In today’s ever growing digital landscape, cyber threats are a consistent concern. For a Houston business owner, protecting sensitive employee and customer information, financial accounts, and company software is essential to maintaining a thriving business. Read on to learn more about the cybersecurity essentials that every Houston business owner should know.
Why Does Cybersecurity Matter?
Houston is home to a variety of businesses of all sizes. While larger businesses may have more security measures, any business can be the target of a cyber attack. Many rely on digital systems and store the bulk of their company’s data in cloud software. When utilizing cloud storage, cybersecurity becomes even more important.
Create Strong Passwords
Creating strong passwords is by far the most common cybersecurity measure, and for good reason. It is the first line of defense when accessing sensitive information, so all passwords must be unique and complex. Weak passwords are commonly guessed through brute force activity by hackers, so implementing strong passwords and multi-factor authentication is essential.
Secure Wi-Fi Networks
Establishing a secure wifi network is essential to protecting sensitive information that is stored on company computers. Open wifi networks are a prime target for hackers as there are less barriers between them and sensitive information. A wifi network can be secured by changing the password from the default password and creating a separate network for guests to use. This ensures that only employees have access to computers and other devices that are connected to the business’ main network.
Partner with WesTec Services for Essential IT Support
Cybersecurity is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. If important information is accessed by a hacker, it can cost businesses time, money, and the trust of customers who counted on a company to keep their information confidential. By partnering with WesTec for comprehensive IT support, our experts ensure that every Houston business owner that partners with us can rest easy knowing that their computer systems are private and secure.
For more IT tips and information about WesTec, check out our articles page. Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook!
Cloud storage is becoming increasingly popular due to how much physical storage space is saved and the lower cost associated with it. While cloud storage is convenient, cloud security measures should be implemented and strictly enforced to ensure that data is not compromised. Read on to learn more about cloud security best practices for 2025.
Routine Assessments of Passwords and Access Points
Utilizing the same simple passwords on multiple sites is a recipe for disaster. Additionally, using a simple password for cloud storage accounts puts your data at a much higher risk than complex passwords. Utilizing complex, hard-to-guess passwords is a baseline measure to ensure the safety of your business’ data.
Additionally, regularly assessing these passwords and changing ones that may have been compromised is essential. Access points should also regularly be assessed. Having a list of the devices that are signed in to your accounts makes it easily identifiable if an unrecognized device gains access.
VPNs (Virtual Private Network)
Especially when working for a large, well-known company, utilizing a VPN is essential. VPNs essentially secure your device’s connection and increase the difficulty of an unauthorized source gaining access to your business’ network. There are many different options available, and it’s important to research which is best for your business.
Compliance and Training
Ultimately, it’s common that cybersecurity breaches happen as a result of human error in clicking scam links via email, using common passwords that can be guessed via brute force, or not following proper cybersecurity measures. Making employees aware of policies and providing regular training on new ones will ensure that your company’s data remains safe and secure in cloud storage.
Partner with WesTec for Your IT Needs
WesTec’s team of experienced IT consultants and professionals has the knowledge needed to recommend software and hardware solutions for small to medium-sized businesses in a variety of industries. Looking for storage solutions for your growing company? Contact us today on our website to learn more about our services. To see more tips and information, check out our articles page.
In today’s changing and ever-evolving world of technology and cyber threats, it’s essential to train your team to recognize the warning signs of suspicious emails or viruses that may intend to steal their information. Read on to learn more about the benefits of conducting regular IT training for your employees.
Reduced Risk of Cyberattacks
The largest benefit of conducting regular IT training is that it reduces the risk of cyberattacks through ignorance. If employees learn to recognize the signs of a scam, such as typos in email addresses and malicious links, the threat of ransomware or malware attacks will be significantly reduced. Company-wide training will lead to greater accountability between employees and allow them to feel comfortable asking if an email is a scam. Creating a judgment-free environment allows employees to ask questions about potential threats.
Increased Problem Solving
Technology can be complex, especially for those who do not specialize in it. Holding regular training sessions allows employees to ask questions and learn new software in a pressure-free environment. This enables team members to feel more motivated to solve simple software or settings-related problems on their own if they’re given the knowledge to do so.
