Did You Know?

• A cyber attack occurs every 39 seconds.
• Small businesses face average breach costs ranging from $120,000 to $1.24 million.
• 60% of small businesses close within six months following a cyber attack.
• Phishing is involved in approximately 31% of data breaches.
• Over 90% of security incidents involving lost or stolen devices lead to unauthorized data breaches.
• Cybercrime reports have surged by 300% since the rise of remote work.
• In 2024, the FBI received 859,532 cybercrime complaints, suggesting many incidents remain unreported.
• California led the nation in 2024 with the highest number of cybercrime complaints and over $2.5 billion in reported losses.

Compliance Matters

Think you’re covered? These stats tell a different story.

• Only 24% of organizations are fully compliant with privacy laws like CPRA, HIPAA, and GDPR.
• The average cost of non-compliance is a staggering $5.87 million—more than twice the cost of compliance.
• Over 70% of small and mid-sized businesses haven’t completed a compliance risk assessment in the last year.
• California’s CPRA gives consumers the right to sue—even if no data breach occurs.
• HIPAA violations can cost up to $1.5 million per year per violation category.
• GLBA enforcement actions doubled in 2024 after the FTC Safeguards Rule deadline.
• PCI DSS fines can reach $100,000 per month for non-compliance if you process credit card payments.

Compliance isn’t optional. It’s critical.

Latest Posts:

• The Hidden Costs of Waiting: Why California Businesses Can’t Afford to Delay Their Windows 10 Upgrade
  If you’re still running Windows 10 on your business machines, the clock is ticking. On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows… Read more: The Hidden Costs of Waiting: Why California Businesses Can’t Afford to Delay Their Windows 10 Upgrade
• Your Firewall Is Set, But Is Your Staff? Why Human Error Is Still the #1 Threat
  You’ve locked down the firewall, upgraded endpoint protection, and configured backups like a pro. But all it takes is one well-meaning click from a staff… Read more: Your Firewall Is Set, But Is Your Staff? Why Human Error Is Still the #1 Threat
• Why Your Vacation Auto-Reply Is Risky for California Businesses
  Your standard OOO message often includes: That gives attackers two major advantages: 1. Timing They know you’re unavailable and less likely to spot suspicious activity.… Read more: Why Your Vacation Auto-Reply Is Risky for California Businesses
• What Cyber Insurance Providers Are Looking for (and Why It Matters to Your Job Security)
  Cyber insurance isn’t just an IT checkbox anymore — it’s a district survival strategy. And if you’re responsible for your district’s tech, what insurance carriers… Read more: What Cyber Insurance Providers Are Looking for (and Why It Matters to Your Job Security)
• 7 Questions Every California Business Should Be Asking Their IT Provider Quarterly
  If you only reach out to your IT partner when it’s time to renew your contract, you’re missing out. Technology—and the cyberthreats it attracts—evolves every… Read more: 7 Questions Every California Business Should Be Asking Their IT Provider Quarterly

Recently Added Resources:

• K–12 Cybersecurity Hub: Free Tools for California Schools
  Explore toolkits, policy guides, and training resources made for California K–12 schools. Built to help tech directors, staff, and superintendents stay secure and compliant.
• A Year of Cybersecurity: Month-by-Month Roadmap for California Business Owners
  Plan smarter, not harder.
  Follow a simple month-by-month roadmap to strengthen your cybersecurity posture all year long — built for California organizations.
• Cybersecurity Essentials: A Starter FAQ for Businesses
• Cybersecurity Risk Management: Understanding and Mitigating Threats
• Vendor and Third-Party Security Management

➡️ Monthly Cybersecurity Pulse Check

Participate in our Monthly Cybersecurity Pulse Check to share your perspective and contribute to a safer digital future for all types of organizations in California, including businesses, non-profits, and public sector entities.

Our Mission at Cybersecure California

Presented by Synergy Computing, we’re on a pivotal mission to secure 1 million businesses in California against the looming threat of cyber attacks. Protecting California’s business community is at the heart of what we do.

Be a Cybersecurity Advocate!

Are you concerned about the cybersecurity risks facing businesses today? Take a stand and help spread the word! Visit our resource page to find a ready-to-use email that you can send to your employer, colleagues, or friends, encouraging them to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses, and a ready-to-use social media post you can share with your network. Your voice can make a difference in building a safer digital community.

🔗 Share the Knowledge

More to Come

Our platform, a free resource by Synergy Computing, is in the early stages and will be growing. Stay tuned for invaluable resources, tools, and expert advice to strengthen your cybersecurity stance.

Ready to enhance your cybersecurity defenses? Discover how Synergy Computing can guide you.