Fort Worth — the most typically Texan of all Texas cities — began as a tiny outpost on a lonely frontier. Today, this metropolitan area of more than 900,000 people blends its cattle and oil heritage seamlessly with an ever-growing, diverse array of new businesses and industries.
When it comes to safeguarding your business in the thriving heart of Fort Worth, it’s crucial to have a cybersecurity services partner that understands the unique challenges of the region. Fort Worth’s bustling economy, driven by industries like aerospace, healthcare, and technology, demands a steadfast approach to protecting valuable data and systems. In this fast-paced, ever-evolving environment, working with a local managed cybersecurity services provider can make all the difference.
Here are the main advantages of partnering with a Fort Worth-based company that’s familiar with the distinct nuances of our vibrant community and can offer tailored solutions to keep your business secure.
1. Localized Threat Intelligence Sharing
A Fort Worth cybersecurity services provider may have access to a network of local businesses and organizations that regularly share information on region-specific threats, providing your business with an additional layer of protection.
Why it matters for your cybersecurity
Imagine a local restaurant in Fort Worth’s Near Southside district that offers online ordering and delivery services. The restaurant’s website has been targeted by cybercriminals, who have managed to exploit a vulnerability and gain unauthorized access to the customers’ personal and payment information.
As a result, the Fort Worth cybersecurity services provider working with the restaurant quickly identifies the breach, isolates the issue, and takes necessary steps to secure the website. In addition, the provider shares this threat information with their local network of businesses and organizations, alerting them to the specific vulnerability and tactics used by the cybercriminals.
The businesses within the network can then take immediate action to check their own systems for similar vulnerabilities and implement appropriate security measures to prevent similar attacks. This swift response, made possible by the localized threat intelligence sharing, helps to protect not only the affected restaurant but also other businesses in the Fort Worth area from falling victim to the same cyberthreat.
2. Regional and Community Cybersecurity Collaboration
Local providers can engage in community outreach and education programs, raising cybersecurity awareness in the Fort Worth area to improve the resilience of the local business community. We’re also able to participate in and contribute to regional cybersecurity initiatives, such as establishing incident response teams or joint cyberthreat analysis groups. In a metroplex like ours, with such a large Department of Defense and technology representation, this is critical to the health of the local economy.
Coordinated ransomware attack demonstrates why local cybersecurity is important
In August 2019, when more than 20 towns and cities in Texas were targeted by a coordinated ransomware attack, it became apparent that regional collaboration was crucial in addressing cybersecurity threats. The attack impacted municipal services in towns like Borger, Keene, and Wilmer, disrupting operations and demanding ransom payments for the release of encrypted files. The attack could have impacted more municipalities if not for communication and coordination with authorities and cybersecurity experts in the state.
Meanwhile, our client, Richland Hills, avoided two cyberattacks with VersaTrust’s Defense in Depth solution.
3. Cybersecurity Training and Awareness Programs
A local cybersecurity services provider can work with businesses and government agencies to develop tailored cybersecurity training and awareness programs. These initiatives can help educate employees and citizens about best practices, emerging threats, and the importance of cybersecurity, ultimately reducing the risk of cyberattacks.
Local providers can create channels for sharing threat intelligence, incident reports, and best practices among businesses and organizations in the region. This open communication can contribute to a more secure and resilient local community, better prepared to face cyberthreats.
By engaging with a local cybersecurity services provider and collaborating on regional initiatives, organizations in Texas can enhance their cybersecurity posture and contribute to a more secure environment for all.
4. Better Understanding of Climate Risks
Nobody understands Fort Worth weather quite like someone who lives in Fort Worth.
In recent years, the Fort Worth area has experienced a variety of weather-related events, such as tornadoes, hailstorms, and flash floods. These events can significantly disrupt critical infrastructure, including power and communication networks, making it difficult for businesses to maintain their normal operations and cybersecurity defenses.
Informed disaster recovery planning
A local provider, familiar with these climate risks, can help your organization develop a comprehensive disaster recovery plan that takes into account both the physical and digital aspects of your business. They can assist in identifying potential vulnerabilities in your cybersecurity infrastructure that could be exploited during a natural disaster and recommend appropriate measures to mitigate these risks.
For example, during the 2021 winter storm Uri, which affected Texas, including the Fort Worth area, many businesses faced prolonged power outages and disruptions to their operations. As local cybersecurity providers, we were able to offer immediate guidance on maintaining the security and integrity of their digital assets during this challenging time, by recommending backup power solutions, secure remote access protocols, and data backup strategies.
5. Faster Response Times
In the event of a security breach, time is of the essence. Fort Worth cybersecurity services providers can respond more quickly to incidents due to their close proximity to your business. This can be particularly valuable when on-site support is required, such as conducting IT security audits or implementing immediate remediation measures. Faster response times can help minimize the impact of a breach, reduce downtime, and protect your business’ reputation.
Local Pride, Complete Trust in Your Cybersecurity
Let’s cut to the chase: Texans are different. And we’re proud of it. We share an unspoken language and are mutually committed to the growth and betterment of our own communities and this great state. Working with a local Fort Worth cybersecurity provider like VersaTrust, that’s been around for two decades, means you have the best of cybersecurity while also keeping your dollars in our booming city.
By partnering with a provider that understands the unique character of our city and the needs of small businesses like yours, you can enjoy personalized service, better support, and a cybersecurity strategy that is specifically tailored to the Fort Worth business landscape.