Boosts Employee Confidence
Knowing the intricacies of software builds employees’ confidence and allows them to expertly navigate through the software that may have previously felt complicated. If employees aren’t anxious about accidentally making mistakes, then they will often feel much more confident in their abilities.
Increases Productivity
When team members know their way around the software that they regularly use, it allows for less downtime. By providing them with regular training, it reduces guesswork as they are well-versed in daily systems.
Even highly skilled professionals can benefit from refresher training. Through daily use, software becomes second nature, but some of the basics could be forgotten. Conducting company-wide training can benefit every employee, no matter their skill level.
Partner with WesTec for Your Business IT Needs
WesTec Services understands the fast-moving world of IT today. By partnering with us, you can rest assured that your business will stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive with streamlined technology that works for your business. Interested in learning more about our services and how we can help your business? Contact us today on our website or follow us on Facebook! Find more tips and insights on our articles page.
Like any business, small businesses are susceptible to cyberattacks. However, small businesses are particularly vulnerable as many often don’t have as stringent protection against cyber criminals. Read on to learn more about the top cybersecurity threats that small businesses are facing in 2025.
AI-Powered Cyberattacks
Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly useful to businesses in a variety of industries, however, it can also be used in malicious ways. As it continues to evolve, AI can be leveraged to automate traditional cyberattacks, therefore increasing the hackers’ chances of succeeding in their attack. AI can be used to identify and create phishing emails and even create realistic deep fakes. Deep fakes are generally AI-generated videos of real people. These emails and videos can be very realistic, so training employees on how AI has impacted cybersecurity measures is essential.
Malware and Ransomware
As always, malware and ransomware are threats to any business, and small businesses are no exception. Ransomware is particularly powerful to wield against small businesses because a leak of personal data could be detrimental to a small business’ reputation.
Malware has been a common method of cyber attacks and is still being used in 2025. Malware is a broader term for many different malicious software. This software can harm and corrupt files, making them inaccessible or completely lost. Protecting your business is essential. Installing powerful anti-virus software is a great first step to protecting your business from malicious software.
Internet of Things (IoT)
Internet of Things references many different items that may connect to the internet, such as small doorbell cameras or HVAC systems. Essentially, it encompasses most small devices that connect to the internet. These systems tend to have very relaxed security compared to larger devices, so choosing strong passwords to protect them is essential.
Partner with WesTec to Protect Your Small Business
WesTec works with small to medium-sized businesses to protect and back up their data, ensuring that their information stays safe and secure from cyber attacks. Interested in learning more about WesTec’s services? Contact us on our website to speak to one of our experts. Check out our blog to read more of our IT tips, and be sure to follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn!
No business thinks their systems will fail or they will be the victim of a cyberattack until the unthinkable happens. However, incidents such as these happen more often than one would think. This is why disaster recovery planning is so important for businesses of all sizes. Read on to learn more about the importance of disaster recovery planning and how it can be implemented for businesses of all sizes.
How to Develop a Disaster Recovery Plan
One of the most important aspects of recovering from a disaster, such as equipment error or a cyberattack, is to have all business-related data backed up in the first place. Whether in the cloud or on physical hard drives, having data backed up is essential to ensuring optimal disaster recovery.
Generally, WesTec recommends backing up computers every night and doing a full system restore once a month. By doing this, it may be discovered that files didn’t back up correctly the night before, and the error can be corrected in the morning when employees return to the office. This prevents a situation where data has become corrupt and no one realizes that data hasn’t been backed up in months.
Regularly Assessing the Plan
For a disaster recovery plan to be effective, it needs to be assessed regularly. Changes in staff or changes in the system that a company uses could also cause a plan to need to be assessed and changed. If a cyber attack or drive failure occurs, an outdated plan would not be useful to assist with data recovery.
Contact WesTec to Create Your Disaster Recovery Plan
WesTec’s IT consultants work with our clients to solve a range of IT-related problems, including data recovery and creating data backup solutions. Our professionals are well-versed in IT solutions for small to medium-sized businesses and will assist you with finding the right combination of software and hardware that will suit your business’ needs.
Interested in learning more about WesTec’s services? Contact us today to speak with one of our team members. Check out our blog to read more of our IT tips, and be sure to follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn!
Finding reliable IT support in Houston should be a goal for every business in the industrial hub. Whether your business has a large digital presence or not, having reliable IT support is essential to protect your business’ data.
