Starting September 1, 2025, Texas Senate Bill 2610 (SB 2610) introduces a groundbreaking opportunity for small businesses: legal “safe harbor” protections in the event of a data breach. For companies with fewer than 250 employees, this law shields your organization from punitive damages in data breach lawsuits if you have a qualifying cybersecurity program in place before an incident occurs.
What Does SB 2610 Mean for Small Businesses?
• SB 2610 applies to businesses that own or license sensitive personal information (like social security numbers, government IDs, health records, etc.).
• If your business experiences a data breach and can show that its cybersecurity program met industry standards at the time, you’re protected from exemplary (punitive) damages in civil lawsuits.
• You are still responsible for other requirements, such as notifying affected parties, cooperating with regulators, and possible compensatory damages, but this shield from punitive damages could mean the difference between surviving a breach and closing your doors.
Compliance is NOT Optional: The Law Sets Clear Standards
SB 2610 is not automatic “get out of jail free” protection. To qualify, you must maintain a cybersecurity program that fits your company’s size and is based on recognized industry frameworks. What does that look like?
For Companies with:
• Fewer than 20 employees: Basic password policies and employee cybersecurity training.
• 20–99 employees: Implementation of the Center for Internet Security (CIS) Controls–Implementation Group 1.
• 100–249 employees: Full documentation and alignment with recognized frameworks such as NIST CSF, CIS Controls, ISO/IEC 27001, SOC 2, PCI-DSS, HIPAA, or similar standards. If your chosen framework gets updated, you must update your program within a year.
Why Now? The Benefits of Early Action
Proactive compliance not only offers legal protection, it can:
• Enhance your reputation by demonstrating a commitment to customer and employee data security.
• Lower cybersecurity insurance costs.
• Help you meet requirements set by partners, vendors, or stakeholders who demand framework-based security.
How Blue Layer Can Help
As an MSP with years of expertise in cybersecurity and compliance, Blue Layer is positioned to guide you through every step of the SB 2610 compliance journey:
• We guide you through the stipulations for your specific situation, so you understand exactly what’s required.
• We assess your current security posture and map a path to compliance, whether you need basic controls or a full framework implementation.
• We implement, document, and continuously update your cybersecurity program to align with recognized standards such as NIST CSF, CIS Controls, ISO/IEC 27001, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS.
• We provide ongoing monitoring, employee cybersecurity training, risk assessments, and documentation so you’re always prepared to prove compliance in the event of a breach.
• As trusted advisors, Blue Layer tailors solutions for your budget and business needs, maximizing your protection while minimizing disruption.
The Takeaway
Texas SB 2610 incentivizes small businesses to invest in real, standards-based cybersecurity with the promise of legal protections. The risks of ignoring compliance are real and so are the rewards for partnering with experienced professionals. Blue Layer stands ready to help your business leverage every benefit SB 2610 offers, strengthen your defenses, and unlock strategic value from your cybersecurity investments.
Contact Blue Layer today to find out how we can help you achieve SB 2610 compliance and safeguard your business’ future.