October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a national effort to help people and organizations stay safer online. For Deer Park business owners, it's a good reminder that protecting customer data, your bank accounts, and your daily operations doesn't require a big budget or a technical degree, just a few good habits.

This guide walks through why small businesses are targeted, six steps you can take this month, the scams to watch for, and what to do if something goes wrong.

Why are small businesses targets for cyberattacks?

Small businesses are targeted because they hold valuable information, such as customer records and payment details, but often have fewer security resources than large companies. Attackers also use automated tools that scan for weak spots regardless of company size, so being small does not make you invisible.

In Deer Park, that includes everyone from family restaurants and clinics to suppliers who work alongside the industrial community. If you do business with larger companies, you may also be asked about your security practices as a vendor. Getting the basics right protects your customers and strengthens your reputation.

According to Solomon Peretz, Chief Engineer, Center Street I.T., "Most cyberattacks today aren't launched by a person. They're run by automated programs that scan every business on the internet, around the clock, looking for an unlocked door: a reused password, a missed update, an exposed device. They're not hunting for big companies, they're hunting for easy ones, and the steps in this guide are how you stop being easy."

What are the most important cybersecurity steps for a small business?

Start with these six. None requires an IT department, and each one closes a common door attackers use.

1. Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication asks for a second proof of identity, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password. Turn it on first for email, online banking, payroll, and accounting software, since those accounts are the most valuable to attackers. Even if a password is stolen, MFA can stop the login.

2. Use a password manager

A password manager creates and stores long, unique passwords so no one on your team has to reuse the same one everywhere. Reused passwords are risky because one leaked password can unlock several accounts. Your employees only need to remember one strong master password.

3. Keep software and devices updated

Software updates fix known security flaws. Turn on automatic updates for computers, phones, web browsers, point-of-sale systems, and your office router. If a device is too old to receive updates, plan to replace it.

4. Back up your data, and test the backup

A good backup lets you recover quickly from ransomware, equipment failure, or a storm. A simple rule to follow is to keep three copies of important files, on two different types of storage, with one copy offsite or in the cloud. Then try restoring a file every few months, because a backup you've never tested may not work when you need it.

5. Train your team to spot phishing

Phishing is a message that pretends to come from a trusted source to trick you into clicking a link, sharing information, or sending money. A few minutes of training goes a long way. Adopt a simple "pause and verify" rule: any request to change payment details or send money gets confirmed by phone, using a number you already have on file.

6. Limit access to what people need

Employees should only be able to reach the files and systems their job requires. Remove access the same day someone leaves, and keep administrator accounts separate from everyday ones. Fewer open doors mean fewer ways in.

What are the most common scams targeting small businesses?

The most common small business scams involve fake invoices, impersonation of the boss or a vendor, and fake login pages. Here is what each looks like and how to respond.

What should you do if your business is hacked?

If you suspect a breach, act quickly and disconnect affected devices from the network, change passwords from a device you know is clean, contact your bank if money is involved, and call your IT provider. Then report the incident.

1. Disconnect affected computers from the internet and your network.
2. Change passwords and turn on MFA, using a device you trust.
3. Call your bank or payment processor right away if money or card information is involved.
4. Contact your IT provider or a qualified security professional.
5. Report it to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center and the FTC. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) also offers free guidance for small organizations.
6. Ask an attorney about your notification duties. Texas has data breach notification requirements, and the rules depend on what information was exposed.

How can the Deer Park Chamber of Commerce help?

The Deer Park Chamber can connect you with people and resources close to home:

• Find a local IT or security provider in the Chamber's Member Directory.
• Stay informed through the weekly newsletter, which shares upcoming workshops and resources.
• Keep learning with the Chamber's member learning platform and its short online courses.
• Compare notes with other business owners at Chamber networking events. Asking what has worked for someone else is one of the best ways to learn.

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest cybersecurity threat to small businesses?

Phishing is one of the most common ways attackers get in. It works by tricking a person rather than breaking through technology, which is why employee awareness and multi-factor authentication matter so much.

How much does cybersecurity cost for a small business?

Costs vary, but many foundational steps are free or low-cost. Turning on MFA, enabling automatic updates, and setting a "pause and verify" rule cost nothing, while password managers and cloud backups typically charge a modest monthly fee per user or per device.

What is multi-factor authentication?

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a login method that requires two or more proofs of identity, such as a password plus a code sent to your phone. It makes accounts much harder to break into even when a password has been stolen.

How often should employees get cybersecurity training?

Train new employees when they start, and refresh everyone at least once a year. Short reminders throughout the year, such as a note about a new scam, help the habits stick.

Does my small business need cyber insurance?

It depends on your business, the data you hold, and your contracts. Talk with your insurance agent about what a policy would cover and what it would require of you, such as using MFA.

Where do I report cybercrime?

Report it to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov and to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. If money was taken, call your bank first.

Take one step this week

You don't need to do everything at once. Pick one step from this list, such as turning on MFA for your business email, and finish it this week. Then find a local IT provider in the Deer Park Chamber's Member Directory, or call the Chamber to ask who can help.