Consistent Support
WesTec recognizes that not everyone is a “tech guru” and at the rapid rate that technology is continuing to evolve, it can be difficult to keep up and figure out what your business needs to be successful. Our IT consultants at WesTec are here to support you with recommendations, problem-solving, and technical support. We have several different maintenance packages to choose from, but we will also work with you to determine the best course of action for your business.
Cybersecurity
Technology is constantly changing, and while cybersecurity experts are evolving to keep up, cyber-criminals are also becoming smarter. Now more than ever, it is important to protect your company’s systems from cyber attacks with professional assistance. The professionals at WesTec can make recommendations for antivirus software that would benefit your organization or make recommendations for stronger passwords to increase your business’ security.
Why Do You Need IT Support?
Having reliable IT support in Houston is essential. WesTec serves small to medium-sized businesses primarily, which are often the target of cyber attacks. Due to their smaller size, these companies generally have weaker security measures, allowing cyber criminals to access their sensitive data easier. By partnering with WesTec to increase your organization’s security, your business will be at a lesser risk of data loss due to cyber-attacks.
Partner with WesTec for Reliable IT Support in Houston
Since 1997, WesTec has been serving the Houston area and providing worry-free, stress-free IT solutions for businesses. Our goal is to provide solutions that will last and evolve with your business.
The world of IT is evolving at an unprecedented pace and being driven by the rise of emerging technologies. Businesses that embrace these trends stand to gain a competitive edge, unlocking new possibilities and efficiencies. As we navigate the future of IT, staying informed and adapting to these transformative technologies will be crucial for organizations and individuals alike. Learn about which of our IT services may suit your business’s needs the best. If you have any questions about our IT services, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest blogs!
Password managers are useful tools that assist businesses and individuals alike with a secure method of saving passwords for programs or websites. Implementing a password manager throughout a company is a strategic decision to enhance an organization’s overall digital security. Read on to learn more about how to use a password manager to enhance your business’ security.
Choosing a Password Manager
While there are several different password management software available, it is important to choose a system that works best for your organization and ensure that it is used throughout the company. While password managers are beneficial for remembering passwords and encouraging complex, unique passwords, it is important for each employee to use the same software. This ensures that everyone who needs access to these passwords is able to access them.
Seamlessly Share Passwords
Many password management programs have features that allow employees to have a shared password section of their password managers. This prevents employees from exchanging sensitive information through email or other messaging apps. Utilizing this shared password section of password management software ensures that strong passwords for your organization are only accessible from one centralized location.
Create Unique Passwords
Using password management software allows employees to create truly secure and unique passwords as they will not have to remember them off the top of their heads. Users often create passwords that are easy to remember, but using a password manager allows these passwords to be far more complex, thereby ensuring your organization’s systems are more secure.
Benefits of Using a Password Manager
Password management software relieves the stress of trying to find passwords and the annoyance of having to reset passwords if they are forgotten. Additionally, it allows an organization to use complex passwords that would be difficult to remember, which strengthens your organization’s overall digital security.
The world of IT is evolving at an unprecedented pace and being driven by the rise of emerging technologies. Businesses that embrace these trends stand to gain a competitive edge, unlocking new possibilities and efficiencies. As we navigate the future of IT, staying informed and adapting to these transformative technologies will be crucial for organizations and individuals alike. Learn about which of our IT services may suit your business’s needs the best. If you have any questions about our IT services, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest blogs!
Implementing multi-factor authentication is an easy and effective way to strengthen the security of an organization’s logins. While it may be annoying to input a code or open a separate app each time an account is accessed, the added security benefit is well worth it. Read on to learn more about the importance of multi-factor authentication and easy ways to implement it.
Multi-Factor Authentication Methods
Most programs and websites now have authentication methods built-in, making implementing this security measure easier than ever before.
Authentication Apps
Authentication apps are secondary applications connected to a program that can send a push notification to a specified device as an authenticator. This is a helpful choice for organizations as an employee could have the push notification delivered to their work phone or other device owned by the company. Authentication apps provide added security as a user must have access to a specific device to log in to an account.
Text Message
Many programs will send a text message to the phone number associated with the account to confirm the identity of the user who is logging in. This is an easy method to implement as it doesn’t require downloading an additional app.
