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Texas SB 2610: The New Cybersecurity Safe Harbor Law Every Business Owner Must Know

  • Writer: Ron Kulik
    Ron Kulik
  • Sep 1
  • 2 min read

Updated: Nov 19

A copy of SB 2610

A New Era of Cybersecurity Accountability in Texas

Starting September 1, 2025, a brand-new Texas law—Senate Bill 2610 (SB 2610)—will change the way small and mid-sized businesses handle cybersecurity and legal risk.

On the surface, it looks like another government requirement. But here’s the reality: SB 2610 is a gift to Texas businesses. If you comply, you can dramatically reduce your liability in the event of a data breach. If you ignore it, you’re exposing your company to lawsuits, fines, and reputational damage.


What Texas SB 2610 Actually Does


Texas SB 2610 creates a “Safe Harbor” for businesses with fewer than 250 employees.

If your business adopts and maintains a recognized cybersecurity program, you gain powerful legal protections:

  • Shield Against Punitive Damages: In a lawsuit after a breach, a court cannot award exemplary (punitive) damages if you’re compliant.

  • Framework Flexibility: You can choose from widely recognized standards like NIST, CIS Controls, ISO 27000, or SOC 2.

  • Right-Sized Requirements:

    • Fewer than 20 employees → basic policies & staff training.

    • 20–99 employees → moderate requirements (CIS IG1).

    • 100–249 employees → full alignment with national frameworks.


Why It Matters to Business Owners


Think about it: ransomware attacks, phishing emails, and stolen credentials are no longer rare events—they’re daily headlines.

Without compliance:

  • A single breach could cripple your business financially.

  • Lawsuits could drag your name through the mud.

With compliance:

  • You gain a legal shield.

  • You show clients and regulators that you’re serious about protecting sensitive data.

  • You’re ahead of competitors who haven’t even heard of Texas SB 2610.


SB 2610 Compliance Checklist

To prepare for September 2025, every Texas business owner should start asking:

  1. Do we have a written cybersecurity program?

  2. Are we aligned with NIST, CIS, or ISO standards?

  3. Have we trained all employees on cybersecurity awareness?

  4. Do we have a plan to update controls when standards change?

  5. Have we run a third-party assessment to confirm compliance?

If you answered “no” to any of these—your Safe Harbor is at risk.

How Central Texas Businesses Can Get Ahead


At safemode IT, we’ve built compliance-ready cybersecurity programs tailored for Texas businesses in Kyle, San Marcos, Bastrop, and Austin.

We help you:

  • Assess your current cybersecurity posture.

  • Implement right-sized controls for your employee count.

  • Deliver annual training that checks the SB 2610 box.

  • Provide ongoing monitoring and reporting so you’re always covered.


Why This Story Could Go Viral


SB 2610 isn’t just about IT—it’s about protecting livelihoods, jobs, and community trust. It touches every sector: healthcare, legal, housing, retail, nonprofits.

Texas business owners are already sharing articles like this on LinkedIn, chambers of commerce boards, and networking groups. Don’t be the last to know.


Take Action Today


Texas SB 2610 goes live on September 1, 2025. That may feel far away, but compliance takes time.

Protect your business. Protect your customers. Protect your future.

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