your business safe and compliant with regulations.
If you’re in the D.C. metro area, you’re close to the NCCoE, which gives you a head start. Their resources can help you stay ahead of cyber threats and build trust with customers, especially in industries like healthcare or finance where security is critical. Plus, strong cybersecurity can make your business stand out when bidding for contracts or working with government agencies.
At Sectech Solutions, we make it easy to put the NCCoE’s ideas into action. We connect you with talented cybersecurity professionals who are trained in these modern strategies and ready to protect your business. Whether you need help setting up MFA, building a zero-trust system, or meeting compliance rules, our team is here to support you.
Contact us today, so you can make your first steps to keep your business safe, secure, and ready for the future.
