Your one stop managed service provider for remote IT and security, at any scale from small business to enterprise. I check your readiness before the real auditors and SOC findings arrive, so you tighten up first and pass with fewer surprises.
Hi, I'm Scott Carsten. With over 28 years in enterprise IT and cybersecurity, I run managed IT and security remotely, help you with compliance, and offer pre audit readiness checks and readiness kits, on a schedule and budget that makes sense for your organization.
Most small and midsize businesses know cybersecurity matters, but they can't justify a full-time security executive. So the gaps pile up, the compliance deadlines loom, and one day something goes wrong.
You've had an IT person handle security on the side. Honestly, you're not sure what they've actually set up or checked.
A breach, ransomware attack, or audit requirement landed on your desk and now you need answers fast.
Your industry requires HIPAA, SOC 2, or similar compliance, but you don't have anyone dedicated to owning it.
You're growing, hiring, or adding new software, and your security hasn't kept pace.
You've been told you need a risk assessment or a security policy but have no idea where to start.
Your cyber insurance renewal is coming up and they're asking questions you can't answer confidently.
That's exactly the gap I fill.
I sell expertise and time, focused entirely on protecting your business and keeping you on the right side of compliance.
A thorough review of your network, email, accounts, devices, and policies. You get a clear, prioritized roadmap of what to fix and when. No jargon. Just what you actually need to know.
Annual risk assessments, policy development, Business Associate Agreements, and audit-ready documentation for medical practices, dental offices, and healthcare-adjacent businesses.
Most businesses run M365 with factory settings, which is like leaving the front door unlocked. I audit your entire M365 environment and configure it the right way.
Monthly security monitoring, quarterly reviews, policy maintenance, incident response guidance, and direct access to a senior security professional, all for a fraction of a full-time hire.
Old accounts. Users with too much access. Shared passwords. These are the vulnerabilities attackers love. I audit your entire user environment and clean it up so only the right people have access.
Compliance frameworks and cyber insurance carriers want written policies. I build them for you in plain English that your employees will actually understand and follow.
I'm not a big consulting firm that sends a junior analyst and charges you senior rates. I'm an independent consultant who shows up, does the work, and explains it in plain English.
I've spent 28 years in the trenches of enterprise IT. I've managed hospital environments with 5,000 users at Methodist Dallas Medical Center, directed IT for healthcare organizations across multiple states, led million dollar security projects, and served on security steering committees. From 2014 to 2021 I ran Lone Star PC Repair in Granbury, which was named Best of Hood County in 2017, and supported medical practices, breweries, and government sites. In my current role I rolled out MFA and a zero trust security framework for more than 500 users.
When I work with you, you get all of that experience applied directly to your situation. An honest assessment of where you are, a realistic plan to get where you need to be, and a partner who's accountable to you directly.
I'm based in Granbury, Texas and work with businesses throughout the DFW metroplex and across the state. Most engagements can be handled remotely.
Schedule a Discovery CallSecurity Steering Committee
Higher Education Servicing Corporation, Arlington TX (current)
Healthcare IT Experience
IT Manager at Methodist Dallas Medical Center, 5,000+ users
I work best with organizations that are serious about getting their security right but don't have, or don't need, a full-time security team.
HIPAA compliance isn't optional, and the fines for a breach aren't either. I've worked in healthcare IT since the early 2000s, and I understand clinical environments and what HHS auditors look for.
Client financial data is among the most targeted information in existence. Whether you're facing SOX requirements, cyber insurance renewal, or want to know you're protected, I've been there.
Attorney-client privilege extends to the digital realm. Law firms are high-value targets and rarely have dedicated security staff. I protect client data without disrupting how your firm operates.
You're big enough to be a target and small enough that a breach could be devastating. I work with businesses across manufacturing, professional services, and logistics throughout Texas.
I've worked with city governments firsthand. Public entities face unique compliance pressures and limited budgets. I understand how to deliver real security value within those constraints.
Security gaps compound as you add headcount, software, and vendors. I help fast-growing companies build the security foundation they need before a problem forces the issue.
No long sales process. No confusing proposal filled with jargon. Here's what happens:
30-minute call. You tell me what's going on. I tell you honestly whether I can help and what that looks like.
A thorough review of your systems, settings, policies, and compliance posture. Most assessments are complete in one to two weeks.
A findings report in plain English and executive summary. We walk through it together. You understand exactly where you stand.
One-time project or ongoing monthly retainer. You choose what fits your situation and your budget.
Every engagement is scoped for your specific situation, but here's what most clients invest.
Not sure what you need? That's what the free discovery call is for. Most clients come in not knowing exactly what they're looking for, and they leave with a clear picture of their situation and options.
Learn more: Cyber Insurance Readiness Check, HIPAA risk assessment, and IT security for Hood County.
