New Cybersecurity Regulations Impacting Texas Businesses

KEY POINTS FROM THE ARTICLE 

• Texas is in the lead in addressing several data privacy and cybersecurity concerns.
• The cybersecurity regulations enacted in 2017 in Texas covers specific needs such as progressive auditing and monitoring network systems, upgrading the penal code, and other security issues.
• The Texas legislative approach is one of the best regulations developed on cybersecurity of how comprehensive it is.
• As most businesses are shifting to the online system of work and operations, cybersecurity is more critical for businesses now than ever.
• Learn how comprehensive IT Services can help your business.

New Cybersecurity Regulations To Impact Texas Businesses

Since the development of technology and IT services such as cloud computing, cybersecurity has been critical to many businesses. Although some individuals might deem cybersecurity a non-priority, new laws safeguarding cybersecurity significantly affect businesses. Cyber threats extend beyond just organizations and companies to the government. Government databases hold sensitive information that can be used for identity theft and credit fraud, such as Social Security numbers, federal tax identifiers, employment identification numbers, and more. In 2021 alone, 36 states enacted new cybersecurity laws to help empower businesses and protect IT-managed services.

After decades of dealing with cyber-attacks, organizations recognize the need to prioritize cybersecurity. With the increasing impact and scale of these cyber attacks, the effect is felt across most economies’ social and economic setups. As a result, governments are taking charge of cybersecurity by implementing new regulations. Texas is among the many states enacting new cybersecurity regulations.

What are Cybersecurity Laws?

Cyber attacks involve any intentional or hostile attempt by an individual or organization to breach the information security of another individual or organization. According to Texas Fiscal Notes, in Texas alone, more than 38,000 victims of cybercrime reported financial losses of $313.6 million in 2020. Cybersecurity laws are regulations that apply to the detection, monitoring, prevention, mitigation, and management of cyberattacks.

How Do Cybersecurity Regulations Work?

Cybersecurity rules are either general or industry-specific. The Securities and Exchange Commission has strictly enforced the disclosure requirements for proper public disclosures regarding cybersecurity risks and material cybersecurity incidents. In addition, they typically prohibit fraud in connection with securities. These rules, documented policies, and procedures are intended to protect the security and confidentiality of client records. Additionally, they defend against potential threats, unlawful access, and use.

How The New Cybersecurity Laws Will Impact Texas Businesses

Recent large-scale cyberattacks have had significant and possibly regrettable impacts, especially those that targeted supply networks. The mechanisms on the Texas state network block millions of connection attempts each day from known malicious actors. Attempts at distributed denial of service attacks increased when many state employees began working from home. These attacks can hinder an employee’s ability to connect remotely and restrict access to public services. Leaders in Texas have been made aware of crucial areas that need more policing via numerous cyberattacks.

The following are some of the new Texas Cybersecurity regulations:

1. House Bill 8 by Rep. Giovanni Capriglione – “Texas Cybersecurity Act.”

The Texas Cybersecurity Act specifies specific cybersecurity criteria for all state agencies in Texas, forms a cybersecurity council, and incorporates cybersecurity as a part of the sunset review procedure. Additionally, some authorities and certain businesses must undertake studies and provide reports on cybersecurity dangers and countermeasures. This specific regulation will have the practical and immediate consequence of elevating data organization and information security to the top priorities for governmental agencies equally affecting businesses in Texas.

2. House Bill 9 by Rep. Capriglione – the Texas Cybercrime Act

The lack of clearly defined criminal charges for cyberattacks, hacking, and other illegal activity involving networks, devices, and digital data led to the Texas Cybercrime Act. The legislation creates several criminal charge categories for the following:

• Intentional deceptive data alteration
• Ransomware
• Denial of service attacks

This regulation will likely impact Texas businesses by helping them remain informed on threats to their system. According to the regulation, the offense of Electronic Access Interference is classified as a third-degree criminal under the law. Without the owner’s express consent, this felony is committed when someone knowingly breaches or suspends access to a computer system or organization.

3. Senate Bill 1196 by Sen. Kolkhorst – the “Nuisance Website Act.”

This statute, whose scope is somewhat broad, is known as the Nuisance Website Act. A person operating a website participating in the following may be subject to legal action under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code:

• Prostitution promotion
• Massage therapy or other massage services that are rendered violate the Occupations Code’s massage therapy regulations.
• Employing a youngster at a place of business if the primary activity is engaging children in activities such as selling, renting, or displaying products intended to arouse or satisfy clients’ sexually
• Participating in child labor

This regulation is significant for most Texas businesses as it offers a basis for identifying any breaches of cybersecurity regulations.

Why Choose ICS For Your Cybersecurity Needs

Some of the primary reasons why you should choose us for your cybersecurity needs include the following:

• Real-Time Support: We provide 24/7 real-time customer support. The technicians can remote into your computer to solve issues or be dispatched to your location if the problem can’t be dealt with remotely.
• Pro-Active Services: We remain engaged with our clients as we continuously monitor your system and keep it secure. Regular updates and backups are essential to help run the system efficiently.
• Free Trial: Why pay for your IT service before testing the waters to understand how it works? With ICS, you enjoy a free 60 to 90 days trial. See the value before committing.
• Lower IT Costs: Having a secure system can significantly help save costs. We provide affordable and flexible budgets.
• Experienced Team: Instead of relying on one technician to fix all your cybersecurity issues, we offer a team of experts able to work together and have an array of experience and skill sets.

Suppose you’re in Austin, San Antonio or Houston, Texas, and are unsure about the laws and want to secure your systems. In that case, experts at ICS are more than happy to work with your firm to develop efficient security systems, monitor your infrastructure, and improve your business’s capabilities. Our Managed IT services are the best you will have in Texas. In addition, we have extensive experience in IT and cybersecurity consultation across various specialties. Focus on your business as we cater to your cybersecurity needs. Contact us to get started.