Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving. And with the rise of AI, they’re becoming more advanced and targeted faster than ever before. Here at Varay Managed IT, we are committed to staying at the forefront of cybersecurity technology to combat risks. We believe that if you’re not leveraging AI within a year, you won’t be relevant in the cybersecurity space.
That may sound harsh, but it’s a hard truth as cyber attackers wield increasingly advanced AI tools. However, there is still a good side to AI advancements. Forward‑looking Managed IT providers like Varay are leveraging AI for good, so small businesses like yours can stay protected.
Let’s explore how using cybersecurity technology to combat AI risks gives you a powerful defense if you’re a Texas SMB.
Why is AI Changing the Cybersecurity Landscape for SMBs?
The AI Arms Race: Attackers vs. Defenders
The cyber threat environment is evolving fast. For example, rogue generative AI tools like GhostGPT can craft realistic phishing campaigns and malware without requiring deep technical knowledge. With AI tools like this, cybercriminals have sped up phishing scam prep from an average of 16 hours to just five minutes. It’s no surprise 69% of cybersecurity professionals cite AI‑enhanced attacks as their top concern today, especially for small businesses with limited defenses.
On the flip side, defenders are fighting back with AI, too. Companies like Microsoft and Anthropic are using machine learning to detect malware and cyber intrusions even faster and with less human input. So, there’s hope to combat these latest AI-powered cyber attacks with AI-powered security defenses.
Why Small Businesses are Prime Targets
You may think big data breaches and attacks only happen to big businesses. After all, that’s what’s covered in the news, right? However, small businesses are increasingly being targeted. Recent data shows 43% of cyberattacks in 2023 targeted SMBs. Why?
Often, small to medium-sized businesses don’t have large IT teams in place or the infrastructure to protect against an attack, leaving them vulnerable. Though 86% of SMBs report conducting risk assessments, only 23% are confident in their ability to identify threats or respond effectively. Cybercriminals know this and see small businesses as an easy target. Your job as a business owner is to make sure your company is protected.
What Using Cybersecurity Technology to Combat AI Risks Really Means
AI‑Powered Detection & Threat Hunting
AI tools enable real‑time scanning of logs, user behavior, and network anomalies. When attackers use AI to conduct deepfakes or auto‑generated phishing, defenders can use AI analytics and machine learning to spot strange patterns before real damage occurs.
Speed Matters When Combating Security Threats
When a cybersecurity attack does occur, timing is everything. IBM reports that organizations using AI in their cybersecurity strategy save over £600,000 per breach and shorten the time it takes to identify and contain incidents, lowering average detection time from 168 days to 148 days and containment time from 64 days to 42 days with AI.
The Cost of Falling Behind
Without AI‑assisted tools, you risk becoming obsolete. Cybersecurity platforms that don’t adopt AI risk being outpaced in the arms race against attackers who are already using AI to scale and automate attacks. So, don’t let your technology or IT support fall behind.
Building a Strong Cybersecurity Framework: Why Layered Defense Matters
One of the biggest signs of a cybersecurity weakness is only having one protective measure in place to combat threats. Modern threats require a multilayered security approach. No single tool can do it all. That’s where Varay’s approach and the CIS Controls Framework come in.
What Is the CIS Critical Security Controls Framework?
The CIS Controls (Center for Internet Security) provide 18 prioritized best practices and safeguards designed for organizations of any size, including small and midsize businesses. It’s prescriptive and cost‑effective, covering essentials like asset inventory, access control, endpoint protection, email defense, backups, and perimeter defense.
A Layered Approach to Security
The Controls Framework takes a layered approach. The main security touchpoints work as follows:
- Email & browser protections to block phishing threats.
- Endpoint detection & response to catch malware if email defense fails.
- Data Backups so recovery is possible if something gets through.
While this example is simplified, these layers ensure that if one fails, another layer detects or contains the threat.
Key Layers in a Strong Cybersecurity Strategy for Texas SMBs
So, what cybersecurity basics should you focus on as a small to medium-sized business? Here are a few of the key concerns:
- Email Defense: AI‑powered filters that scan for deepfake phishing, malicious links, or credential‑stealing attempts leveraging generative AI.
- Endpoint Protection: Machine learning‑based EDR tools that watch for malicious behavior on devices.
- Firewall & Network Perimeter: Traditional and AI‑enhanced firewall systems monitor ingress and egress.
- User Training & Awareness: Conduct regular security awareness training, because over 90% of security breaches involve human error.
- Identity & Access Controls: Enforce MFA, strong password policies, and zero trust to prevent unauthorized access.
Incident Response & Recovery: Immutable backups, well‑tested response plans, and regular testing under frameworks like CIS and NIST CSF 2.0 or CSI.
Texas Businesses Trust Varay for Cybersecurity That Keeps You Ahead of the AI Curve
Whether you’re in San Antonio, Midland, Odessa, or El Paso, Varay delivers scalable cybersecurity technology and local expertise. We help businesses of every size implement layered security frameworks using AI‑powered tools to protect against advanced and AI‑driven threats.
Varay guides clients through cybersecurity risk assessments, ensuring:
- A tailored mix of email defense, endpoint detection, firewall management, backup & recovery plans
- Employee training to strengthen your human firewall
- Compliance alignment (HIPAA, PCI, Texas‑state standards) via our Managed Compliance Services
- And peace of mind knowing you’ve got Texas‑based proactive support
Not sure if your current IT setup can stop AI‑driven attacks?
Book a free IT audit with Varay and discover gaps before they become breaches.
Why Varay’s Approach Works for SMBs
- Small to medium-sized businesses need cybersecurity services tailored to their unique needs. We believe that includes:
- Proactive Support: We don’t wait for a breach. Our AI‑assisted monitoring detects anomalies early, and our layered defenses help prevent damage.
- Scalable Solutions: Whether you have 10 or 500 employees, your cybersecurity grows with you.
- Local Trust: A Texas‑based team supporting businesses across Central and West Texas.
Compliance Confidence: We handle compliance frameworks so you can focus on your business.
Take Action Now to Secure Your Business
The cyber arms race is real. Attackers use AI to automate and scale threats like phishing, malware, and deepfakes. Small business defenses have no choice but to keep up. By using cybersecurity technology to combat AI risks, you layer modern, AI‑powered protection on top of proven frameworks.
Remember, cybersecurity is multilayered. One tool may fail, but another layer steps in. You just need to ensure you have the right security environment in place. Don’t worry. The team at Varay IT is here to help build a defense for the future.
Ready to level up your cybersecurity?
Schedule a Discovery Call or explore our cybersecurity services.