Guides: small business cybersecurity checklist, cyber insurance renewal questionnaire help, Microsoft 365 security setup, ransomware protection, FTC Safeguards Rule for tax preparers.
You do not need a consultant to get your security policies on paper. If you have been searching for small business cyber security policy templates Texas offices can actually use, this is the kit I built. It is written in plain English for owners and office managers of offices with 5 to 50 people, such as property managers, CPA and tax preparers, dental and medical offices, law offices, and insurance agencies.
I'm Scott Carsten, CompTIA Security+ CE certified with 28 years in IT. Pick the tier that fits your office. Every tier includes an explainer video. Need a cyber insurance readiness checklist? It starts in the Professional tier. The WISP template and HIPAA security policy templates are in the Complete tier. If you would rather have me review your office myself, see the Cyber Insurance Readiness Check.
Ten ready to customize security policies and four checklists, as editable Word templates in plain English.
Format: Editable Word (.docx).
Buy the Starter KitEverything in Starter, plus a cyber insurance readiness checklist pack and a 30 day implementation guide.
Format: Editable Word (.docx).
Buy the Professional KitThe full kit, plus HIPAA and WISP template add on packs and IRS references for tax preparers.
Format: Editable Word (.docx).
Buy the Complete KitDigital download. All sales are final, no refunds. If your download never arrives, email [email protected] and we will resend it after verifying your purchase.
The kit is self service, so you set the pace and keep the work in house. If you want a hands on review instead, my Cyber Insurance Readiness Check is a separate service: $995 for 5 to 15 seats, $1,495 for 16 to 30 seats, or $2,250 for 31 to 50 seats. It is not part of the kit.
Templates only, not legal advice. Have your attorney, insurer, and compliance advisor review the documents before you adopt them. Texas sales tax is added at checkout where it applies. No support, calls, or consulting time are included.
Probably not a full-time one. But you do need someone accountable for security, someone who knows what to check and what to do when something goes wrong. That's exactly what a fractional CISO provides. Senior security leadership for a fraction of the cost of a full-time hire.
Yes, more so than you might think. The majority of ransomware attacks target businesses with fewer than 250 employees. Small businesses typically have weaker defenses. You don't have to be a household name to be worth attacking.
Quite possibly. Most MSPs are excellent at keeping systems running. But security compliance, risk assessments, HIPAA documentation, and strategic security planning are a different skill set, and most MSPs don't specialize there. I often work alongside existing MSPs and they welcome the support.
I conduct a structured review of how your practice creates, receives, stores, and transmits patient information, including your technical controls, policies, staff training, physical safeguards, and vendor relationships. You receive a formal risk assessment document you can show an auditor. Typically delivered in one to two weeks.
Call me. Retainer clients get priority response because I already know your environment. For non-retainer clients I offer emergency incident response services. The first step is stopping the bleeding and preserving evidence, and that's exactly where I start.
Most of my work is remote, so geography is rarely a barrier. I'm based in Granbury and most active in the DFW area for on-site work, but I work with clients across the country for remote assessments and retainer services.
Insurers typically ask about multi factor authentication, endpoint protection, tested backups, an incident response plan and staff training. Requirements vary by carrier, so I check your environment against the questionnaire before you apply or renew. That way you find and fix gaps first, with no surprises when the application arrives.
The Cyber Insurance Readiness Check costs $995 for 5 to 15 seats, $1,495 for 16 to 30 seats and $2,250 for 31 to 50 seats. Half the fee is credited toward remediation booked within 60 days. It is a focused check that shows where you stand before an application or renewal.
You can, and many offices do. The risk is answering yes to controls you have not verified, which can create problems later. The readiness check confirms what is true first. If you prefer to do it yourself, the Professional kit includes a readiness checklist and an evidence tracker.
A WISP is a Written Information Security Plan that describes how you protect client data. Tax preparers are expected to have one under IRS and FTC Safeguards requirements. The Complete kit includes a WISP template, a Qualified Individual designation form and IRS references. Have your advisor review it before you adopt it.
Yes. I am based in Granbury and most active in the DFW area for on site work. Most engagements are remote, so distance is rarely a barrier, and I also work with clients across the country for remote assessments and retainer services.
The kit is self service: editable policy templates and checklists, from $49, that you adapt yourself. The Cyber Insurance Readiness Check, from $995, is a separate service where I review your office myself and tell you where you stand. The kit includes no support, calls or consulting time.
The 30-minute discovery call is free. There's no sales pitch, no obligation. Just an honest conversation about where you are and whether I can help.
Most people leave that call with more clarity about their security situation than they've had in years, whether they hire me or not.
Schedule Your Free Discovery CallBased in Granbury, TX. Serving the DFW metroplex and businesses across Texas. Remote engagements available nationwide.