You don't have to be a big corporation to suffer a major cyberattack. In fact, small businesses across Houston, TX are now the most common targets for cybercriminals. Why? Because they're easier to get into – and more likely to pay up.
And while a Fortune 500 company might be able to eat the cost of a breach, most small businesses can't – especially in industries like manufacturing, legal, accounting, and oil & gas where operational downtime means lost revenue.
According to IBM's Cost Of A Data Breach Report 2024, the average cost of a data breach is $4.88 million. That includes downtime, lost customers, legal fees, ransom payments and the hit to your reputation.
Scary, right?
But here's the good news: There's a new tool that's part of comprehensive managed IT services that's helping businesses like yours catch cyberattacks before they do damage, and it's changing the game.
A Smarter Way To Stay Safe
This tool is called endpoint detection and response (or EDR, for short). You don't need to remember the name – you just need to know what it does.
Think of it like a digital security guard that's always on duty as part of your network security services.
While traditional antivirus software only blocks known threats, EDR watches everything happening on your work computers – every login, every file change, every strange behavior. If something suspicious starts happening (like ransomware trying to spread or someone logging in from a strange location), EDR steps in and shuts it down.
This level of cybersecurity services is especially critical for Houston-area businesses handling sensitive data – from legal firms protecting client confidentiality to accounting practices managing financial records, and manufacturing companies safeguarding proprietary processes.
Why It Matters More Now Than Ever
Cybercriminals aren't using the same old tricks anymore. They're getting smarter, faster and sneakier. They don't just try to break in. Now they log in using stolen credentials. They disguise malware as everyday files. They wait for just one mistake from an employee, and that's all it takes.
EDR stops those threats cold – before they take down your business.
This is where managed IT support becomes invaluable. Our remote IT support team monitors these systems 24/7, ensuring threats are caught and neutralized even when your staff isn't watching. For oil & gas operations or manufacturing facilities that can't afford downtime, this round-the-clock protection is essential.
Not Just Smart – Sometimes Required
Here's something many business owners don't know: Cyber insurance providers are starting to require tools like EDR. If you don't have it in place, your insurance might not cover a breach. It's like trying to file a fire claim without having a smoke detector installed.
Our managed IT services ensure you meet these insurance requirements while maintaining IT compliance standards specific to your industry – whether that's data security compliance for legal practices, financial data protection for accounting firms, or cybersecurity standards for manufacturing and oil & gas operations.
Comprehensive Protection Beyond EDR
EDR is just one piece of the puzzle. Complete protection requires:
- Help Desk Services: Immediate response when threats are detected
- Data Backup and Recovery Services: Ensuring business continuity if the worst happens
- VoIP Services: Secure communication systems that can't be easily compromised
- Cloud Services: Protected data storage and access controls
- Co-managed IT Services: Working with your existing team to implement enterprise-grade security
Whether you need full managed IT services or co-managed IT support to complement your current setup, we ensure every layer of protection works together seamlessly.
Is Your Houston Business Protected?
If you're not sure, let's talk. We'll walk you through what you need (and what you don't) and help you make sure your business isn't an easy target.
Better safe than sorry – especially when "sorry" could cost you everything.
Ready to see if your business could survive a $4.88 million cyberattack? Let's not find out the hard way.
Schedule a free discovery call with our Houston-based IT support team today. We'll walk you through your current cybersecurity posture and show you exactly where the gaps are – no tech jargon, no pressure, just clear answers about protecting your manufacturing, legal, accounting, or oil & gas operation.
Because when it comes to cybersecurity services, prevention is always cheaper than recovery.
