Why Texas Small Businesses Need a Cybersecurity Checklist in 2026

Cyberattacks against small businesses are accelerating — and Texas SMBs are an increasingly high-value target. According to the FBI, small businesses account for 43% of all cyberattack targets, yet fewer than 1 in 5 have a formal cybersecurity plan in place. In 2026, Texas businesses face the added complexity of state privacy regulations — the Texas Privacy Protection Act (TXPPA) and ongoing enforcement under TIPEA — which create compliance obligations alongside core security best practices.

Whether you run a 10-person law office in Georgetown, a dental practice in Round Rock, or a construction company in Cedar Park — this free checklist gives you a clear, actionable baseline to assess and strengthen your cybersecurity posture today.

What’s Inside the Checklist

  • Category 1 — Access Control & Authentication: MFA, password policies, admin privileges, and offboarding (6 items)
  • Category 2 — Network & Endpoint Security: Firewalls, EDR, patch management, RDP protection, dark web monitoring (7 items)
  • Category 3 — Data Protection & Backup: 3-2-1 backup rule, encryption, data classification, disaster recovery (6 items)
  • Category 4 — Employee Training & Awareness: Phishing simulations, reporting policies, social engineering awareness (5 items)
  • Category 5 — Texas-Specific Compliance: TIPEA, TXPPA, HIPAA (if applicable), breach notification timelines, cyber insurance (6 items)

Download Your Free Texas SMB Cybersecurity Checklist

The 2026 Texas SMB Cybersecurity Checklist is a free, printable 2-page PDF you can use immediately. No signup required — download and get started today.

30 actionable items across 5 categories — designed for Texas small and medium-sized businesses. Includes Texas-specific compliance items (TIPEA, TXPPA, HIPAA).

Need Help Implementing These Steps? Get a Free Cybersecurity Assessment

Downloading the checklist is the first step. Implementing the controls — network segmentation, EDR deployment, employee training programs, and Texas compliance measures — requires expertise and the right tools. Computek has been helping Central Texas businesses stay secure for over 25 years.

Our cybersecurity services include 24/7 monitoring, endpoint protection, and employee security training. Our managed IT services give your business a full IT department without the overhead. We serve Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Austin, and all of Central Texas.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is this checklist really free?

Yes — no email signup required. Download the PDF directly and use it immediately.

Is this checklist specific to Texas businesses?

Yes. Category 5 covers Texas-specific laws including TIPEA, TXPPA, and Texas breach notification requirements (60-day notice mandate). The checklist is designed with Central Texas small business contexts in mind — construction, healthcare, legal, and professional services common in the Georgetown and Austin metro area.

How often should we review this checklist?

We recommend a quarterly review. The cybersecurity threat landscape and Texas regulatory requirements evolve rapidly — a control that was adequate six months ago may no longer be sufficient.

What if my business fails several items on this checklist?

That is exactly what this checklist is for. Start with the highest-risk gaps: MFA, patching, and backup verification are the fastest wins. Then contact Computek for a no-obligation cybersecurity assessment — we will help you prioritize and remediate.


Computek is a managed IT services provider headquartered in Georgetown, TX, serving Central Texas businesses since 2001. Learn more about our cybersecurity services and managed IT services.