A Hard Lesson in Cyber Security

By Jordan Polasek · August 7, 2026

As I sit down to write this on August 07, 2026, I'm reminded of a recent conversation I had with a San Antonio business owner who wished they had taken cyber security more seriously. Let's call them "River City Retail." They're a medium-sized outfit, doing well, but not thinking much about IT strategy beyond keeping their lights on and their point-of-sale systems running.

The Breach

It started with a simple phishing email that one of their employees clicked on. Before they knew it, their entire system was compromised. Sensitive customer data, financial records - everything was at risk. The owner was devastated, not just because of the potential financial loss, but also the loss of trust from their loyal customer base.

I recall the owner telling me, "We thought we were too small to be a target, that cyber attacks only happen to big corporations." This mindset is not uncommon among small to medium-sized businesses around San Antonio. However, the reality is that every business, regardless of size, is a potential target for cybercrime.

Lessons Learned

• Implement Basic Security Measures: Ensure all software and systems are up to date. This includes operating systems, browsers, and any other applications.
• Employee Education: Regular training on how to spot and avoid phishing attempts is crucial. Employees are often the first line of defense against cyber attacks.
• Incident Response Plan: Have a plan in place for when a breach does happen. This includes knowing who to contact, how to contain the breach, and how to notify affected parties.

The experience of River City Retail serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing cyber security. It's not just about protecting your business; it's about protecting your customers and maintaining the trust that's essential for growth and success in San Antonio's vibrant business community.