How a Texas City Was Crippled by Ransomware

When the City of Mission, Texas, fell victim to a ransomware attack in February 2025, every one of its servers - and even its backups - were encrypted and rendered useless. The result? Municipal functions were shut down. Employees lost access to critical records. Sensitive data was exposed. The recovery? It’s expected to take months.

This was not a random event. Ransomware attacks are on the rise, and no organization is immune—not even local governments.

And if you’re a CEO or business owner in Austin, TX, this should be a wake-up call.

How a Texas City Was Crippled by Ransomware - and How Austin CEOs Can Prevent It from Happening to Their Business

The cost of downtime, data loss, legal exposure, and reputational damage could cripple your company. But here’s the good news: with the right steps and the right cybersecurity partner, you can greatly reduce your risk—without overspending.

At CTTS, we work with business leaders in Austin, Round Rock, and Georgetown, TX who want to get ahead of cybersecurity threats. We’ve boiled down the essentials to these three non-negotiables:

1. Backups Aren’t Enough - You Need to Test Them

Many companies think they’re safe because they back up their data. But when ransomware hits, they learn too late that the backups were misconfigured, corrupted, or hadn’t run in weeks.

Pro Tip: Work with a cybersecurity company in Austin that not only sets up backups but routinely tests restore functions. A 15-minute backup check could save your business.

2. Train Your Team to Spot Phishing Attacks

Ransomware doesn’t walk through the front door - it sneaks in through a careless click.

Your employees are your first line of defense, but only if they know what to look for. Regular cybersecurity awareness training is the most cost-effective way to prevent a breach.

What we do: At CTTS, we deliver engaging, plain-language training that equips your team to detect suspicious activity before it becomes a threat.

3. Monitor Your Network - 24/7

If you’re not monitoring your network for unusual activity, you’re flying blind. Early detection is the difference between catching a hacker in the act or cleaning up after the fact.

Solution: Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services provide real-time insights and immediate action if something goes wrong—far beyond what antivirus alone can do.

Take the First Step Toward Protection

You don’t need to become a cybersecurity expert. But you do need a plan—and a partner you can trust.

CTTS is one of the leading cybersecurity companies in Austin, helping CEOs and business owners stay protected, productive, and focused on growth.

If you’re unsure where your business stands, we offer a complimentary Cyber Risk Assessment that shows you where you’re vulnerable and what to do next.

Don’t wait until it’s your business in the news. Schedule your assessment today.

FAQs About Ransomware and Cybersecurity

Q1: What is the most common way ransomware enters a business network?

Most ransomware attacks begin with a phishing email. A single click on a malicious link or attachment can give hackers access to your entire system.

Q2: How often should my business test its data backups?

At a minimum, backup systems should be tested quarterly. For critical systems, monthly testing is recommended to ensure fast recovery.

Q3: What makes CTTS different from other cybersecurity companies in Austin?

CTTS provides a personalized, proactive approach, focusing on prevention, real-time monitoring, and tested recovery plans. We don’t just check the boxes—we protect your business like it’s our own.


Contact CTTS today for IT support and managed services in Austin, TX. Let us handle your IT so you can focus on growing your business. Visit CTTSonline.com or call us at (512) 388-5559 to get started!