Cybercrime is on the rise, and the impact on small businesses is damaging. According to IBM, in 2022, it
took an average of 277 days to identify and contain a data breach. But if you can limit the breach to 200
days, you can save a significant amount of money.
With the right cybersecurity consulting services, you can identify breaches earlier. You can fight back
against hackers, secure your data and protect your Texas-based business.
But not all cybersecurity consulting services are the same. You need a team you can trust – and one
that’s in your local area, too. You need a team that understands your organization and your customers.
Our local cybersecurity consulting team at Affiliated Communications will take the time to get to know you
in person and help you build a strong cybersecurity defense.
Discover more about our cybersecurity consulting service.
The Importance of Cybersecurity for Small Businesses
Small businesses face many threats. One employee’s login credentials are leaked, and your entire
network could be infected with ransomware. A group of hackers could target your website with a Denial-
of-Service attack, crashing your website and creating major customer service problems. Phishing attacks that lure employees into giving away important information or downloading files with viruses are also
threats to small businesses.
A successful cyberattack costs your company in more than one way:
- Financial: You may be forced to pay a ransom to the cybercriminal for your own data or access
to your own network. On average, ransomware attacks cost millions of dollars. - Reputation: A successful cyberattack decreases trust. Your customers will wonder why this
attack happened in the first place – and they may lose faith in your business. You could lose both
current customers and future prospects. A report from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), found
that if or when a data breach occurs, 87% of consumers are willing to walk away and take their
business elsewhere. - Operation Disruptions: If the cyberattack takes down your systems, you’ll lose time and money,
including the time it takes to successfully and securely get your business back online.
Some small business owners think that cybercriminals only go after large enterprises. But that’s not the case. Hackers know that small businesses don’t have the same budgets as large enterprises – and
therefore, they don’t have the same levels of cybersecurity protection. Small businesses are targeted due
to this perceived – and too often real – weakness.
Working with a Cybersecurity Consultant can Help a Texas-Based Business Succeed
You need a cybersecurity partner in Texas you can trust. You don’t need some remote team that may be
able to fly someone down tomorrow, or maybe next Tuesday when you have concerns about your
cybersecurity now.
Affiliated Communications is your local Texas cybersecurity consulting team. We evaluate, recommend
and manage cybersecurity providers, taking the stress out of protecting your organization. Affiliated
partners with 3 of the best SD-WAN providers in Texas, making it easy to stay connected to the cloud and
secured with SASE integration.
We bring our local expertise, understanding and commitment to Texas organizations to make sure you
are protected. We also simplify the process: you’ll call one number for all your IT needs and you’ll have
one bill to pay.
We Understand Local Industry Challenges
A Texas-based cybersecurity consultant understands the unique challenges faced by businesses in major
Texas industries. Since 1984, our team at Affiliated has been working with businesses in industries such
as:
- Education
- Government
- Healthcare
- Legal
- Retail
- Financial
Our experience positions us to excel at protecting businesses from threats specific to these industries.
We know Texas law, and we know how to support you in obtaining the best cybersecurity defenses.
Compliance with State Regulations
Texas has its own set of cybersecurity regulations that businesses must adhere to, such as the Texas
Identity Theft Enforcement and Protection Act. Under this act, if your company’s data security is breached
and the attack affects more than 250 Texans, it must be reported to the Texas Attorney General. Our
team at Affiliated can help by partnering you with the best teams in cybersecurity to protect you from
cyberattacks, and we will guide you through the disaster recovery process if an attack does occur.
As your local consultant, Affiliated will ensure that you are fully compliant with Texas regulations, helping
you avoid penalties and protect your reputation.
Discover more about our network security service.
Rapid Response to Cyber Incidents
Although our world becomes more global all the time, when you work with a local cybersecurity consulting
services team, you can ensure a quicker on-site response in the event of a significant cybersecurity
incident. With a local team, you’ll have access to help faster. That minimizes system downtime, reducing
the impact on your business operations.
Receive Personalized Service
A local cybersecurity services team provides more personalized and hands-on service. In general, a local
team is more accessible for face-to-face meetings, which can help build trust and foster a better
understanding of your specific business needs and security environment.
Benefits of Working with Affiliated Communications
Affiliated will take the lead on managing your cybersecurity services. We will explore what you need to
defend against malware, secure your company email and ensure that all employees safely use the
internet. We are dedicated to providing you with best-in-class protection. We make it our priority to
understand your business, recognize your needs and pair you with the leading cybersecurity solutions
and partners.
Affiliated Communications helps small businesses navigate cybersecurity coverage options because we
understand that expert cybersecurity may seem out of reach. We are here to partner you with the top
Texas cybersecurity providers so you can ensure your business is protected.
Secure Your Future with Cybersecurity Consulting Services
Leaving your cybersecurity up to chance is a recipe for disaster. Only taking a half-hearted approach to
security is a sure way to put a target on your back. Secure your business’s future by protecting your
digital assets now. Let Affiliated take the reins on your cybersecurity and experience the peace of mind
you need to focus on what you do best.
