Why Cybersecurity is Now a C-Suite Imperative
Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT concern, it’s a boardroom priority. For Texas business leaders, the stakes have never been higher. On September 1, 2025, SB 2610 takes effect, giving organizations that maintain a documented, compliant cybersecurity program legal protection from punitive damages in certain breach cases.
The flip side? Businesses that fail to comply will not only face greater risk from cybercriminals but may also lose their legal shield, exposing owners, executives, and boards to costly litigation and reputational damage.
What Executives Need to Know — SB 2610 Compliance Requirements by Employee Tier
SB 2610 introduces a tiered approach to cybersecurity compliance for Texas businesses, scaling requirements based on the number of employees. For executives, this means your legal protections and risk exposure are directly tied to whether your company meets the appropriate standard for its size.
Here’s how the law breaks down:
Employee Count
Required Cybersecurity Measures
< 20 Employees
Simplified Requirements — Implement basic password policies and provide appropriate employee cybersecurity training.
20 – 99 Employees
Moderate Requirements — Comply with the Center for Internet Security (CIS) Controls Implementation Group 1 (IG1), covering foundational safeguards.
100 – 249 Employees
Comprehensive Requirements — Align with an industry-recognized cybersecurity framework, such as:
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework
- NIST SP 800-171, 800-53, 800-53a
- CIS Critical Security Controls
- FedRAMP Security Assessment Framework
- ISO/IEC 27000-series
- HITRUST CSF
- Secure Controls Framework
- SOC 2
- HIPAA, GLBA, FISMA, HITECH (if applicable)
- PCI DSS (if applicable)
Why it matters for the C-suite:
Meeting these requirements before the September 1, 2025 deadline doesn’t just reduce your risk of a breach, it provides a safe harbor from certain punitive damages if one occurs. Failure to comply leaves leadership and the organization more vulnerable to lawsuits, regulatory penalties, and reputational harm.
The Cost of Inaction
Cyberattacks are no longer rare, and they are not limited to big corporations. In fact, small and mid-sized Texas businesses are often prime targets because attackers know their defenses are less mature.
- Average breach detection time: Several months — plenty of time for attackers to cause extensive damage.
- Cost of a data breach: Millions in lost revenue, recovery costs, and legal fees.
- Reputational harm: Lost client trust, negative press, and weakened competitive standing.
- Regulatory consequences: Mandatory disclosure to authorities and, for public companies, rapid reporting to the SEC.
For the C-suite, this is not just a technical risk, it’s a strategic, financial, and legal threat that requires executive oversight.
Why Cybersecurity is a C-Suite Decision
Executives are accountable for:
- Protecting shareholder value
- Ensuring regulatory compliance
- Safeguarding brand reputation
- Maintaining operational continuity
Cybersecurity investment is not an optional IT line item — it’s a form of business risk insurance. And under SB 2610, it’s also the difference between having legal protection or standing exposed in court.
AVATAR’s Managed Cybersecurity: Compliance + Protection
AVATAR Managed Services delivers turnkey cybersecurity programs tailored to SB 2610 requirements. Our Managed Cybersecurity Services give executives peace of mind by combining technology, process, and compliance expertise:
- Email & Network Security – Proactive protection against phishing and intrusions
- Vulnerability Assessments – Identify and close security gaps
- Incident Response Planning – Minimize breach impact and recovery time
- Ransomware Protection – Safeguard data integrity and business operations
- Penetration Testing – Simulate attacks to strengthen defenses
- Security Policy Management – Executive-ready compliance documentation
- Regulatory Compliance Advisory – Align with NIST, CIS, and other required frameworks
Executive Action Plan: 3 Steps to SB 2610 Compliance
- Assess Your Current Cybersecurity Posture
Conduct a readiness review against SB 2610 requirements. - Implement a Compliant Cybersecurity Program
Build or refine your security framework to align with the required standard for your employee tier. - Document & Monitor
Keep executive-level compliance reports and real-time security monitoring in place.
Secure Your Safe Harbor Before September 1
SB 2610 gives Texas business leaders a powerful legal advantage — but only if you act now. The deadline is approaching, and implementing a compliant program takes time.
Don’t wait for a breach to be your wake-up call.