PIN
Another multi-factor authentication method is a PIN that is either memorized or a randomized number sent via email or text message by the program. This is often an easy method as the user who is logging in will simply copy and paste the PIN they are provided with.
The Importance of Multi-Factor Authentication for Businesses
Multi-factor authentication methods are important for businesses of all sizes to ensure that their data is not easily accessible. Requiring more than just a password to login to an organization’s system or programs ensures that only authorized users are accessing sensitive information. The methods listed above are free, simple ways to add security to an organization and protect data.
The world of IT is evolving at an unprecedented pace and being driven by the rise of emerging technologies. Businesses that embrace these trends stand to gain a competitive edge, unlocking new possibilities and efficiencies. As we navigate the future of IT, staying informed and adapting to these transformative technologies will be crucial for organizations and individuals alike. Learn about which of our IT services may suit your business’s needs the best. If you have any questions about our IT services, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest blogs!
Data backup plans are crucial for businesses in every industry. Whether stored in data servers, external hard drives, or cloud storage, having a data backup plan is essential to ensure that important data doesn’t get lost. Additionally, data backup plans protect organizations from cyber attacks. If a cyber attack occurs and data is lost or stolen, having a backup ensures that important data is not lost forever.
What to Include in a Data Backup Plan
Where should an organization start with implementing a data backup plan? For businesses of every size, it’s always best to consult professionals to get personalized recommendations.
Choosing where to store data is the first step when creating a data backup plan. Each solution has pros and cons. If an organization is looking for a solution that doesn’t take up physical space and may be more cost effective, cloud storage is often a good option. Many different services offer cloud based storage solutions for businesses of all sizes. Physical storage options include hard drives and servers.
WesTec specializes in data storage solutions for small businesses. Contact us today to learn more about our recommendations for data backup plans for small businesses
Automatic Backups
Investing in programs that automatically backup data to the desired location is essential for organizations implementing a data backup plan. Automatically backing up data prevents human error that takes place from forgetting to backup data at a specified time, which puts data at risk of being lost. There are many programs that will automatically back up data and some computers may already have this function. Contact WesTec to learn about our recommendations for programs that will backup data for your organization.
The world of IT is evolving at an unprecedented pace and being driven by the rise of emerging technologies. Businesses that embrace these trends stand to gain a competitive edge, unlocking new possibilities and efficiencies. As we navigate the future of IT, staying informed and adapting to these transformative technologies will be crucial for organizations and individuals alike. Learn about which of our IT services may suit your business’s needs the best. If you have any questions about our IT services, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest blogs!
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so do the threats targeting it. Businesses, governments, and individuals alike need to brace for a rapidly changing cybersecurity environment. Here are the top cybersecurity predictions for 2025 and what organizations can do to prepare.
AI-Driven Cyberattacks
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a double edged sword in cybersecurity. While it helps detect and prevent breaches, cybercriminals are leveraging AI to create more sophisticated attacks, including deepfakes, advanced phishing scams, and malware capable of adapting to defenses in real time. AI can generate highly personalized phishing emails by analyzing large datasets about a target’s behavior, preferences, or social media activity. This makes phishing campaigns more convincing and harder to detect. AI models can also help identify vulnerabilities in software faster, enabling attackers to exploit them before patches are developed. Organizations will need to employ advanced AI tools and train employees to recognize AI driven threats.
Threats to Critical Infrastructure
Critical infrastructure, such as power grids, healthcare systems, and water supplies, will become prime targets for cyberattacks. Due to evolving threats and technological advancements, these systems, often built on outdated technology, are vulnerable to ransomware and other disruptive attacks. As organizations rely more on multi-cloud environments and IoT devices, misconfigurations and insecure APIs will remain primary targets. The vast number of interconnected IoT devices, many with weak security, increases the attack surface significantly. Governments and private sectors must invest in modernizing these systems and implementing stringent security protocols.
With proper team preparation and training, you can prevent these cyber attacks before they happen. If you have any questions about our IT services, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest blogs!
Mission: WesTec will be a “turn-key” solution for all of its clients’ business connectivity needs. It will offer efficient and effective solutions, directly and with strategic partners, that create tangible value for its clients at every point of contact. Westec will serve all people and entities with a servant’s heart.
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2916 West TC Jester Blvd.,
Suite 104
Houston, TX 77018
2916 West TC Jester Blvd.,
Suite 104